Hank stepped closer to them and placed one hand on his mate’s back and the other on Luke’s shoulder. “Son, you never lost it.”
Luke couldn’t quite describe the feeling those words and his mother’s embrace had on him. It was like the anger inside him just dissipated. Still, he knew he had a lot of work to do to make up for years of pushing them away. For now, as they stood still, Luke was content to simply enjoy his mother’s arms around him and his father’s strong hand on his shoulders.
When Riva finally pulled away, she wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked up at him with a smile—one that made her brown eyes light up. “So,” she glanced behind him, “anything you want to tell us?”
Luke turned his head. Georgina was standing there, beaming at him with tears in her eyes. He cocked his head at her, and she nodded, smoothing her hands over her hair and down her shirt as she and Grayson walked closer.
“Ri—Mom, Dad,” he said, placing an arm around Georgina, “this is my mate, Georgina Mills, and her son Grayson.”
“H-how do you do?” Georgina stammered.
Riva’s smile widened. “Georgina, it’s lovely to finally meet you.” Instead of holding her hand out, she opened her arms and brought her in for an embrace.
Hank, meanwhile, bent down to Grayson’s level. “Hi Grayson, it’s nice to meet you."
Grayson stayed behind her and kept his face hidden, but Georgina nudged him. “Say hi, sweetie. He’s Luke’s dad.”
That seemed to alleviate his shyness and he slowly moved toward Hank.
Hank gave him a warm smile. “Thank you for helping everyone in Blackstone. You saved the entire town.”
His mouth hung open. “I did?”
Hank nodded. “You did. I heard you were very brave, escaping from the bad men and coming here to warn us about the bombs.”
He looked up at his mother. “Mommy said I could do it. She believed in me.”
Riva, who had bent down next to her husband, looked up at Luke warmly. “Yes, mommies tend to do that.” She turned back to Grayson. “Hello, Grayson.”
“Say hi to Miss Riva,” Georgina urged.
“Hello, Miss Riva,” he said.
Riva grinned. “Please. Call me Grams.”
As more and more people arrived on Main Street, Hank shuffled them to the sidewalk to allow the emergency crews to start working. Police Chief Meacham told them they had rounded up all of The Organization’s hired goons and were taking them to the station. Christina also said her brothers were taking care of all the bombs and diffusing them for real.
“We should see if anyone else needs help,” Hank said to his wife, then turned to Luke. “Why don’t you come to the castle tonight? I’m sure we could all use some time to unwind and celebrate, after today. We’ll have everyone over.”
“That sounds great,” Luke said.
“We’ll see you later, then, Luke, Georgina, Grayson,” Riva said before Hank led her away.
Luke bent down and picked up Grayson with one arm, then put his other arm around Georgina. He pulled them close, his lion roaring in happiness as he held the two most important people in the world.
Epilogue
Georgina shut down her computer and stretched her arms overhead. Another work day done. She was glad to finally be headed home. And, to top it all off, it was Friday. She wanted nothing more than to spend every minute of Saturday and Sunday with Luke and Grayson. Maybe they could have brunch at Rosie’s and then catch a movie in the afternoon. Sybil wanted to get together at some point, too. Kate was apparently having some crisis and needed a girl’s night. If she could convince Luke to babysit on Saturday evening, she could manage it.
It was hard to believe the attack on Blackstone had been over a week ago. Sure, everyone still seemed guarded and on edge, but for the most part, things had returned to normal. They were still repairing the damage to Main Street, and the road was closed, though a few businesses remained open. Everyone was volunteering to help with repairs, while places like Rosie’s, Giorgio’s, and the other restaurants were donating food and refreshments. There was talk of a grand re-opening, which would be a celebration of sorts.
The entire town had been swept for bombs and other dangers. Christina, whom Georgina found out was actually the head of the Blackstone Division of the Shifter Protection Agency, said they had gotten rid of all the explosives. She did, however, warn them that this wasn’t the end. Though The Chief had been captured and taken away, The Organization was possibly still operating out there. The Blackstone SPA was making it their mission to stamp them out.
