Page 52 of The Grip of Death
Preston popped a cork, and everyone else threw confetti, and within moments I found myself holding a flute of champagne. I could feel myself blushing. Awfully sweet of everybody to show up and surprise me like that. Glasses clinked as Xander raised a toast to my good health.
I grabbed him and dipped him into a kiss. He tasted like champagne and laughter. Surrounded by our friends and our family — and with the grudging approval of one Eleanor Grouse — we celebrated love, peace, a long and happy life.
Later, during a lull in the festivities, I leaned closer as I picked confetti out of Xander’s hair. “I’ve got another name for you,” I whispered, my skin warm from drinking, a little of the fizz still in my blood.
“Don’t be inappropriate,” he whispered back, eyes flitting at all the others. “You’re way too sexy at the moment and I might give in.”
I chuckled, pulling him closer. “It’s not like that. I love Agent Skunk Baby — I love you — but you know what also sounds cool? Professor Alexander Wright.”
He held back a smile. “You really think so?”
That smile was having a harder and harder time staying hidden. I knew he’d been thinking about it since morning.
“A dual-income household? I don’t mind the idea at all. Well, triple-income, if Lore decides to really go into the baking business. As for Whitby, who knows? In any case, it’s up to you. You’re brilliant, and you’re kind — when you want to be — and I’m sure you want to share your natural talents with the rest of the world.”
I waggled my eyebrows, letting the words hang in the air.
Xander laughed, grinning bashfully. “Hmm. Okay. Professor Alexander Wright and his partner, Master Jackson Pryde. You know, I like the sound of that.”
“I know you do. Again, it’s totally up to you. Anything you want.” I kissed him, hard and quick. “Everything you want.”
He beamed, his lips tight, like they were holding back a secret. “I’ll think about it.”
I knew that meant “Yes.” Because now we could finally live our lives safe from the scourge of Chrysanthemysts and Feversand secretly villainous guild masters. Finally — fucking finally, it was over. We were free to do absolutely anything we wanted.
We were free.
I kissed him again, one last smooch before we left guildhall, but one in a long line of many, many more kisses to come. And hugs, and orgasms, and birthdays, and celebrations, and everything else. Xander grabbed my hand and pulled, and we ran down the steps together, laughing as the Black Market breeze tousled our hair, as the sun kissed our skin.
“Hey,” Beatrice shouted at our backs. “Where are you bozos going?”
“We don’t know,” I shouted back, and meant it, delirious with laughter. “Home. Or Paris. Or another adventure.”
“Anywhere,” Xander breathed, pulling me ever forward, giggling madly. “Everywhere, Jack. As long as it’s with you.”
As long as we had each other. Gods, I felt lighter than air, on cloud nine. I felt like I could fly.
Oh, gods. Our shoes. The winged sneakers!
Wordless, breathless, speaking in nothing but the language of laughter, we lifted off together, little wings on our feet buoying us into the sky. Below us, the Black Market bustled, this place where a man could buy anything, where every wish came true.
Mine certainly did.
Hand in hand, we flew into forever.
Jackson and Xander’s journey has just begun, but for now, the story of Arcane Hearts has come to its close.
