Page 121 of Death and Donuts

The second floor’s construction was finished—the rooms, the painting, the floors, the appliances—everything.

A plastic-wrapped sectional sofa took up a large portion of the main space, and a pair of wrapped chairs sat off to the side.

“I had the designer pick out some basic furnishings. If there’s something you don’t like, it’ll be easy for us to change it. Now, I promise I’ll take you on a real tour tomorrow. Let’s check the bedroom first.”

As we were headed back there, someone walked out, carrying an armful of plastic.

He saw Cross and nodded.

“I got your message,” he said. “It’s all set up. Let us know how the soundproofing is.”

Cross nodded and continued leading me down a long hallway from the kitchen.

The master suite was jaw-dropping, painted in stunning deep hues that were calming and cozy, even with only a bed to furnish the space. It seemed unfair to use the term “only,” though, when looking at the mammoth piece of furniture. It was solid and looked like it belonged in the Hunters’ estate rather than a newly remodeled urban building.

I ran my hand over the tall bedpost that helped make the towering twelve-foot ceiling look less lofty.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“I do. It’s really pretty. The best part is that it’s already made up.”

He smiled and pulled back the covers even as he indicated another door.

“Do you want to shower first or go straight to bed?”

I wandered over to the bathroom and shook my head in awe.

“If Vena saw this, she’d want to move in.”

“If you came as part of the deal, I agree,” Cross said, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

I smiled and leaned back into his hold.

Sure, his crazy ex was still out there with her world-ending agenda, but here, wrapped in Cross' arms, it didn’t matter.

Everything was finally peaceful again, and we’d worry about Orphia later.

Much later. After a shower and definitely after at least a week of being pampered like a princess.

I couldn’t wait to check out the kitchen when I woke up.

EPILOGUE

Vivian (a.k.a.Pet)

Long after thehuman police left, I knelt beside my Master’s ashes and wept.

“In this life and the next, I am yours, Master. I vow to make them all pay, especially her.”

I removed my phone from my clothes and wiped my face before sending a text.

Me: The west D.C. nest was wiped out by Cross and Shepard.

Queen Bitch: I’m already aware. You should have reported in hours ago. Send Adriel to his Master. It’s time to show them who truly holds the power.

Me: Adriel is dead. You’ll have to find another pawn.

Queen Bitch: That’s why I have you. Go to his Master and tell her Shepard and Cross took her favorite pet from her. Her hunger will be their downfall.

I pocketed my phone and touched the necklace Adriel had given me after our fight with Cross. Protection against all spells. A gift from the current fae queen to her favorite pet, Adriel.

He’d spent centuries serving her and arranging humans to satiate her hunger. She’d cared for him more than the Queen Bitch ever had. Yet, to the fae he’d still been a pawn.

“They will all pay, my love. Blood will be my gift to you in this life and the next.”

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