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CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Weeks later the festivities were long done, and the guests returned to their respective homes, but not without first receiving an open invitation to visit whenever they wished. An offer reciprocated in kind.

The new chancellors shared their title equally, and unlike the former chancellor, Maria and Zepharos actually cared about the people they were now tasked with watching over.

The other families played a big role as well, naturally, but while some dislike was to be expected, any hostilities were out of the question.

Not after what the Dotharian had done. What had happened to Vinchi and his family had put them all very much in their place.

Amazingly, Rohanna and even Tikanna had ventured to a real city to visit the happy couple, and the women were shown the utmost hospitality in the lavish grounds.

The half breed Dohrag had also used the interim period to meet with the Dotharian in a more tranquil setting than a battle in the arena, and eloquently made his own case.

As a result, given his utterly unheard of Infala bond, he was given a clean slate, all thanks to Maria and Zepharos’s efforts .

The property had become a gathering place for friends, both old and new, as well as the birthplace of new alliances and friendships, not to mention a safe foothold for humans on this utterly alien world.

By the time the first month had passed, all was in order and running smoothly. But there was something off about the estate. Something missing. Or more accurately, someones.

A shortish flight, followed by a long hike away, Maria and her mate crested the steep ridge as they emerged from the vegetation, taking in the spectacular nature all around. It was beautiful, and it was a sight for sore eyes.

“Shall we?” Zepharos asked holding out his hand.

“Oh, we shall,” Maria replied, lacing her fingers with his as they began the descent.

They were walking slowly, taking their time.

It had been a long hike, made longer in part by the frequent and vigorous “rest” stops made along the way, the two newly bonded lovers utterly insatiable in their newfound connection.

And given their new experiments with slow and intimate Tantric play, they didn’t mind the prolonged journey.

In fact, the longer they had alone, the better.

Things were in place and running on autopilot back at their estate.

Or rather, estates, plural. A drastic reversal of fortune they still couldn’t get over.

In any case, they were free to roam, at least for a bit, and they were definitely taking full advantage of that.

Maria looked up at the sky, wispy clouds swirling above, the air fresh and invigorating.

“Looks like a donkey.”

“I told you?—”

She hushed him with a kiss, giggling as she pulled away.

“I don’t think we could have asked for a more perfect day. In fact, I’d be willing to bet?—”

Her sentence was abruptly interrupted as she was slammed into from her side, bowled over in a flash. But Maria wasn’t mad. In fact, she erupted in happy laughter as a familiar pair of enormous tongues licked her face.

“Okay, okay! Popcorn, let me up! Zippy, get off me!” she play-grumbled, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

“You two look well fed. Come say hello to Papa,” Zepharos called to them, the two shifting their attention long enough for Maria to climb back to her feet.

She watched her man play with the two ridiculous beasts, her heart warm from his joyful laughter.

She’d missed this more than she realized.

Their space. Their lagoon and shelter. Their own private slice of paradise, hidden from the world.

They’d finally come back, and not far below them, just down the hill, everything was perfect and untouched, just as they’d left it.

Their own special retreat far from the outside world whenever they felt the need to visit it.

The animals were in excellent health, but given their robust nature, it was to be expected.

Still, it relieved her to see they had clearly eaten well and faced no hardships in their absence.

But it was also clear that having their people back was an immense joy, and one that had them jumping with puppy dog energy.

Maria stretched her arms wide, breathing deep, the power of the sun flowing into her Infala, the rune gently tugging on her mate’s, calling him closer.

“Yes, love?”

She leaned over and gave him a kiss. “Just that.”

“I’m quite happy to provide that and more, should you desire.”

“You know I do, Cowboy,” she said, taking his hand in hers and turning toward the path down the hill. “C’mon, baby. Let’s go home.”