EPILOGUE
SERAPHINA
I stood in my newly opened wine and bookstore—the Lusty Wine and Book Bar—feeling proud and accomplished. The grand opening was a resounding success, with most of the town, my closest friends, and members of my coven and pack coming to celebrate.
Emmett, my mate, stood beside me, his hand resting on the small of my back. He leaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said. “And you look amazing tonight.” His eyes roamed over my outfit—a black halter gown with a thigh-high slit that showed off my legs.
I turned to face him, smiling. “You don’t look so bad yourself, handsome,” I replied, running my fingers along his dress shirt. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
His grip on my waist tightened. “I’ll always be here for you, sunshine. You’re stuck with me forever.” He sealed his vow with a kiss that left me breathless. Someone called his name, interrupting our kiss. Pressing his forehead to mine, he said, “It’s time to mingle… again. I can’t wait for time alone with you.”
“Soon.” I gave him a quick kiss, and then we went in different directions to greet our guests.
I took a deep breath, enjoying the smells of books and wine.
The store looked just how I wanted—cozy and inviting—with lots of books. Emmett’s help made it perfect.
As I walked through the crowd, greeting guests and saying thanks, I was reminded how much I loved the space. Wooden beams, soft lights, and green walls with red and brown touches made it feel warm and welcoming. Comfy chairs for reading and drinking wine. Music played as people enjoyed wine, food, and books.
As I passed by the romance section, I spotted Chester, the town’s busybody, looking at a book with a shirtless cowboy on the cover. His eyes narrowed as he looked up, his cowlick sticking up.
“Seraphina,” he said. “What kind of place are you running here? This cowboy is missing a shirt. It’s indecent!”
I tried not to smile, keeping a straight face. “It’s a romance novel. Readers love shirtless cowboys.”
He grunted, but I noticed his fingers gripping the book. He leaned in closer, whispering, “How much is it?”
I tried not to laugh, quoting the price. He looked around before tucking the book under his arm.
“I’m just buying it to protect the innocent minds of Black Forest Ridge,” he said, his face going red. He looked embarrassed.
“Of course.” I nodded. “I’m sure you’ll give it a very thorough investigation.” I almost smiled, knowing he’d likely read every word.
Just as Chester was leaving, Flora Mae Bennett—the owner and reporter for the Ridge Herald—showed up. “What are you two talking about without me?” she asked, her eyes curious, trying to see the book that Chester was hiding.
“Nothing that concerns you, Flora,” Chester said angrily.
Flora looked closer. “Is that a romance novel you’re trying to hide?” she asked sweetly. “I didn’t know you were such a fan of shirtless cowboys.”
Chester stuttered, his face getting redder. “I-I— It’s not what it looks like!” he said, holding the book tight.
I laughed, watching as Chester and Flora fought over the book.
Just then, I heard Nova’s voice call out, “Phina, this place is incredible!” I turned to see her coming my way. I met her halfway and gave her a hug.
“Thank you for coming,” I said.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” she replied. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“I couldn’t have done it without all of you,” I said, feeling happy. I looked for Emmett across the room. I missed him.
“We’re pack,” Nova said. “We’ll always have your back. But don’t let me keep you. There are guests to greet.”
“See you later,” I said before walking around the store, saying hi to everyone. I watched as people looked at books and tried wines, laughing and talking. Emmett, Mack, Quinn, and Rhett were arguing about wine.
“I’m telling you, the ’09 is better than the ’11,” Quinn said, swirling his wine.
Rhett shook his head, smiling. “You’re wrong, bro. The ’11 has more depth and complexity.” He sipped his wine and made a big “Mmm” sound.
“You wouldn’t know complexity if it bit you in the ass,” Quinn said, drinking his wine.
“Wanna bet?” Rhett asked, his eyes playful. “I’ll wager my superhero underwear that the ’11 is better.”
Mack, who had been watching and smiling, said, “I didn’t know you collected superhero underwear, Rhett. Do you wear them too or just look at them?”
