Page 150 of Enchanted

“Why would you be worried?”

“Because he probably made it that comfortable as he’s spent a lot of time in there.” Ethan sighed. “Which probably means I’m going to as well.”

“At least you’ll have Sam for company.”

“That’s true.” A shadow passed over his face. “Is he normally alone in there?”

“Yes. It’s not ideal, but it’s the safest way. Part of being mated to a Seraphim means there are always going to be people who want to hurt you to hurt us.”

“And another part means having somewhere to keep us safe when the twins decide to let their family issues disrupt the entire household.”

“That about sums it up.” I stopped in front of the heavily reinforced door. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Of course,” he huffed. “Now hurry up and go and help, I’ve got to go and keep Sam company.”

I smiled, brushing away a curl. “You’re a special male, Ethan.”

He shrugged off the compliment and blushed. “No one should feel alone. Not even for a minute.”

“Then get in there,” I said, kissing his cheek. I went to say something else, but a loud bang from the opposite side of the house cut me off. “Okay, seriously, get in there just in case they make it down this way.”

He opened the door and smiled. “Just in case I haven’t said it today, I love you, Rami. Thank you for being there for me.”

I knew what he meant. Thank you for making me feel less alone.

It was the least I could do, considering he’d done the same for me.

I squared my shoulders as I prepared to walk back into the fray. This was the precise issue Nate was facing. He’d never been alone before. Ever.

But with Theo finding his mate, he was facing that as a real possibility.

I had no idea what fate was playing at with the twins. Then again, it, or they, hadn’t made it easy for any of us so far. Why would it be different for them?

Fate had made me the fool over and over again with every man I’d ever approached. Ultimately, it had all been worth it, to be able to call Ethan mine.

Because that’s exactly what he was.

Mine.

Just as I was his.

Exactly as it should be.

Epilogue – Ethan

EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER

“Just keep breathing,” Sam said as he pulled glasses out of the cupboard. “You’ve got this.”

“What if they hate me?” I asked, slumping onto a stool at the kitchen island. “What if this is a terrible mistake?”

Sam clucked, bustling over to wrap his arms around me. “How could they possibly hate you, Ethan? You’re one of the nicest people I know. Look at it this way—if they do hate you, which they won’t, you still have me. I’m your best friend now. Well, me and Quill.”

I chuckled, some of the anxiety dissipating. “That’s true. I’d be lost without you guys.”

While everyone had accepted me into their homes and hearts, there was no denying that Sam and Quill were the ones I’d formed the strongest bonds with. Quill was doing better now, thank fuck, but he wasn’t coming today. With the amount of people travelling up from Southampton for this BBQ, almost all of the Seraphim and their mates had excused themselves. Mostly out of respect for Sam, who didn’t do well with large groups, but also for me. They all knew what today meant to me. The last thing I needed was an audience.

The ones we’d invited thought they were coming here for a relaxed social, where they’d be introduced to Rami’s mate.