Page 40 of Tall, Dark & Horny

Tilting her head back, my pretty mate narrowed her eyes. “And what about you?”

As a half human, Calliope couldn’t shift into her demon form, but mine had taken care of the task for her, wanting to wear his mate’s mark. Turning my wrist over, I showed her the brand that resembled a tornado on my inner wrist. “They’ll also know I’ve been claimed by you.”

Marked by fate, claimed by instinct, bound by something deeper…I was never meant to exist without Calliope.

EPILOGUE

CALLIOPE

The Abyss had changed in the ten years since I first arrived, but not as much as I had.

Watching the storm clouds gather over the distant mountains, I stood at the window of our private quarters. My hand rested on the curve of my belly, feeling the gentle flutter of life within. Our baby was due in a couple of months, and the thought filled me with awe.

Adan approached from behind, wrapping his arms around me. His touch was warm and grounding.

“You're up early,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple.

“I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted. “Too much energy in the air.”

He chuckled softly. “The Festival of Midnight tends to have that effect.”

I hadn’t been thrilled when he told me that we’d been tasked to host a once-in-a-century celebration when the veil between realms was at its thinnest. But as I planned the event with Lyra’s help—and input from Abaddon and Typhon, of all demons—I’d quickly warmed to the idea.

The celebration was a time of magic, connection, and reflection. Tonight, The Abyss would host beings from across the supernatural spectrum, all gathering to honor the convergence.

Adan’s palms moved to my belly, fingers splaying gently.

“Are you sure you're up for this?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

I turned to face him, placing my hands over his. “I’m fine, and so is the baby. Besides, we have plenty of help.”

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.

“Enter,” Adan called.

The door opened to reveal Typhon, his presence as commanding as ever. His storm-kissed eyes met mine, softening as they landed on my belly.

“You’re glowing,” he remarked as he stepped into the room.

“Must be the pregnancy,” I replied with a smile, though it felt deeper than that. There was a joy inside me that had nothing to do with hormones.

He approached, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“I’ve reinforced the wards around The Abyss,” he said. “Nobody who hasn’t been invited will get through tonight.”

“Thank you.”

Adan nodded in agreement. “We appreciate it.”

Typhon's gaze shifted to Adan, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Their relationship was another thing that had changed over time, but only after my father proved himself to my mate.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice your nervousness,” he teased.

Adan rolled his eyes. “Just being cautious.”

Typhon clapped him on the back. “As you should be. But rest assured, nothing will harm your mate or my grandchild under my watch.”

“My child,” Adan growled, disliking the possessive way my father spoke of our baby.

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