The gate released a blast of power so intense that it nearly knocked me backward. I slid on my feet but managed not to fall.
The shaking finally ceased, but I felt like I was still moving for a moment.
“You did it,” my father whispered. “You can let go now.”
Pulling my katana free with weak and wobbly arms, I spun around.
Holy apocalypse.
Brock was standing right behind me, naked and covered in black demon blood. The forest floor was littered with bodies. Mostly demon bodies. But I noticed a wolf among them, and the other siren too. I worried that wolf might be Sabine or Ray.
I struggled not to panic as I rushed to count heads to make sure my friends were alive. Molly, Reo, Haru, Cass, Tianna, Cho, Ray, Sabine … everyone was okay. I felt the loss of the one wolf through the pack bond and the deep sadness that came with it.
“I’m sorry.” I told Brock, looking at the fallen wolf.
This fucking nightmare was finally over but it wasn’t without causalities.
He nodded. “Jerome died with honor.” Then he stepped forward. “The baby.” Brock stepped up and placed a hand on my belly, which the baby promptly kicked.
We both smiled.
“He’s a fighter,” Brock told me.
I stood on my tip toes and kissed his lips. “She.”
I really had no idea what gender the baby would be, but I liked going against him.
When I turned again, Reo and Haru were kneeling before me, heads bowed. “It’s been a great honor to serve you, kitsune,” Reo said.
Emotion clogged my throat again, and I dropped to my knees to be at their level. “The honor was mine. I’m just glad it’s over.”
Haru nodded. “At least until another gate pops open.”
My eyes widened. I couldn’t say anything for a few beats. “What?” I finally eked out.
“There are dozens of gates all around the world. It’s your task to make sure they all stay closed.” My father wheeled over to me and handed me a rolled parchment.
What the fuck? More gates?Screw that.
I collected the rolled paper. “What’s this?”
“A map of the gates. Given to me by my father the day I sprouted my ninth tail. Keep an eye on the news. If there’s an increase in major crime, indicating elevated demon activity, you’ll know what to do.”
‘Damn. I was hoping this was the last and only time we’d have to do this,’Brock lamented through our link.
‘Same. Still wanna marry me?’This was a lot to take in…
‘Yes. Like yesterday.’Naked as the day he was born, he scooped me up into his arms and started to walk with me to the house.
“Uhh … thanks for all your help, everyone. We’ll be back soon!” I shouted to his pack and our friends.
“I’m locking us in the house for a week. Sex. Food. Sleep. That’s it,” Brock huffed against my chest.
A peal of laughter bubbled through me, and I wove my fingers through his hair. “You’re the best one night stand I ever had.”
He looked up at me with smoky, amber eyes. “I better be theonlyone night stand you ever had.”
I shrugged. “No comment.”
