SWNOVELS Chapter Epilogue
Arcadia was a land part way between the mortal world and underworld, but skewed more towards death’s side. Eden was closer to the human world, considering that was were humanity started. It was slowly becoming a home for what was left of the heroes, thanks to Maxine’s bossiness. When I arrived, it was more of a small town than an overgrown garden.
Randall was the first to see me. His cool arms came around me and I squeezed him hard. “Hey, Lyra. Now maybe someone can get control over Max.”
I snorted and blinked back tears. “Not likely. How’s Cassi, by the way?”
His adorable full lips pulled down. “She’s dealing, but she’s heartbroken. She’s been trying to act like everything’s okay. No one’s calling her on it because everyone loves her. It’s gonna take a while.”
I nodded and squeezed his hand once before we went our separate ways. I followed a simple path made of flat river rocks to the new command center, where I knew I’d find Max, Michael, and Loki. I paused at the door for just a second and pushed in before I could chicken out.
The interior of the central town hall was full of light thanks to the abundance of windows. White chairs and couches and black tables filled the room, making it look like some chic office lobby. There was a stage across from the main doors I came through, which Max stood on orchestrating Eden’s rebuild. Michael and Loki were closest to her doing most of the work.
“Hey,” I called when I was only a few feet away. “Is there anywhere that the three of us can talk?”
“There’s an office right back this way,” Max offered helpfully.
She yelled out a few more instructions then led the way to a short hallway and a plain brown door. Inside was a small office space with a desk, filling cabinet, and round meeting table with half a dozen chairs. Max plopped herself into one before I could kick her out and crossed her ankles leisurely. “I’m being nosy.”
There was no point in arguing with her, and I actually didn’t want to. This was normal, my big sister meddling in what constituted as my love life. I let her lean back in her swivel chair while I perched on the edge of the oak conference table, ready to bolt out of the room. I took a huge breath and let it out slowly.
“Let me start by saying that this is not a dime store romance love triangle. I’m not going to play that game.”
“Of course not, Lyra-Rose. I am your guardian and in no way competition for your affections.”
I shut him up with a glare. “I’m not done. And you can’t say that after the pissing contest you two have been in since Loki arrived.
“Loki, I talked to Freya. You’ve both kept up your bargain and you don’t owe her anything.” A slight smile curved his yummy mouth up and I hated to see it disappear with the rest of my spiel. “I’m really sorry that you made that deal to begin with. You shouldn’t have had to spend the last thousand years working for her just because of me. I want you to know that I do love you, but the same way I love Randall and Cassi. I’m sorry.”
His smile was understandably grim. “Don’t be, love. I’ve waited for you for a reason. I just want you to be happy. If that means you’re with someone else, okay. But keep in mind that I’ll be there if you change your mind.”
He stepped up and leaned in close. His large hands held my waist and he kissed the corner of my mouth. This man was sexy as sin and made my knees knock together, but he wasn’t the one I really wanted. It was a quick moment before he pulled back and met my eyes. He seemed to gage my reaction and let out a disappointed breath. With shoulders back, Loki straightened out his navy suit jacket and turned to walk out the door.
I exhaled. One down. Looking at Michael, we just stared at each other for a minute, neither one sure how exactly to break the sudden tension. Here goes nothing. “If it’s not obvious, I’m choosing you. I’m totally in love with you and want us to be together. But if you’re still hung up on that whole duty thing I understand. We can continue as we have since we met. You still know me better than anyone and you’re still the greatest friend I’ve ever had. We don’t have to change our relationship one bit if you don’t want to.”
Silence filled the room. My stomach clenched uncomfortably and I shot my sister a look from the corner of my eye. Her honey eyebrows were in her hairline and I’d never seen those hazel eyes so wide. She watched us like the best damn reality show on TV.
“Well? Are you gonna say anything?”
He didn’t. Instead, he took two large steps and caged me against the table. His warm hands came up to cup my jaw and his mouth descended to mine. His soft lips pressed hard against mine in a sensual dance and my stomach dropped all the way to my toes. My arms automatically went around his neck and I lost all brain function. I was panting when he finally let me up for air. “So I take it you’re done being stubborn?”
His response was another heart stopping kiss.
Max didn’t want to let me go. There were tears in her eyes that nearly broke my heart. “I can handle things here,” she promised after being told she would be formally in charge of Eden. “But I need you to do me a favor. Don’t totally disappear on Mackenzie. She just lost her mom and she’s too young to lose you, too. And keep Mac safe. Please, Lyra, look after my daughter.”
I hugged her tightly. “Promise. She will be very protected. I have an entire legion of guardian angels at my disposal and their new commander just killed a goddess so I think he can handle a four-year-old’s security detail.” I winked at Michael and he grinned back. Max smacked my butt.
“I’m serious, butthead. Take care of her. And Michael, you take care of my sister. It’s about damn time the two of you got together.”
I stepped closer to him and took his hand. He had a look in his eyes of a million promises, utter trust and adoration, and just a tad bit of mischief that told me he could handle my fighting nature. He was truly the only one that knew the real me, and better yet, he brought out my very best side. Looking at him now, I knew that he was my other half, a part of my very soul, my guardian angel.