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I place my hand on top of the grave. “I just wanted you to know. Ryker saved me. He saved me from a broken, abusive life filled with anger and sadness. He showers me with the kind of love I’ve craved all my life. He gave it to me with no strings attached. I found my voice. I found my purpose. I found my vampire.

“He tells me all the time that he claimed me,” I smile. “He’s wrong, though; I claimed him.”

I stand up. “I will bring the baby when they are born. We will tell them, and any other children we have, about you. You were important. You are loved. Thank you for giving Ryker to me. I feel it in my gut. You were the one that sent him.”

I blow a kiss to the sky and turn to walk back to the car. I stop suddenly when I feel a tug on my hand. Icy air surrounds me, dancing around my legs, but as I look down, I see nothing. I look over my shoulder and jump when I feel icy lips brush my cheek.

Holy fuck. I touch my face in awe.

I suppose if the world is filled with shifters and vampires, anything is possible. I smile and see Ryker get out of the car.

“What’s wrong?” he asks as he wipes my tears.

“Nothing, everything is great,” I say as we walk around the car.

“Then why are you crying?” he asks, opening my door.

“These are good tears,” I promise.

“There is such a thing?” he mutters.

He gets behind the wheel and turns down the music. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, what’s the plan for the rest of the day?” I ask. We aren’t leaving until tomorrow.

“Well, I thought we could pick up food and watch a video.” He smirks.

“Sure, what movie?” I turn towards him, curious.

“It takes place in a car. The content is fucking stunning.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

I blush. “I forgot about that.”

“I did not.” After shooting a sad look at the cemetery, he backs out of the space.

“Have you watched it yet?” I ask, suspicious.

“I was waiting to watch it together as I said.” He slides his hand over my stomach. He rubs gently, and as I look at his face, I realize I can’t ever hide anything from him. The devotion on his face is all the reassurance I need. We share a gentle smile, celebrating quietly.

“Okay,” I say as I squirm. “I’m up for a movie.”

“One more question—” he pauses.

“What?” I expect him to mention about the baby.

“What happened to my gym?” He raises an eyebrow.

I burst out laughing.

Epilogue

River

“I bet you’re hungry.” I take a bite out of my meatball sub. “Eating a proper diet is very important.”

“Why do you always play with your food?” Kerian sighs.

“He is not food.” I point to Masters, tied to a chair. “That would be an insult to good food.”