Suddenly, an idea struck Isla with such clarity she nearly dropped the phone. “Actually, I have a better idea. What if the bookstore here was called Fairy Tales & Tea on the Island? A second location instead of just one bookstore. We could own two, and I could travel back whenever I want to help with the Cape Cod store, and you could travel here to help with this one. We could hire more people to assist us. Everything could work out perfectly!”
The possibilities bloomed in her mind like flowers—expanding their business, spreading the joy of books andreading to new communities, building something beautiful with Harper even from a distance.
“That could actually work,” Harper said, and Isla could hear the smile in her voice. “I’ll start looking into all the logistics.”
“Could you help me with one more favor?” Isla’s voice grew smaller. “Could you arrange movers for my things? I’ll call a realtor first thing tomorrow to put my house on the market.”
“This is really happening, isn’t it?” Harper replied softly.
“Yes.”
“Alright then. I’ll do whatever you need so you can live your happily ever after there with your Prince Charming.”
“Thank you so much—” Isla began, but the sound of footsteps in the hallway made her look up.
Damon’s commanding presence filled the doorway, his green eyes immediately finding hers with that piercing intensity.
“I have to go, but I’ll be in touch soon,” Isla said quickly into the phone before ending the call, her pulse already quickening at the sight of her mate.
Damon stepped into the room with that predatory grace, his gaze sweeping over her packed suitcase before settling on her face again with unmistakable possessiveness.
“Ready to come home with me?” His voice carried that low tone that made something deep in her belly flutter with anticipation.
Home.
Yes, wherever he was felt exactly like home.
“Yes, I’m more than ready,” Isla replied softly.
Damon reached down to grab her suitcase. “So, what was that all about?”
“I just told Harper everything—about us completing the mate bond, about me staying here permanently.” Isla’s words tumbled out in a rush of excitement. “She’s actually being incredibly supportive, and she wants to help with the bookstore here too.We’re thinking of making it a second location—Fairy Tales & Tea on the Island. If that’s okay with you?”
Damon stepped closer, the corners of his mouth lifting in that rare, genuine smile that transformed his entire face. “Whatever will make you happy. I want to give you the world.”
The declaration hit her like a physical force, stealing her breath. This powerful man who’d spent a century protecting himself from emotional vulnerability was offering her everything without hesitation.
She rose on her toes and kissed him, pouring all her joy and gratitude into the connection between their lips. Her heart felt ready to burst with the sheer perfection of it all—an incredible, loving man who saw her as his equal, a supportive best friend who believed in her choices, a business expanding beyond her wildest dreams, and a new home in paradise.
This love story was definitely worth waiting for,she thought as Damon’s arms tightened around her.It’s beyond anything I ever imagined.
When they broke apart, both breathing slightly harder, Damon’s eyes held a contentment she’d never seen before.
“But for right now, we just need to move you into the beach house, figure out this clan mess, and stabilize everything,” he said firmly. “Then we can focus on rebuilding and making this place perfect.”
They left her guest suite together and moved through the estate’s elegant hallways.
“I want to say goodbye to Evelina before we go,” she said, checking the library and sitting room.
Damon paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “She’s probably out talking with the elder clan members, helping to uncover who’s behind the alliance with Veyrik.”
THIRTY-FOUR
ISLA
Something cold settled in Isla’s stomach. “I thought Kaelith said Mikal was behind it all and that he was handling everything.”
“Yeah, but something about that seems off. Too simple.” Damon’s voice carried an edge of uncertainty that made her uneasy. “It makes sense on the surface, but Mikal has always been accommodating and helpful. A century of loyalty doesn’t just disappear.”
