Chapter 19: Epilogue

Della was running late. Today, of all days, would, of course, be the day that she couldn't leave work on time, in addition to the fact that she was still being hounded by the council to take a more active position after the revelation of the extent of her power. Power that she now almost unthinkingly siphoned off to do things like rearrange her schedule so she'd be free for tonight's housewarming; though that didn't mean, apparently, that other people wouldn't book meetings in without checking if there was a reason her afternoon was clear.

So, she was late. Late to get ready for her own party, even though she'd "encouraged" some speed cameras not to notice her car zipping past them in a way that was almost definitely illegal. But considering she'd specifically asked Leo this morning to make sure he was home on time tonight, it felt a bit rude to be rolling through the door a bare twenty minutes before people were due to arrive.

Being late was one of the very few downsides to Della and Leo's relationship, especially since moving in together. And it wasn't solely the fault of her two jobs and his demanding role as Alpha; ever since she'd been discharged from the hospital, it seemed that her wolf couldn't be alone in the same room as her for more than thirty seconds at a stretch without finding a way to make her scream his name with pleasure. And she was equally eternally starved for him, for the rush of bringing him satisfaction.

So, they were late for things a lot.

It was worth it.

But she'd really done her best to ensure she'd be on time tonight. She should have been home and doing her best Stepford Wife impression an hour ago. Instead, Leo was probably already there and—

Her phone rang as she turned onto his street—their street; since, as Alpha, Leo needed to live within Blue Crescent territory. She hadn't minded when they floated the idea of moving in together in bed one morning and he'd somewhat apologetically suggested his house.

"I know it'll be a pain to have to move," he'd said, "But we can stay here, or we can find somewhere new. You can change anything about it that you like. Hell, knock it down and rebuild it if you want."

"You just want to have a new set of rooms to defile." Della had laughed, but the sound was cut off by his mouth covering hers.

"Who said I need anything new involved to defile you?" Leo had growled, sliding between her thighs, and then it was a while before either of them was capable of continuing the conversation.

Afterwards, gasping for air, Della had managed to say, "I like this house. I don't think we should knock it down. Plus, it would make my commute shorter on the days I'm in the office."

"I don't care about the house," Leo said, equally winded. "I just want your things mixed in among mine. I want to know I'm coming home to you every night."

"Moving is a lot less painful when you can do it all with magic," she had added with a smile. "Besides, with your garden, the house already looks like it belongs to a wicked witch. We might as well fulfill the impression it gives."

"You're not exactly a wicked witch." Leo had laughed, gathering her close.

"Oh, haven't I shown you in enough detail how wicked I can be?" Della asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Woman, if you show me in any more detail, I might not survive it."

She had done it anyway.

The persistent ringing of the phone as she pulled into the driveway dragged her from the remembrances. She picked it up without checking who it was.

"Hello?"

"I'm so sorry," Leo said without preamble. "I lost track of time. I'm turning into our street now. Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you—why are you laughing?"

She climbed out of her car to see Leo pull in behind her and saw on his face as he realized what had happened.

"Work run overtime?" he asked as he came over to kiss her.

"A little," she admitted. "Good thing I know a witch who can get the house ready for guests in a flash." She flicked her fingers, directing her magic to ready the house for visitors.

She saw the twinkle in Leo's eye a fraction of a second before he swept her up into his arms. "Well, that leaves us with a good fifteen minutes to fill before anyone is due to arrive," he said, his lips against her skin. "Good thing I know a wolf with a couple of ideas."

Della could feel their combined laughter through their touching bodies as Leo carried her across the threshold.

She was home.

THE END.

If you enjoyed this book, BONDED TO THE WOLF is Book Two.