Page 14 of Big Enough to Bite (Harmony Glen #3)

Ion smiles and shakes Jorge’s hand. “I like this town. Perhaps one day I’ll return. I will come tomorrow to collect him. Tonight, I’d like to spend catching up with my old friends and newer family members.”

I can’t think of anyone in my past I’d rather be in my neighborhood.

We all stand.

As we exit the office, Max asks, “What about tonight? What do I do with him?”

“He’ll be fine. I recommend ignoring him. If you have other people to keep in there, call me and I’ll get him early. He shouldn’t be near humans or monsters if it can be avoided.” Ion shakes Max’s hand.

Max nods and pulls his shoulders back before giving Tilda a long look and heading over to the front desk, where Willa is working.

When we step out onto the street, all three vampires pull veils over their faces and cover their hands.

Tilda stops and takes a deep breath. “I’ll just say goodbye now. Thank you for freeing me.”

Mari takes both of her gloved hands. “Where will you go?” When Tilda stares back without answering, Mari adds, “You can stay here. I have an extra house you can stay in while you figure out what you want to do. We are family now.”

A tear slips down Tilda’s smooth skin. “Are you sure?”

Wrapping an arm around Tilda, Mari walks her to my truck.

Ion says, “I’m delighted to see you have found your mate, Samy. I always hoped you would be happy and in love. Such a big heart deserves to be loved, and I can see my granddaughter is the one.”

Turning at the word granddaughter, Mari throws herself into Ion’s arms. “I can’t believe I have a family.”

Patting her back, Ion laughs. “I should have come down from the mountains sooner. I thank you both for luring me to this lovely town.” He pulls back and studies Mari. “When I get Pierre sorted out, I’ll come back and meet the child.”

“What child?” All three of us say at once.

“Mari is with child. I assume the baby is yours as well, Samy. She smells like both of you, strong and wise.” He grins.

“Baby? I thought vampires didn’t have children; they sire other vampires.” Is it possible that after all these decades, Ion has become a practical joker? Not that this would be funny.

“They can’t,” Mari says, but lays her hand over her lower abdomen. Closing her eyes, her expression goes very still as if she’s listening. When her eyes pop open, her mouth opens too. “How did I not hear her heartbeat before?”

Shrugging, Ion says, “She’s small, only a flutter.

While there are very few instances where a vampire has become pregnant, it’s not impossible.

Two vampires have never reproduced in such a way, to my knowledge, but Samy is not a vampire, and as strong as he is, it’s not surprising he’s virile as well. ”

“Mari?” I don’t know what to say. My heart is pounding so hard, I may pass out, and I’m so big I’ll probably crush a car.

Blushing, she steps around Ion and throws herself in my arms. “We’re going to have a baby.”

I wrap her in a gentle hug. “It’s a miracle.”

Pulling back, she stares into my eyes. “Are you happy? I know this isn’t what you expected.”

Is she mad? I lift her and swing her in a wide arc, right in front of the police station. People stare, but I don’t care. Realizing I’m too burly and might hurt the baby, I ease her onto her feet and kneel. “Marry me, Mari Shepherd. Please, marry me?”

Tilda sniffles.

Mary wraps her arms around my neck. “Yes. Of course, yes.”

“Let’s take this celebration back to someone’s house. I need a big glass of good wine.” Ion slips Tilda’s hand through the crook of his elbow and opens the door to his rental car. “Ride with me and we’ll talk about your dilemma.”

Rising, I’ve never been happier. I carry Mari to the passenger’s side and place her on the seat. “Let’s go home, my love.”

“Home, where we’re safe and happy without any threats from the past.” There’s wonder in her voice as she caresses her abdomen.

This is just the start of a life filled with love and laughter. My wife and child will be as happy as I am right now. I’m making it my mission.

Thank you for reading Big Enough to Bite . I hope you loved this sweet and super sexy monster romance. I sure enjoyed the heck out of writing it.