Page 19 of Jorax (Arixxia Fields #4)

Chapter Nineteen: Epilogue

T wo Years Later

Syrryn

The sweet notes of the orchestra float through the glittering ballroom as Jorax whirls me expertly across the dance floor.

One of his large hands is a comforting warmth at my lower back while his other hand grips my own.

His citrine eyes glow with warmth and happiness as they meet mine, crinkling at the corners in a smile.

“Enjoying yourself, my love?” His murmured endearment rolls easily off his tongue in that beloved gravelly voice that never fails to send shivers up my spine.

“Immensely.” I lift on my toes and he bends to oblige me as I brush my nose affectionately against his cheek as we clutch each other on the dance floor.

His earthy scent envelops me. It’s just as comforting as his strong embrace.

“It’s wonderful to see the results of all our hard work saving lives across the galaxy. ”

Pride swells in Jorax’s gaze as he spins me out, and then back into his arms. His movements hold no awkwardness now, our bodies fitting seamlessly together from hours of practice.

“I’m so proud that my husband is known through the galaxy as the mind behind the Eryxi cure.”

“None of it would have happened without your brilliant contributions, Syrryn. I hate that much of the media attention has gone to me when I’ve shouted from the rooftops how your research and discoveries amplify the cure’s effectiveness.” His voice is brimming with sincere humility.

“I don’t need the notoriety, because I’m the winner,” I tell him. “After all, I have you.”

“I’m so proud of you.” His citrine eyes beam at me.

My cheeks heat at his praise. Though the initial breakthrough was Jorax’s, he always credits my subsequent research, which helped optimize delivery methods and maximize the longevity of the immunization. Together we’ve achieved what neither could do alone.

As the dance ends, we drift off the floor, Jorax’s hand resting possessively at my lower back. I bask in his proximity, grateful every day for the compassionate soul I discovered beneath his hulking exterior. Where strangers still recoil in misplaced fear, I see only beauty—within and without.

We mingle comfortably with patrons and potential donors eager to chat with the scientists behind the now-famous Eryxi cure. Though Jorax initially struggled with small talk, he’s grown gradually more at ease engaging with colleagues and strangers alike.

Watching him confidently discuss our process and newest refinements with dignitaries and philanthropists, pride swells within my chest. How far my shy scientist has come from the lonely, overlooked underdog.

I can’t be in this room without remembering the confrontation between Jorax and Icaron two years ago. Who would have predicted that Jorax’s incensed outburst would get the wheels rolling for a second investigation into the explosion?

Recent forensic techniques and a newly discovered recording of the lab that day conclusively proved that Icaron sabotaged Jorax’s experiment. I can’t hide my smirk at the thought that the vampire is serving decades behind bars for what he did to the male I love .

As we pause for refreshments, I touch Jorax’s nape, standing on tiptoe to murmur, “You look exceptionally handsome tonight, Doctor.” We decided to forego the costumes this year, choosing instead to don formal wear. Damn, he looks so freaking hot in a tux.

Delight crinkles the skin around his eyes, and for a moment he clams up. Even after two years together, compliments sometimes disarm him.

“Only so I can remain worthy of your beauty, my dear.” He brushes a loose strand behind my ear, his eyes glinting with happiness and pride.

Watching his innate grace and quiet confidence now, no one would guess what a stumbling, bashful dance student he was under that long-ago setting sun on the grounds of our research facility. Or how his broad shoulders once hunched under the weight of his brilliance going overlooked.

Now self-confidence radiates from his every pore. His researchers admire him, colleagues commend his innovations, and the entire galactic medical community reveres the dedicated scientist who conquered Eryxi. He’s even mentoring young, awkward researchers as someone once should have mentored him.

As we chat lightly between well-wishers and donors, joy bubbles within me.

I squeeze Jorax’s strong hand clasped in mine, meeting his tender gaze.

Something thrums between us tonight—a new beginning.

Because after long talks beneath the stars, we’ve decided it’s time for a small, adorable addition to our family.

Jorax

Pride and awe fill my heart as I embrace Syrryn, and we effortlessly dance across the floor.

Her emerald gown complements her flashing eyes—and my skin.

Candlelight paints gilded highlights across the loose chestnut curls adorning her graceful neck.

Against the glittering ballroom’s opulence, she eclipses everything .

As our bodies sway effortlessly together, I recall how at first I held her formally, afraid of missteps. Now graceful dancing comes as naturally as breathing, our hearts beating to the same rhythm. Her proud smiles each time we spin past admiring gazes warm me hotter than blazing solar flares.

“They’re all staring because you’re the most beautiful woman here,” I rasp near her delicate ear.

Syrryn’s tinkling laugh chases away lingering shadows of past isolation. “Hardly. They recognize the handsome genius who conquered both Eryxi and his brilliant partner.”

Pride cuts through lingering remnants of awkward hesitance from the days her smiles hid pity. No pity lives in her eyes now as she gazes up at me in open admiration—only love. The same boundless emotion that shines nakedly back at her when our gazes meet.

As the final notes fade, we drift off the floor, her petite hand sliding around my arm in easy affection. How often I yearned once for such simple touches. Now I bask in her proprietary caresses, still awed that someone so vibrant loves a male like me.

We chat comfortably with various guests eager to shake my hand—the gnarled knuckles that created the cure that’s healed their children or parents or friends. I speak confidently of our improvements and newest stabilization research, no longer shrinking from the spotlight.

Because with my hand cradling Syrryn’s back, her glowing pride fortifying me, I stand tall. The shy creature who stumbled over his own name when strangers approached is gone. In his place is the scientist, leader, and soon, father I was meant to become.

My throat tightens, picturing a tiny, perfect blend of Syrryn and me. Will our babe have her chestnut curls or my citrine eyes? My resilience or her empathy? Every permutation is a wonder to anticipate.

I caress Syrryn’s still-flat belly when we’re momentarily unobserved, imagining the swell soon to come. She covers my hand, eyes liquid. In her glowing face, I glimpse the radiant mother she’ll be, nurturing our child with infinite patience and compassion.

“Have I told you today how much I love you?” I rasp through the emotion clogging my throat.

“Every time you look at me.” Syrryn stretches onto her toes to brush her petal-soft lips to mine in sweet promise of later passions. For once, the lingering crowds don’t bother me, lost as I am in her. “Let’s go home, my love.”

I tuck her hand next to my elbow, her beautiful face upturned to mine, making me believe I deserve this happiness. As we bid our guests goodnight, joy surges fiercely within me for all the wondrous tomorrows yet to come.