Epilogue

**1 ½ year later**

“We are attempting to schedule the peace treaty on the 14th of this month,” Folder sat with his spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, folders stacked at his side on the plush leather couch and his planner spread wide on his crossed legs. The tip of his blue ink pen tapping the date on the lined page as he waited on a response. This had been the norm for the past three months. He was trusted by Austin and Thomas to fix certain matters as he was recuperating from his last mission. Accidently knocking the cane at his side with his leg, he recalled just how badly he’d been hurt. He was left with permanent nerve damage in his right leg and the bosses were refusing him time in the field.

Under old administration, injured agents were let go. A lump sum for their troubles and nothing more. But Austin and Thomas had given him revised purpose.

“We’ve a previous engagement for the 14th,” Folder rose his eyes to voice appearing almost out of thin air to catch Austin Cyner’s wife strolling into the study balancing a silver tray in hand. Austin had risen to his feet at the sight of her, but she shook her head inciting him to sit back down as she placed the tray on the centre table separating the two men. He did as she silently urged, albeit hesitantly.

“My wife is right,” Austin didn’t even glance at Folder as he said the words. His eyes trained on his wife as she shuffled backwards to have a seat on the arm of Austin’s chair. She reached out an arm to stroke his shoulder, he took the palm of her hands into his own and raised it to his lips, rubbing circles into her rounded belly before leaning down to press a possessive kiss there while Skylar’s fingers entwined in his dark tresses.

They were a formidable pair, Folder noted after seeing them together and from what he’d heard, Mrs. Cyner was just as dangerous as her husband. “Is it something flexible?” Folder questioned, drowning in the tenderness before his eyes. Austin Cyner loved his wife. There was no question about his affection at the organisation. But to see it first hand was blinding to a man that hadn’t been lucky in love.

“I am afraid not,” Austin chuckled, holding his wife’s hand up to his chest, right above his heart. Having her close to him provided him with a calm he never knew he lacked. “What are the other options?” He persisted. Not that the staff at the organisation knew it, but that day was Thomas and Avril’s wedding. Avril was not part of their world and so greater pains were taken to conceal her existence. All in all, it was not a day that could be missed for her usually strict father had insisted on marrying the pair himself. Thomas had done what he does best…charm.

“Next month is the closest alternative.” Folder adjusted his glass as he shuffled through the pages of his planner. “on the 9th.” He confirmed with his notes.

“That can work.” Austin responded, with a nod. He’d taken up to having business matters dealt with at home since Skylar was heavily pregnant. She’d protested, of course, reminding him that Abigail and her mother were always around regardless. That didn’t ease his mind, being at home with her, experiencing every bit of the pregnancy process, that eased his mind. Being able to bundle up with his wife in his arms every night was a blessing.

He had more to lose now that he had everything he could possibly want, and Austin was sure to guard it with his life. “Are there any more matters?”

“Actually, this is more of a personal matter.” He said, shutting the book closed and giving the Cyners his full attention.

“Speak freely,” Austin encouraged. Skylar at his side intrigued. There had barely been any excitement around the house and while she should be glad for it, she was lamenting over the lack of adrenaline rushes she had lately.

“I was asked a favour from a mutual friend of ours in the business. He wants recommendations for a good combat trainer for a young woman he rescued on his last mission. He questioned whether we could facilitate the girl.” Folder had removed his spectacles and Skylar noted flecks of gold in his eyes as he slowly folded the spectacles away and shoved them into their casing.

“What was the nature of her previous situation?” Skylar took reigns over this part of the conversation and Austin happily yielded. She commanded the same level of respect from his employees, associates and friends. Anything less and he’d have the person killed. On the topic of respect, he’d cut his mother off completely after she failed to treat Skylar properly even after their reconciliation over a year ago. His relationship with his father was fine, as for Colin…well, they were still mending years of hurt and disillusionment. But they were better, almost like real brothers.

Colin had matured, their father finally trusting him to take over the company with Austin’s guidance.

“Abusive family. Her father would beat the crap out of her. Tully happened across her at the end of his last mission and took her in after putting a bullet between her father’s eyes.” Folder regaled them with a summary of the events.

“Why doesn’t he train her himself, seeing as he is a man in your field and with the same expertise?” Skylar sought out.

“Young lass hasn’t much faith and trust in men. He tried, but the moment his hands come close to her, she turns hysterical.”