The elevator dinged, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the clock. It was after six. Who could it be? Matthew had left to go to a dinner meeting, while Jason practically lived at the SPA headquarters on the 15th floor with Christina. She wasn’t expecting anyone to come, much less this late.
Moments later, Riva and Hank Lennox stepped out, with, much to Georgina’s surprise, Grayson between them, his hands tucked into theirs. The older couple had decided to stay in Blackstone for another week or so before continuing with their ‘round-the-world’ trip. Georgina, Luke, and Grayson spent almost every evening having dinner at Blackstone Castle with them and the whole family. Just last night, they had a goodbye dinner for Nathan and Violet, who were headed back to Eritana to continue with the building of the orphanage.
“Mommy!” Grayson cried, running to her and hugging her legs. “Grams and Pop-pop got me out of daycare!”
“That’s nice of them,” she said, ruffling his hair. Then, she turned a confused look at Riva and Hank. “I’m so sorry, Luke didn’t mention we would be having dinner again or anything. Not that I mind, though Meg’s cooking certainly isn’t doing anything for my figure,” she said with a laugh.
Riva and Hank looked at each other. “Actually—” Riva was interrupted by the sound of the elevator’s arrival. “Ah, looks like I won’t have to stall after all.”
“Stall?” Georgina asked. When she saw the familiar figure standing in the doorway, it made her even more confused. “Luke?”
Luke was wearing a suit and carrying a large bouquet of roses in one hand. His hair was bound back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and his beard was neatly trimmed. She thought Luke looked good in t-shirts and jeans (and nothing at all), but in formal wear, he was even more handsome. He looked polished and sophisticated, but there was still that air of danger around him. His tawny golden eyes were looking straight at her, sending a thrill through her.
“Hello, Georgina.”
“Don’t you look nice,” she said. “What’s going on?”
Grayson tugged at her skirt. “I’m going to stay at the castle tonight. Pop-pop said he’d show me how the dragons land and take off from the balcony, then we’re going for a ride!”
“I don’t want to impose—”
“Grayson could never be an imposition,” Riva said. “We love having him.” She lowered her voice. “And it’ll give you two time alone.”
Georgina glanced over at Luke. Though he’d been staying over at their house nearly every night, it had been difficult finding some intimate time, especially with Grayson just down the hallway. They’d had a few quick fumbles in the shower in the mornings while he was asleep, but that was about it.
“Are we having dinner out?” she asked.
Luke gave her a wolfish smile. “Among other things. We should get going.”
“Wait!” Grayson walked over to Luke and motioned for him to come down to his level. Luke bent down, and the boy whispered something in his ear. “Thank you, and I will,” Luke said with a nod, then stood up. “Okay, now we can go.”
She waited for Luke, Grayson, or anyone, really, to provide an explanation, but no one did. With a shrug, she got her purse and followed them as they headed to the elevator.
They got to the parking lot, and she said goodbye to Hank, Riva, and Grayson as Luke led her away.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” she asked.
<
br /> Luke looked ahead. “Nope.”
She smiled at him wryly. This was certainly new, but then again, she found she was learning so many things about Luke every single day. Like how patient and kind he was, especially when it came to Grayson. Or how sweet and affectionate he could be. She even joked he was like a big kitty cat, with the way he was always rubbing his nose against her cheek or hair. She thought he would find offense with that, but he just laughed.
They stopped in front of a shiny new navy blue truck, and Luke fished some keys out of his pocket before leading her to the passenger side seat. “New truck?”
“The old one wasn’t safe,” he said. “Not for you or Grayson.”
He helped her up, closed the door, and walked around to the driver’s seat. Georgina waved to Jenkins the guard as they drove out of the parking lot.
“Are you hungry?” he asked. “It’s going to be a long drive.”
“No, I’m good, but really, where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” was all he said.
