He grins. “With that said, I’d like to officially welcome you to the Tin family and theinner circle of the Queens Wraiths. I’m fucking happy my brother has you by his side. And I’m even more thrilled to have your expertise with operations. I hope you’ll be happy in your new home.”
“Thank you, Pres,” Nora replies, sitting up straight and looking my brother in the eye. “I appreciate the official welcome, and I won’t let you down.”
Coal nods. “I know.”
He raises the gavel and looks around the table. “Does anybody else have anything they want to discuss? No? Good. Stay safe. I’m taking the afternoon off to spend with Thea and Shea. Don’t bother me unless it’s life or death. Church is ended.” Coal bangs the gavel on the table.
Nora and I wait until everyone leaves, and the room is silent. Tugging her up, I turn my chair to face the tapestries that depict our history.
Nora settles in my lap, her face tilted up to mine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, darlin’. Everything is perfect. But now that everything has calmed down, I want to tell you about the Queens Wraiths’ history with the Cursed Skulls. Some of this may sound fanciful, but I assure you, it’s true.”
Nora kisses my cheek. “You forget I’ve been in war zones. I’ve seen things that are hard to explain. Tell me.”
So I do.
In the Church we built, with our insignia on our table, I tell Nora about our history, how our lives are intertwined with the Skulls, and what we’ve been tasked to do.
When I finish, she’s silent. I let her digest everything I’ve thrown at her, waiting to see what she’ll say.
“Wow, that’s a lot. But it also explains so much and answers a lot of my questions aboutthe Skulls.” She turns to straddle me. “Thanks for telling me. I don’t care, though. I’m happy I ended up here, and I’ll keep their secret. The work we do is important, and I’m glad I get to keep doing it. I’m even happier that I get to do it with you.”
Nora leans forward, resting her forehead against mine and closing her eyes as she continues. “After my family was murdered, I never expected to find happiness again. Then you came along.”
She opens her eyes and eases back. “I love you, Nickel. I hope we have many happy years together. If we have thousand-year-old ancestors with certain powers watching over us… all the better.”
“Fuck, darlin’, I don’t have the words to tell you how much I love you. Just know now that I’ve got you, and I’m never letting you go. I’ll be marrying you as soon as I can. There’s nothing I’d like more than knowing you’re a Queens Wraithand a Tin.”
She grins at me and lowers her head. “Whenever you’re ready, honey, you let me know, and I’ll be happy to say, ‘I do.’ Now kiss me like you mean it.”
What’s a Tin man to do but obey his lady's wish?
So I kiss her like I mean it.
Like I will every day until the end of time.
EPILOGUE
NICKEL
“Up, Daddy!”
I look down at Willow Maggie Tin, my three-year-old baby girl. Her long black curls flying loose around a very disgruntled face.
Stooping, I pick her up and settle her on my hip. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“I tired of running.” She yawns, resting her head against my shoulder, her dark lashes fluttering on her cheeks and hiding her grey eyes.
I run a hand up and down her back, chuckling under my breath as I look at the carnage ofour water pistol battle. It’s hot as fuck for a UK summer’s day, so Thea manufactured some awesome water guns for the kids and the brothers to have fun with and cool off.
I walk toward the pool, which is shaded by an enormous umbrella with loungers tucked beneath it.
The Queens Wraiths Old Ladies have been downing cocktails like there’s no tomorrow. That they’re feeling ‘happy’ doesn’t begin to cover it. I have a feeling they’ll regret one or two of those cocktails in the morning—my old lady included.
But they’re having fun if their laughter is any indication, particularly Nora, who lets out a sudden burst of laughter.
My lips tilt up in a smile. Ten years and three children later. Willow is our one and only girl. And Nora is still the love of my life.
