Page 16 of Demon Seed (Mated to the Monster: Season 3)

Epilogue- Seven months later

Selene

T he midnight-blue dress slides over my belly with reluctance, the stretchy fabric clinging to my swollen form like a second skin. Seven months pregnant with twins, I'm trying to look presentable for a demon royal wedding, a match between Vesper’s brother, Valek, and his fated mate, Odette—two of my favorite otherworldly beings.

"Need help?" Vesper appears in the doorway of our chamber, his amber eyes softening as they always do when he sees me like this—heavy with his children.

"I've got it," I insist, though we both know I’ll never get it done alone. My fingers fumble with the clasp at the back, impossible to reach around my enormous middle.

Vesper crosses the room in three long strides, the scent of brimstone and winter pine enveloping me as his cool fingers replace mine. "Stubborn as always, my little moon."

I catch our reflection in the full-length mirror—me flushed and round, him tall and terrifying in his formal attire, the silver embroidery on his black cloak matching the circlet nestled in his dark hair. The King of the Darkbourne and his very pregnant queen are preparing to attend his brother's wedding. We are the picture of marital bliss.

"Valek must be so happy." I sigh, wincing as one of the babies delivers a swift kick to my ribs. "I wonder if he’ll be as insufferable as you."

Vesper’s lips quirk. "He waited as long as me to find his mate. Let him gloat."

"Easy for you to say. You don't have to waddle down the aisle as part of the ceremony."I smooth my hands over my belly, feeling the twins shift restlessly beneath my palms. "Your son and daughter are already objecting to formal wear."

"They take after their mother." Vesper’s hand covers mine, a gentle pressure that sends warmth through me, soothing me like it always does. "Perhaps they sense my arousal and fear my desire will keep them from falling asleep. They must know how much I worship their beautiful mother.”

I turn to face him, my heart clenching at the tenderness in his gaze. A year ago, I didn't know if I believed in fated mates. Now I'm married to mine and carrying his heirs. One of the babies kicks against his palm, and his smile is immediate, dazzling, demonic in its beauty. Even after all this time, all we've been through, that smile still makes my heart race.

"Promise me something," I whisper, leaning into his strength. "If anything goes wrong today?—"

"Nothing will go wrong," he cuts me off, pressing his lips to my forehead. "Spells are cast, and of course, Dorian Wolfram’s Lycans will be on guard to help squash anyone who would dare threaten the peace.”

I nod against his chest, not entirely convinced. The last gathering of supernatural beings I attended ended with three deaths and a blood curse. My family still insists on my return, and their constant meddling has only served to weaken their precious bloodline. When will they learn that they are no match for demons?

"Besides," Vesper continues, his voice rumbling against my ear, "no one would dare harm you or our children. Not unless they wish to experience torments I’ve only dreamed of implementing. You know how wicked my imagination can get.”

I believe that part. Vesper is incredibly creative.

“Dorian Wolfram has proven a worthy ally, has he not?” I trace my finger along the sharp angle of my mate’s jaw and regard his expression with a slight sense of hope. “Has that changed your opinion of wolves?”

“That depends on his motives. Why do you refuse your foresight with me?” Vesper quirks a suspicious brow. “He’s only alive because I don’t sense that this strange obsession is directed at you.”

I shake my head, placing both hands protectively over my rounded middle. "No. It's not me he wants. Not really." The words stick in my throat, but I force them out. "It's her."

"Her?" Vesper's gaze drops to my belly, understanding dawning on her face.

"The baby. Our daughter." I swallow hard. "She's his mate. He felt her creation the moment we conceived her."

Vesper goes utterly still. "That's impossible. She's not even born."

"Fate doesn't care about technicalities," I say bitterly. "I've seen the way he looks at me—not at me, but through me. Like I'm just a vessel. He's obsessed with our child, not with me."

"How can you be certain?" Vesper asks, but I can tell he already believes me.

“Dorian talks to her in my dreams. He tells her he’s waiting for her, and one day when she’s grown, she’ll remember and search for him. It’s lovely, really. I know one day my girl will be cherished by her mate, and no mother could ask for more.”

Vesper closes his eyes and sways as his knees are moments from giving out. “I’m sorry I asked.”

I place his hand in mine over the spot where his daughter rests. “Don’t worry, my love. She’s still your little girl for now. It’ll be a long time before she leaves the nest.”

Vesper kneels before me and speaks directly to our daughter. “Your daddy waited thousands of years for your mother. Give me half that time, and I’ll gladly give you away.”

I chuckle softly and extend a hand to help him to his feet. "Don’t you dare stand in the way of true love. Your daughter would never forgive you. And neither will I." My words are playful, but there's a firmness in my voice.

He lets out a low laugh, a wicked smile spreading across his handsome face, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes, which still hold a glint of concern. "I wouldn't dream of it, my love," he replies, his voice rich and smooth. "You can't blame me for being a protective father."

I lean in and kiss him gently, hoping to quell whatever paternal lecture might be brewing in his mind. His lips are warm and reassuring. "I know you’ll be a wonderful father," I whisper against his mouth, "and we’ll cross that bridge in eighteen years." The future seems distant yet beautifully promising.

"Eighteen years? That’s absurd," Vesper exclaims as he takes my hand, his grip warm and reassuring, leading me toward the door.

At this advanced stage in my pregnancy, I've stubbornly decided against flying—the mere thought of it makes my heart race.

"Don't feed the beast, Selene," Vesper warns with a playful glint in his eyes. "This is a joyful occasion, and I promised you there'd be minimal bloodshed."

"Yes, you did," I say, feeling the excitement bubble beneath my skin. "Now, let's hurry before we miss the vows. You know I’ve had a craving for cake all week.”

THE END