At first, she thought they might be having dinner at the French restaurant or Giorgio’s, but instead of heading into town, Luke turned the opposite way and headed up into the mountains. This was getting more and more confusing by the minute.
After driving for an hour, Luke turned off the highway and onto a small, rough road. A few minutes later, when they emerged from the thick cover of trees, Georgina gasped at what was in front of them.
The glittering lake in the middle of the mountains was gorgeous. The water was a perfect, clear blue and sparkled as the sun’s late afternoon rays hit it, filling the valley with light.
“Where are we?” she asked, as she peered out the window.
“The lake doesn’t have a name, but most people call it Blackstone Lake. It’s private property, though Lennox has their annual summer picnic here.” Luke drove for a few more minutes, then pulled into a paved driveway. Up ahead was a small log cabin.
“Oh. Is this where you live?”
He shook his head. “Nah, my place isn’t as fancy as this. This was the site of Lucas Lennox’s original cabin. When he won the mountains in a card game, he came here and built his home on this spot, with the help of his cousin Eustace Walker. It had been abandoned for decades, but when Dad started working less, he turned it into a getaway of sorts. He and Uncle James spent a week every summer building it together, just like Lucas and Eustace did. But they never really found the time to come here.”
He parked the car and cut the engine, then got out and walked to her side.
“If I had known you were getting dressed up, I would have, too,” she said as she took his hand and let him help her down.
“You look beautiful.” Instead of letting her get on her feet, he lifted her into his arms, then bent his head and kissed her. Georgina practically melted against him. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day. And other things.”
A shiver went through her at his words. She waited for him to kiss her again, but he set her down. He grabbed her hand and tugged at her. “C’mon. The sun’s almost setting.”
Georgina followed him toward the cabin, walking around the wraparound porch to the back. The view here was even more amazing, as it overlooked the lake. And to her surprise, there was a table in the middle of the back porch, set up with a white tablecloth, flowers, candles, and fancy silverware.
“What is this?” she asked.
“My surprise. I mean, Meg cooked the dinner and all I have to do is get it out of the kitchen. But first, I need to show you something.”
Luke led her to the edge of the porch, to where the dock stretched out into the lake. It really was beautiful here—with the sun setting in the distance, the lake underneath them, and the fresh mountain breeze blowing softly. “Luke, it’s—Luke?”
As she turned around, she saw Luke on one knee behind her, something shiny between his fingers. The huge diamond’s sparkle was even more brilliant than the lake’s clear blue waters.
“Georgina, you’re already my mate, but if you would do me the honor of being my wife, too, I promise I’ll be the best husband to you and father to Grayson. I will love you both until the last breath leaves my body and even after then.”
Her throat constricted at the emotions welling up inside her. She would have been satisfied with just being his mate; this was much more than she could have ever hoped for. “Of course,” she managed to say. “Yes, I will marry you!”
Luke slipped the ring on her finger and got to his feet. His hands wrapped around her waist and then pulled her to him. “I love you so much,” he whispered.
“Are we really alone out here?” she asked.
“Very,” he said.
“Hmm … I don’t know about you, but I’m not very hungry.”
He didn’t need further encouragement, it seemed, as he swept her up off her feet and walked her toward the cabin. Luke moved with such speed, she didn’t have time to admire the cabin’s interior before being laid down on a soft bed.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” she admitted, lowering her gaze.
His eyes lit up in amusement. “What, quickies in the shower with Marvel Man toys don’t do it for you?”
She tossed a throw pillow at him, which he easily lobbed away. He stepped back, and as his fingers began to unbutton his coat jacket, Georgina held her breath. Luke really was a fine specimen of a man. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he began to undress, revealing his well-muscled chest, powerful tattooed arms, and defined eight-pack abs. He unzipped his pants and shucked them, along with his underwear, off in one motion. His cock was already rock hard and standing at attention. Her own panties grew wet, just thinking of what was about to happen.
For a large man, he really was very graceful. He crawled over to her, taking her shoes off and tossing them over his shoulder. With a wicked smile, he nuzzled at her ankles, up her legs, and then pushed her skirt over her waist.
