Stella came back inside and immediately came to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against him.
“Why didn’t you tell us Greg’s name?” he asked.
“Because you all would have gone after him immediately. I needed to cripple him somehow. I had a spell, but it takes time to perform it just right. Then I wanted to meditate over it. Grandma always said to meditate over the spells that mean the most. It helped. He wasn’t nearly as strong as he should have been.”
“You’ve saved me in more ways than one. I never thought I would live a life that was worthy of a mate like you. I will forever be thankful,” he said before tenderly kissing her forehead.
“It’s me who is thankful. I’ve waited a long time for you. I love you, Rick.”
Chapter Thirty
Stella
Dawn came for the next day, and the group was still at The Kamp. A weary and battle-torn Austin finally rose from his chair. Stella watched him, careful to ensure the poison was out of his system. She was thankful no one else had been harmed. Rick’s wounds and bruises had been easy to heal.
“So, now what?” Kate asked, breaking their silence.
They all looked around at each other.
“We start popping out babies now!” Veronica laughed.
Everybody else joined in. Justin squeezed his mate tight, sharing a tender smile.
“Speaking of which, Jasper and I should probably make the official announcement,” Emma said.
Stella’s eyes snapped to her daughter. Emma stood as tears welled in her eyes. Stella’s were already falling down her cheeks. She pulled her daughter into her embrace. Jasper took his congratulations from the guys in the form of handshakes and slaps on the back. As soon as Stella released Emma, Kate jerked her into another hug. Veronica was right after her.
They all toasted one more drink to Emma’s news. Their battle was over. Stella looked at Rick and couldn’t believe that he was her mate. She couldn’t believe she was a healer. The tears continued to fall as joy and sleep deprivation set in.
“I think it’s time I take my mate home,” Rick said, grabbing her hand. “I couldn’t ask for a better pack to be a part of. You’ll never how appreciative I am of all you’ve done.”
“It was nothing you wouldn’t have done for any of us. We’re glad to see you alive and well with your mate.”
“We’re all mated now. I honestly never dreamed I would see the day,” Jasper said.
“Me either. I’m glad to be a part of it, though,” Austin said.
They all stood and headed out of The Kamp. Austin locked the door and took a step back, looking around.
“Think it’s all because I bought this bar?” he laughed.
“I don’t know, but it’s been a hell of a safe haven,” Rick said, slapping Austin on the back.
Epilogue
Stella
Four Years Later
Stella stretched her arms over her head as she rose from bed. Rick was already up and about. The door to their bedroom flew open then and in bounced two beautiful little girls. Amelia and Laney bounded through the room and launched themselves onto the bed with Stella. Their giggles were contagious.
“Good morning, Grandma!” they squealed.
“Good morning, my beauties. What’s Grandpa doing?”
“He’s making his world famous pancakes!” Amelia chirped.
“Looks like I’m up just in time, then,” she laughed, tossing the covers off.
The girls led her down the hall to the kitchen. Rick was in fact standing in front of the stove flipping pancakes. Stella walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He leaned back into her slightly.
“Good morning, my love.”
“Morning.”
“Ew, are you guys gonna kiss?” Laney squealed, making a gagging noise.
“Yeah, Mommy and Daddy kiss all the time. It’s gross,” Amelia joined in.
Stella pulled Rick’s head down and planted a kiss on his cheek that sent the girls into a fit of giggles. Then she went over and started fixing herself a cup of coffee. Emma and Jasper had spent the night at Rick’s casino enjoying the spa, and peace and quiet. Stella and Rick had been more than happy to keep their twin daughters.
The girls settled themselves at the kitchen table and quickly devoured the pancakes Rick had served them. Stella hadn’t pinned Rick to be the family man, spending his life building the underworld casino franchise and all. He had taken to it like a fish to water, though. Any spare minute they had, Rick was dragging her over to Jasper’s to see the girls.
Stella’s heart couldn’t handle much more love for the shifter. Then he looked over at her and proceeded to fling a glob of pancake batter at her face. She squealed and ducked, but hadn’t been fast enough. Her face was covered with the batter. The girls jumped up and joined in by flinging syrup-covered pancake pieces at their grandfather.
“You picked the wrong group of women to mess with, shifter,” Stella laughed.
Rick was already backing up and out of the kitchen. Stella grabbed the bowl and advanced on him. The girls had run back to fill their hands with their pancakes again. The food fight was in full swing. Once all the batter was gone and the girls were out of ammunition, they all fell onto the ground, breathless with laughter. The girls bounced on top of Rick with pure joy.
“I’d go to war with you any day,” Rick said, bringing Stella in for a pancake-batter-covered kiss.
“We’re better together, I think.”
“Always together, my love.”
“Oh, great. They’re going to kiss again,” Amelia laughed as the girls ran from the room.
Rick rolled Stella under him and kissed her until they were both breathless. Stella clung to his shirt when he finally pulled away.
“I love you, mate,” she whispered.
“I love you, too.”
The End
Thank you
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Rachel Robins
Saving the Bear (Bear Kamp Book 4) Page 9