Page 26 of Capture of Capricorn (The Thirteenth Zodiac #3)

A week later…

Becoming a Zodiac Warrior changed Zora and, at the same time, didn’t.

For one, physically, she remained mostly unaltered.

Still full-bottomed, with kinky hair that turned frizzy when sweaty and hands calloused from her metal work.

But she did have one kind of big change, in that she now bore a giant snake tattoo on her back.

What made it worse? She was terrified of serpents!

Tattoo aside, the rest of her changes proved positive—increased stamina, strength, the cool-ass ability to starbeam, and she no longer wilted in extreme heat.

When it came to stairs, she didn’t need Capricorn to carry her around anymore like a sack of potatoes, although she still liked it when he scooped her and bolted up the steps—usually because he was in a hurry to get somewhere they could have sex.

They fucked a lot. More than she’d ever thought possible and with one man! A man who had become her everything. But the biggest test to their relationship remained.

They stood outside the tiny house painted a pale yellow, it’s front yard tidy with the concrete walkway lined with geraniums.

“Are you ready, baby?” Zora asked.

“Shouldn’t I have dressed up more?” Capricorn glanced at his black T-shirt and jeans with skepticism.

“Mama hates suits. Says guys who wear them all the time are pompous asses.” In Mama’s defense, she’d been working as a receptionist in a law office for close to three decades now and thus formed her opinion based on the liability sharks she dealt with daily.

“I should have brought a bigger bouquet of flowers.” He eyed the floral arrangement with a frown.

“You’re awfully worried for a big strong warrior who faces down monsters.”

“Never wanted a monster to like me.”

“It will be fine,” Zora soothed, even as she had to wonder how Mama would react about the fact they’d moved so fast in their relationship. Living together full-time already, Tower being the home they chose to share.

“Did you warn her we were visiting?” he asked.

“No, why?”

He indicated the taxi that slid up to the curb.

Zora pinched her lips, but before she could reply, the door opened and Mama exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you. Where are you going?” Zora asked, eyeing her mama, who’d dressed in white capris with a floral blouse. A suitcase sat by her side.

“To the airport. I’m flying to Miami for my cruise.”

Zora’s brows lifted. “You’re going on a cruise? For how long?”

“Two weeks.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

Mama arched a brow. “Didn’t know I had to ask permission. I assume this is the man you’ve been seeing.” Mama eyed Capricorn up and down before smiling. “He’s pretty. I can see why you locked him down so fast.”

“Mama!”

“What? It’s the truth, isn’t it?”

“Speaking about moving, I’m selling my place.” No point in beating around the bush.

“I should hope so. It’s not big enough to raise a family. I take it you moved in with the boy?” Mama slewed a gaze at Capricorn, who wisely looked stoic and handsome.

“Yes. It’s a touch far for visits, so I won’t be able to swing by as often.”

“About time you cut the apron strings,” Mama riposted.

Zora blinked. “Er, what?”

“It’s taken you long enough to find someone and start living your life.” She glanced at Capricorn. “You’ll take good care of her?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he quickly replied.

“Ma’am.” Mama tittered. “The name is Mama, pretty boy. You take care of my sweetie pie.”

“You’re not upset?” Zora couldn’t help her confusion.

“Upset you’re happy?” Mama once more laughed. “It’s such a relief to know you found someone, because now I can finally sell this shithole after I come back from the cruise and retire somewhere nice. The beach is calling these old bones.”

“Oh, Mama, why didn’t you ever tell me I was holding you back?” Zora accused.

“Because you’re my sweetie pie and you needed me. But now she’s your problem.” She directed the last to Capricorn. “I hope you can cook because she’s shit at it.”

“I do okay,” Zora protested.

“When it comes in a box with instructions to reheat.” Mama’s lip curled.

“Meals won’t be an issue,” Capricorn’s diplomatic reply.

“Well, I should get going. The meter is running. Give me a hug.” Mama reached, and Zora folded her tight and only choked up a little when Mama whispered, “I love seeing you so happy and healthy.”

A part of her had been afraid Mama would notice the change in her or be sad, upset, or angry that Zora would be busier and farther than before.

However, it turned out they were both embarking on new adventures, Mama with her grand plans to walk barefoot in the sand every day, and Zora basking in the love shown to her every day by the Capricorn that captured her heart.

As to the future, Sage hadn’t been predicting much, given she’d been preoccupied with the baby. However Olivia… that sweet but uncanny child had decided to announce at breakfast that morning, “Uncy Taurus, you should shave.”

To which the visiting Taurus, who sported a ragged mop of hair on his chin, replied, “I thought you liked my beard.”

“I do, but the green lady won’t.”

All eyes went to Olivia, but it was Leo who asked softly, “What green lady?”

And what did the little girl reply? “Can I have another piece of bacon, please?”

Are we done with the Zodiacs yet?