Epilogue

One week later “Gingernuts,” I cooed and pried open my backpack. “Come out.”

His tabby head popped up. I waited, hoped he wouldn’t freak and run in a corner to hide. He’d adapted to the tower rather fast, and the gargoyle never scared him, so maybe he’d feel comfortable quickly in his new home.

His gorgeous, huge eyes scanned the living room, the circular couch, fireplace, and even the open door to the veranda.

I scooped him up out of the bag to discovered he wore an orange knitted sweatshirt and couldn’t stop laughing. “You look adorable. Did Remy make that for you to keep you warm?”

I pressed him to my chest, kissing his head. “Well, we’re now living in the lion territory, and everyone knows you’re joining us. So don’t be scared.” I stepped outside onto the wooden balcony, the afternoon sky streaked in oranges and blues. From the first floor, the open field spread out into the distance. Giant trees dotted the land, blossoming with flowers amid pale green leaves, while several older lions slept in the shade. The perfect view.

Gingernuts squirmed in my arms, so I set him down. On bent legs, he scurried across the veranda, sniffing the cushioned seats, the bird feeder in the corner, then stuck his head through the wooden railing and glanced down at Kahlo.

He carried a long plank of timber over his shoulder, his bare chest glistening, and I leaned over the railing, gawking. At the way his muscles shifted with each movement, his bulging bicep drawing my attention. I chewed on my lower lip and pictured me in his arms. I still couldn’t believe my three men were building a freaking home for us. Two floors were complete. They weren’t kidding when they mentioned making the place grand.

They worked on two additional levels, along with a landing pad for Gage after his scorching acrobatic stunts, a pool out the back for Kahlo, and a private cellar for Reed. He had shown me a sneak peek of his room…cushions everywhere, along with a few whips and ribbons on the walls for tying me up. Hell, I trembled with arousal just seeing his playroom…or as he called it, the Lion’s lair.

I was getting a gazebo with flowers and cushioned lounges, giving me the perfect haven to enjoy the sun without fear. No more looking over my shoulder, and damn, I would finally get a tan. The tower was a thing of the past. With my blessing, Gage had torn apart the granite tower, bringing it down with the rest of the ruins. It put an end to one chapter of my life.

Khalo tossed the timber onto a pile with others, the noise drawing my attention.

“Hey, sexy,” I said. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for our date?”

He glanced up, his smile widening. “Shouldn’t you wear no underwear if you’re in a skirt?”

I pushed down my fabric fluttered over my thighs in the balmy breeze. “I’ll remember that for next time.” I winked.

He stared at me with hunger. “Is that a promise?”

I burst out laughing as Gingernuts meowed and curled around my legs.

“How’s the little one going?” Kahlo asked.

He no longer cowered but watched a sparrow land on the bird feeder. “He’ll fit in easily.”

“Meet you out back then.” Kahlo strolled around the house and out of sight when I sensed someone stepping outside to join me. I turned to find Mayse, Reed’s sister, nineteen and beautiful with golden curls framing her face. She shared her brother’s brilliant green eyes.

“I finished your dress.” She held onto a deep red gown by its thin straps and a low cut back. Tiny jewels beaded across the tight bust sparkled.

“Wow, it’s stunning. You made this? Hell, you’re talented and should open your own dress store. Women would flock to it.”

Mayse’s cheeks blushed, and she smirked, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t know.”

I reached over and touched the fabric, delicate under my fingers and lightly transparent. The men would go crazy when I wore this tonight. They were holding a special dinner date, just the four of us to celebrate the start of our new life, and Mayse insisted on making me an outfit. But I’d never imagined something so impressive.

“I’ll help you to sell your creations,” I said. “I happen to know a few people.” Sarcasm lined my words.

She handed me the gown, and I couldn’t wait to get changed.

“When that witch controlled me,” she began. “I knew what was going on but couldn’t control my actions. And I prayed that if I somehow escaped, I’d no longer waste my days hiding in the pride but do something with my life.”

“Then it’s set. We’ll work on creating a line of women’s fashion. Something sexy and sensual for the ladies.” I wriggled my eyebrows.

Her eyes glistened, and she hugged me. I yanked my dress aside to avoid it getting crushed. “I’m so glad you’re with my brother and living here. Now I have someone else to talk to about clothes.”

“I’m the lucky one. You and the pride accepted me.” I adored having someone I could consider a sister.

She broke away. “How could we not? You helped free me and the others. Now, get dressed as the backyard is ready and the men should be there waiting.”

“Thank you for everything.” I stepped inside as she picked up Gingernuts and stroked his ears. Yep, this was what having a family felt like—secure, comforting, and my heart flooded with joy.

By the time I changed clothes, combed my hair, and pinched my cheeks to add color to them, I spun on the spot, the dress swirling around my ankles. On purpose I wore nothing underneath, wanting to tantalize my shifters, have them squirming in their seats over dinner as they stared at me. My stomach tingled, and I hurried downstairs and out the back door into a field.

There I found a large round table, decorated with flowers, candles, goblets, and jugs of wine. But my attention fell to the three figures staring my way. Nerves claimed me, tightening in the pit of my stomach.

I lifted my chin with a smile and strutted toward them, placing an extra swing in my hips. All sets of eyes devoured every inch of me, their chests heaving for air as if I’d knocked the air out of their lungs.

“Hello!” I said, nervously, the apex between my legs boiling and wet just from their stares.

Each of them approached me, Gage and Kahlo taking a hand, while Reed stepped in front of me, his arms falling to my hips. They watched me, their gazes drowning.

“So, what do you think?” I broke the silence. “Don’t keep a girl hanging. Do you like the dress?”

“I’m so fucking hard,” Gage said, his touch sliding to my ass, squeezing. “I can’t think straight. All the blood’s gone to my dick.”

I faked purred and winked at him, while Kahlo had his mouth on my cheek and swept to my earlobe, licking me. “I can see your sweet pussy through that dress. Fuck, do you know what you’re doing to me?” He sucked in a rugged breath, and I quivered with desire.

“Don’t you two have control?” Reed blurted as he bunched up my skirt at the front of my legs, lifting it, and stroking his hand between my thighs. His fingers grazed my swollen lips, and my toes curled. When Reed dropped my dress, he stuck his fingers into his mouth and groaned as his eyes rolled back with ecstasy. “I suggest we start with dessert first.”

The other two cheered, and I beamed to have their hands all over me. Their attentiveness, their excitement, their love. Yep, this was everything I’d ever dreamed of, and not only had I gained a family, but a fairy tale ending.

I brushed away their hands, then sidestepped around them before wandering toward the table, grinning. I glanced back, noting they all gawked at my ass. “Who’s ready for dessert?”

Their expressions sharpened, and they scrambled toward me while I giggled and burned from the inside out. Bring it on.