Page 120 of Feral Possession

“Marcus!”

He blinked, smiling up at her.

Joy overwhelmed her senses. She grasped his cheeks, showering him with kisses. “Oh”—kiss—“I thought”—kiss—“I’d lost you.” Kiss, kiss, kiss.

He cupped her nape and planted a kiss on her that stole her breath.

Another jolt of concern had her pulling back, gasping, “What about Shadow?”

Marcus’s gorgeous eyes glowed red, humor twinkled in their depths. “Back where he belongs. He’ll be impossible to live with after this.”

“Tiberius?” Marcus asked.

Dove glanced in the direction of his uncle and Marcus lifted his head, glancing at the man’s corpse.

“Dead. Shadow and I killed him. Zion too.” She held her breath. What would Marcus do when he realized she’d stolen his chance at revenge? Again.

“Good.” He let his head drop.

“You’re not mad at me?”

He snorted. “Mad I missed it.”

Emotions rose to choke her. “You were willing to sacrifice yourself to save me.”

His expression smoothed and he cupped her cheek, staring deep into her eyes. “It was the least I could do for the woman who brought me back to life. Gave me a reason to live. Reason to look forward instead of back.”

Dove’s heart soared. “I love you, Marcus Shadow-Steele. I want to share all my tomorrows with you.”

“Whatever tomorrow may bring.” His brow furrowed. “Because of Tiberius, the Council will self-destruct. Alliances will crumble. War is on the horizon. With no laws or leadership, chaos will reign.”

Dove bit her lip. “Tiberius said he’d already won. Perhaps he was right.”

“Regardless, one thing I know for sure. Tomorrow has little value without you at my side. I love you. Say you will be mine. Forever.”

Dove grinned at the man who possessed her body and soul. She pressed her lips to his, whispering, “I love you too. Forever.”

Epilogue

The delicate scent of fragrant flowers drifted on the cool evening breeze. Hundreds of lanterns illuminated Josephine Steele’s rose garden. While Dove and Marcus already shared a blood bond, they’d decided they wanted more.

Moments ago, they’d joined their lives together in a non-traditional faerie ceremony. Something Marcus imagined had never been done before. His barefoot Bride was a trailblazer. He suspected she’d made it up as she went along, using her talisman to exchange a piece of their souls.

Their reception was an intimate gathering of close friends. The larger celebration with House Othonos would have to wait.

Tonight, Marcus wanted to focus on his Bride.

“Do you think the confetti cannons were too much?” Dove peered up at him, wearing a simple bohemian shift dress with tiny flowers tucked into her silver locks.

He pulled her closer, swaying as they danced to the sounds of a string quartette.

“It was perfect.”

She scrunched her pert little nose. “Poor Armond barely got through our vows.”

Dove’s friend had officiated their ceremony, sniveling his way through most of it. Marcus glanced over his Bride’s shoulder. Family and friends surrounded them. Ida stood beside his groundskeeper, Archie, dabbing a crisp hankie beneath her eyes.

Vivian, Dove’s former benefactor, was there as well. At her side was a male so massive he looked as if he could give Bishop a run for his money. Apparently, Vivian and her bodyguard were mated. Marcus didn’t envy the male. The retired burlesque dancer was a handful and more than most men could handle. Liam was in for one hell of a ride.

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