Quinn laughed so hard he almost spat out his wine. “Oh, this I have to hear. Do you dance in your Batman briefs, Rhett?”
“They’re special,” he said. “And by the way, I’d look damn good wearing them. That’s what Nova tells me.”
Emmett, who had been quietly sipping his wine, raised his eyebrows at Rhett’s words. “I don’t know, man,” he said playfully. “I think I might need some proof. Why don’t you model them for us?”
I laughed, thinking about Rhett walking around in his superhero underwear.
“Heck no,” Rhett said.
Mack and Quinn looked at each other, grinning. “Come on, Rhett,” Mack said. “You can’t make a claim like that and not back it up. Show us what you’ve got!”
“I hate you all,” Rhett muttered, finishing his wine. “Fine. But if any of you tell anyone, I’ll make sure you all end up on the town’s Most Wanted list.”
The four men stared at one another for a long moment before laughing loudly, making others look over.
I laughed too. I felt love and thanks for these men who had become my pack and family.
Emmett winked at me, and I felt my heart fill with joy for this amazing man who had made me fall in love. I gave him a quick kiss before leaving them to their fun.
Roaming the room, I found Imani, Piper, and Aurora browsing through the vintage books. Imani pulled out an old book, carefully turning the pages.
“These are amazing, Phina,” Imani said, her fingers touching the gold letters. “Where did you find them?”
“Some are from Nina’s collection,” I explained, smiling sadly. “Others I’ve obtained from different places.”
Piper nodded. “Your grandmother would be so happy to see her work continue with you.”
Aurora put her arm in mine, giving me a gentle squeeze. “And we’re all so proud of you too. You’ve created something truly special here.” Her words made me happy, filling me with a sense of belonging.
“Phina, you’ve got to try this Oregon pinot noir,” Emmett called out, waving me over to the wine tasting area.
“Later, ladies,” I said before going to Emmett. He handed me a glass, his fingers touching mine. I took a sip, enjoying the taste. “Mmm, delicious,” I said.
Someone called his name and waved him over. “Go,” I said with a playful smack on his ass.
“No rest for the wicked,” he said before giving me a quick kiss and walking away with a wink that made my heart beat faster.
Walking through the guests, I found Shuri, who had taken a seat near the giant, butterfly-adorned fireplace, reading a stack of novels and drinking red wine. “This cabernet is so good, Phina,” Shuri called out, raising her glass to me. “And these books. I can’t wait to read them.”
“Enjoy,” I said, giving her a smile.
I walked over to Nyx, Adina, Rose, and Izzy, who sat on comfy couches next to lamps, chatting happily with Jasper as he placed three wineglasses in front of them on the ornately carved wooden table with a glass top. Brody poured half servings of sparkling wine, dry sherry, and red vermouth—served on the rocks with orange—into their crystal stemware to taste. Adina took a sip of the sparkling wine, her eyes lighting up.
“Oh my goodness, this is so good!” Adina said. “You certainly know your way around a lady’s likes, don’t you, Brody?”
Brody laughed, smiling. “Just because I own a Brewstillery doesn’t mean that’s all I know. I’m a man of many talents, darling.” He gave her a wink.
Nyx rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her red vermouth. “Down, boy. We’re here to celebrate Phina, not stroke your ego—or anything else, for that matter.”
Jasper gave me a wink. “You know Brody. He’s never afraid to flirt.”
Rose playfully swatted Jasper’s arm. “And you’re not much better, you smooth-talking tiger,” she said.
“What can I say? It’s a gift,” Jasper replied as he flexed his biceps, the movement causing his shirt to strain against his impressive muscles.
I grinned. “You boys play nice now,” I said. “Or I’ll have to send Emmett to keep you in line.”
Brody and Jasper pretended to look scared, putting their hands on their chests.
“Oh please, anything but that. We promise to behave, we swear,” Brody replied.
“Whatever.” I laughed. “See you later.”
Servers walked around the crowd, offering trays of mouthwatering appetizers. The smell of Imani’s fried goat cheese, black-truffle flatbread, prosciutto flatbread, and pear-and-brie flatbread filled the air.