She stifled a moan when his tongue licked at the damp fabric of her panties. He yanked them aside and stroked her lips with his tongue, lashing at her core and making her hips buck in urgency. He yanked her panties down and quickly threw them aside. When he plunged his tongue inside her, she dug her hands into his hair and squeezed her thighs around his head.
“Ohhh … Luke!” She was surprised by how fast her orgasm came. He didn’t stop, however, and continued to lick at her until her body stopped trembling.
Luke reached under her to undo her skirt and slid it off her body. Shyness suddenly filled her as she lay there in the light, bared to him. All the other times, it had been dark or they were in such a hurry that they never had time to really look at each other’s body. Feeling self-conscious, she placed her hand over her stretch marks and the soft flesh of her belly.
“No,” he said, pulling her hands away. “Never hide from me.”
Her heart clenched, watching him reverently place soft kisses on her stomach. When he was done, he moved higher, unbuttoning her blouse and baring her breasts along the way. His mouth was warm and wet as it closed over one nipple, sucking it deep. She could feel his cock, digging at her hips, smearing his pre-cum over her skin.
“Please, Luke. Love me,” she whispered.
He popped the nipple out of his mouth and looked up at her with his fierce golden eyes. “I’m gonna love you all night long, Georgina. And for the rest of our lives.”
Luke positioned himself between her legs, spreading her thighs apart. She felt the tip of his cock press at her opening, and she hoped she was wet enough to accommodate him. She held her breath as he pushed inside her, slowly and deliberately, as she tried to relax her body. When he was all the way in, she was finally able to breathe. When he made his first thrust, she cried out his name. Then, he continued, pummeling into her and driving her to the edge of her climax. His fingers snaking between them and stroking her clit sent her over.
He continued, thrusting into her a few more times, then rolled them over until she was
on top. He urged her to ride him. Placing her hands on his chest, she began to move her hips, sliding him in and out of her, the friction driving them both wild. They looked in each other’s eyes, getting their rhythm together so he would thrust up at the moment she bore down on him. Oh God, yes … her body was tightening again and …
“Ohhh!” She fell on top of his chest, bracing herself as her orgasm crashed through her body, her hips seemingly moving on their own as she slid him in and out of her. His arms wrapped around her, gripping her as he continued thrusting. A growl escaped his lips, and she felt his body tense. She wasn’t sure if it was their mating bond, but even his orgasms felt intense to her, making her shiver in delight and reveling in the thought that she gave him pleasure. When his breathing evened out, she sighed and relaxed her body as she lay on top of him.
A few minutes later, Luke rolled her over and slipped out of her. He pushed her hair away from her nape and kissed her neck. Sliding his hand over her arm, he moved down so he could entwine their fingers together, the diamond grazing over his palm.
She sighed, then waited a heartbeat before asking, “When should we tell Grayson?”
His chest rumbled in a chuckle. “He already knows.”
“What?”
“I asked his permission. Before I planned this whole thing,” he said, planting a kiss on her shoulder. “I told him I loved you very much and that I love him, too. And that I wanted all of us to be a family, together.”
Her breath hitched. “When we were at the office, what did he whisper to you?”
She felt him smile against her skin. “He said, ‘if Mommy says no, you should bribe her with mac and cheese. It works on me.’”
She chuckled and turned to face him. “No need for mac and cheese, though.” Reaching up, she touched his cheek, the soft hairs of his beard tickled her palm. “I love you, Luke.”
“And I love you, my mate.” His strong arms wrapped around her, then pulled her closer to him. As he kissed her, she felt it all over again. The zing, the warmth, and the love flowing from him. They had fought for their love, for their families, and for each other and come out on the other side scarred but intact. As they lay in each other’s arms, it was as if all the wrongs in the world, their worries and fears, dissipated into thin air, leaving nothing but peace and clarity.
The Blackstone Lion: Blackstone Mountain Book 5 Page 17
