Liam’s Mate (The Vampire Coalition #4)(16)
Author: J.S. Scott

How had he ever managed to become such a lucky bastard?

Liam joined his mate in sleep with a smile on his lips and his mate clasped protectively in his arms.

Epilogue

Two weeks later, Regan sighed softly as she looked around Nathan’s living room, satisfied that every member of her vampire family was protected. And they were her family now. All of her ties with the mage had been severed completely, but she didn’t regret it. It was actually a relief to be the person she wanted to be and not live in fear of her emotions being exposed.

She had chosen a Celtic cross symbol for protection; the same ancient symbol hung around the neck of every male and their mates in her family. Although the actual meaning of the symbol was a little murky, Regan had always loved the design. She had spelled and fastened each one personally around each recipient’s neck and no amount of force could ever remove them. Regan was the only one with the power to remove the symbol of protection and that would never happen.

Regan reached up a finger and traced her own symbol that she had fashioned for herself. It was exactly the same as the ones she had made for Sasha, Callie and Brianna; a smaller, more delicate version of those she had made for the males.

Regan had wanted to give one to Daric, but the prince had gracefully refused, stating that it wouldn’t work on him, though he offered no further explanation.

Rory and Liam stood together across the room, their faces beaming with so much joy that Regan’s heart stuttered as she watched them. They smiled as if they shared secrets, secrets that should have always been shared between twins.

Regan took a sip of champagne and her lips formed a smile as Nathan and Ethan joined Rory and Liam, emitting roars of laughter and much back-slapping for their newly mated brother.

“It a real Kodak moment, isn’t it?” Callie stated softly, as all four of the female mates watched their partners with obvious affection.

“If only we had a camera?” Sasha said mournfully.

“I don’t think we’ll need it.” Brianna popped her comment in lightly.

Regan had to agree. She was hopeful that this was the way it would be forever. “I think the brothers will truly be brothers now,” Regan nodded absently, her eyes unable to leave her mate.

“I’m just sorry for all of the pain you suffered, Regan,” Callie murmured quietly, sadly.

Regan shifted her gaze from her mate and looked at the women, all of whom she now considered sisters. “Don’t be. As I keep reminding Liam, it was one night of my life. I will have so many others that are filled with happiness that it just doesn’t matter. I know any one of you would have done the same for your mate. I would do it all over again if the end result was having Liam as my mate. I’d walk through fire for him.”

“As he would for you, my love.” Regan shivered as strong, masculine arms slid around her from behind, wrapping her in Liam’s protective embrace. His mouth beside her ear, he whispered quietly in a voice meant only for her, “Are you ready to go home? I’m not sure I can continue to see you in that f**k-me dress without stripping it from your body and tasting every inch of your skin.”

Regan’s pulse elevated as she saw images of Liam doing just that in her mind. “Stop that, Liam!” She turned in his arms and smacked him on the shoulder for projecting his erotic images into her head. “This is our mating party. Behave.”

He put an innocent expression on his face as he answered, “I’ve been a model mate all night and I’ve helped my brothers consume all of the food and drink.” He shot her a wicked glance, one that she had a hard time not responding to. “Now I want to devour my mate.”

“Get a room, you two,” Nathan boomed as he pulled Sasha against him.

All four men had joined them and had their mates firmly at their sides.

Regan pulled Liam’s head down and whispered seductively in his ear. “I got a beautiful mating gift from my sister and sister-in-laws.”

“Where is it?” Liam asked curiously.

“Underneath this f**k-me dress.” Regan flashed him an image of herself that she had seen in the mirror before pulling her dress on this evening. The sexy lingerie was sinful and Regan had loved it.

“Christ, Regan,” Liam strangled out as he received the images. “If I had known that, we never would have left the house.”

“I know. That’s why I didn’t tell. It was a little…surprise.”

Liam’s eyes were dark and dangerous as he pulled back and his gaze swept down her body, undressing her with his eyes as though he could see beneath the black silk dress that hugged her curves and showed plenty of cle**age. His breathing was ragged as he leaned forward, his mouth against her ear. “You’ll pay for this torture later, my beloved mate,” he growled.

Ah…her caveman was here. “I’m counting on it,” she answered softly, shivering with anticipation.

Knowing her time was limited; Regan pulled away from Liam and hugged each one of his brothers and their mates, thanking them for the lovely mating party. “Where’s Daric?” Regan looked around curiously, wanting to bid the prince farewell.

“He had to go, but he told me to tell you that it’s been delightful and he hopes to see you again soon,” Liam grumbled, obviously not happy that his prince appeared besotted with his mate.

“He’s so awesome,” Sasha sighed as she grasped Nathan’s hand.

“He is our prince. He is not awesome,” Nathan muttered.

Regan laughed lightly as she looked at Liam, Rory and Ethan who were all nodding approvingly at their brother’s statement.

Oh Lord…every one of the Hale brothers obviously had a little bit of caveman in him!

Ethan and Brianna faded away, followed by Rory and Callie. Nathan and Brianna looked like they were more than ready for bed. Or a couch. Or a chair. Or any other surface for that matter.

Regan wrapped her arms around Liam’s neck and placed her head on his shoulder. “I’m ready, Liam.”

“Damn good thing, because I was ready hours ago.” Liam gave an exaggerated sigh and wrapped his arms lovingly around Regan’s waist.

“Then take me home, caveman,” Regan requested in a sultry voice.

“As fast as I can drag you to my dark little cave, my love,” Liam agreed in a naughty voice that had Regan laughing as the happy couple faded out of sight.

~ The End~