“Seraphina, these appetizers are to die for,” Heidi, who worked at the sheriff’s office as an administrative assistant, gushed, popping a fried goat cheese ball into her mouth. “You’ve truly thought of everything.”
“I can’t take all the credit.” I smiled, looking at Imani. “She’s the one who created the menu and made all the food. And we can’t forget Aurora’s heavenly desserts.”
Aurora had baked everything on the dessert table and was making sure everything looked perfect. The dessert table was one of the most frequented spots of the night. For the display, she used unexpected fixtures such as bar carts, barrels, and modern bookcases adorned with florals to house a variety of delicious sweet bites such as lemon bars, limoncello cheesecake bars, millionaire shortbread, white chocolate panna cotta with dark chocolate sauce, and vanilla custard with bourbon-caramel sauce served in individual glasses.
“I think I’ve died and gone to dessert heaven,” Bessie said, reaching for a millionaire shortbread.
Aurora laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just wait until you try the vanilla custard with bourbon-caramel sauce. It’s wickedly delicious.”
Freya pulled me aside and hugged me. “Your grandmother would be so proud of you, Phina,” she said. “You’ve created a truly special place here, a place where people can enjoy books, wine, and one another.”
I felt thankful for Freya’s words. “That’s what I’m hoping,” I said, trying not to cry. “Thank you, Freya. For everything.”
Freya gave me a side hug. “I should thank you, Guardian. You saved us all from Obsidian.” I felt sad remembering that night. I sensed Emmett’s soothing calm through our mating bond. My eyes found his, and he winked at me, a playful gesture that never failed to make me happy.
As the evening continued, the wine and bookstore filled with laughter, talking, and clinking glasses. Guests danced on the dance floor. Emmett was near me, his hand always finding mine, showing how much we loved each other.
At one point, Quinn got on the small stage, smiling. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “It is my great pleasure to introduce the woman of the hour, Seraphina Moreau Harding.”
The crowd cheered and applauded. Emmett gave me a gentle push, his eyes full of love. “Go on, sunshine. Show them what you’re made of,” he said, giving my hand a squeeze.
As I walked to the stage, I looked out at all the people, each one a testament to the journey that had brought me to this moment with the help of my friends, my pack, my community.
“Thank you all for coming here tonight. It has been my dream to open a wine and book bar that is a welcoming gathering place for people from all walks of life to come together over books and wine,” I said, glancing at all the friendly, smiling faces. “And tonight you made my dream come true.” I raised my glass in a toast, my voice thick with emotion, as I knew I had finally found my place in the world, my home, and my forever. “To new beginnings,” I said, looking at Emmett. “And to the love and support that makes them possible.”
The crowd raised their glasses together. And as the night went on, filled with laughter and banter, I knew I had discovered something truly special—a family tied together by friendship and love.
The music from the live band filled the air. Emmett wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close. Dancing with my mate, I felt alive, loved, and cherished.
The lights dimmed. He took my hand, leading me up the staircase into the library room that was closed to visitors. Pressing me against the wall, he kissed me, our bodies close, his hands roaming over my body, his fingers moving along the curve of my waist, the swell of my hips.
With a low growl, he broke the kiss, his eyes hungry. “Panties off,” he said.
Under my dress, I pushed down my panties, enjoying the thrill of making love with guests downstairs.
He knelt before me. “Put your leg over my shoulder.”
Holding on to him, I did as he said, desire coiling tight within me. I gasped, my heart racing, as his mouth found my pussy, his tongue flicking against my sensitive flesh, his lips sucking and nipping, his fingers gripping my thigh. I moaned, my body shaking, my legs weak as he licked and sucked me, driving me closer to the edge until I came apart with a strangled cry.
“Mine,” he growled, before nipping my inner thigh, then lowering my leg.
“Yours,” I whispered. My heart and body belonged to this powerful, magnificent male—my mate, my equal, my everything.
He stood up, hugging me. “I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you,” I replied.
He was my other half, my soul mate, the one person who understood me better than anyone else.
***