Skylar chewed on her bottom lip, “Then you just leave it to me.” Skylar responded with a smirk. Austin shifted to gaze at her and Folder eyed Austin for a hint of how to respond.

“With all due respect…” he began, stammering, unsure of how to reject the idea. The woman was pregnant and for the head of their organisation. The last thing Folder wanted was for her to be injured in any way.

“I may not look it now,” she glanced down at her stomach, “but I am a hell of a fighter, ask my husband.” She looked to him for support, but there was hesitance in his eyes.

“I’m not so sure about this, darling.” He said carefully but she patted his leg. “I am still training Nova, adding one more to the list is no issue. I cannot in good conscious leave the training of a battered woman in the hands of men,” she pressed a kiss to his lips, smiling into him.

Folder averted his gaze and cleared his throat, suddenly transfixed by the tips of his shoe. “Besides, the first time I meet this girl is not for training. She needs time to be comfortable, by then I’d have given birth.” She wasn’t wrong. She was due any day now.

“Fine.” Austin conceded, turning his attention back to Folder. “Tell Tully that she’d be in the most capable hands if he still wishes our services.”

“I will happily relay the message.” He responded as he packed up his belongings and sprung to his feet. “I’ll be in touch.” He said, Abigail coming in to walk him out. As the man left, Austin guided his pregnant wife to his lap.

“Something on your mind?” He murmured as she tucked her head beneath his chin, melting into his embrace.

“Urma just called,” she said, sleep laddering her voice. Her energy wasn’t what it used to be, little tasks took the breath out of her but it was to be expected with the size of her tummy and the fact that she was carrying twins. They’d opted out of finding out the sexes. It didn’t matter. Skylar often said that she felt as though the Gods were rewarding them with the very number of children they would have if she hadn’t been poisoned.

It was soothing, quieted her thoughts on the child they’d lost.

“Oh?” he prompted, rubbing her back. “The bastard actually came back.” She giggled with disdain. A couple months ago, out of the blue, she’d received a call from Dorian. He’d gotten into some trouble with some very dangerous people and begged Skylar to have Austin fix it. To have him resurface alive. She’d down right refused. Being pregnant and not wanting her husband involved in any unnecessary danger was out of the question.

Austin didn’t listen. He knew that deep down she’d regret it if she let him die. Especially since his other half of the family were still looking for him. He’d promised to go back to him, to give them closure. She didn’t think he’d keep up his end, but from the phone call she just had, he did.

“At least the family will get some peace with that,” Austin soothed and she nodded. “Where’s Nova?” he asked. His sister had permanently decided to move in. He was outnumbered in his house, but he didn’t mind it much.

“At Urma’s.” Skylar responded. The family had gotten closer, even the rocky start had smoothened out with Lucas, her half-brother. The other one…not so much. He was Dorian’s son through and through.

“She’d been spending a lot of time there recently,” he muttered, not thinking much of it. Nova had taken a liking to Urma’s grandson.

“And Lucas has been spending a lot of time here as well,” Skylar hinted with a soft chuckle, only noticeable because he body shock against Austin.

“What are you trying to say?” Austin didn’t know how to analysis her words.

“Come on, haven’t you realised that Nova and Lucas have been paying more attention to each other lately?”

Austin raked his brain. Is that why Lucas would hesitate to drink with him in his office whenever he came around. “I thought they despised each other, I always invite him for drinks alone to separate them,”

“It may have started out that way. But I think their feelings have changed.” Skylar yawned, hooking her arms around Austin’s neck. “You’d know better than me.” He whispered as she shifted her around in his arms, cradling her securely before he stood intent on carrying her to bed.

“I would, wouldn’t I?” she said, completely pleased with herself. Austin was blind to external emotion. It was never something he could detect easily but that didn’t matter. As long as he was emotionally available to the woman in his arms and the bundles of joy she was gifting him. He’d be content.

“Have I told you how much I love you today?” he spoke against her hair and she smiled.

“I love you.” She said as her eyes closed down and she drifted into slumber. It was almost a sin to be this happy, wasn’t it? She pondered on that in her dreams, knowing that she’d wake up with his arms firmly around her, possessing her and cherishing her.

*A/N

*1. Follow my IG Account for news on BOOK 3 or any future projects @authorqueenofsarcasm_18

*2. The following chapters are tid bits of my previous drafts of this book. For those interested I hope you enjoy!