The Prince's Guard
Epilogue

Boots thudded against paving slabs, his strides quick… yet confident. He smiled politely at the wolves he passed, receiving warm greetings and smiles in return, “Good morning, My Prince.” A female waved at him.

“Morning.” He nodded, continuing on his way. He reached the bakers, collecting the bread he’d placed on order, before heading to the butchers. The repeats of ‘good mornings’ and ‘hellos’ following him around.

It wasn’t something that he minded anymore.

It was actually quite refreshing being spoken to rather than everyone shying away from him, or looking away.

Or whispering.

That didn’t happen anymore. It had taken a few months for the pack to settle down, get used to the idea of same-sex mateships. Now, a year later, other’s didn’t even bat an eye. He’d heard other packs weren’t being quite as open, but he was confident it would become the norm within his nephews’ generation.

After picking up everything he’d sought out for, he went towards the palace, turning off just before the obstacle courses, heading into the trees. The path wasn’t too well-trodden yet, but it would be. There was a crumpled path letting him know he was going the right way. Not that he could ever forget the way.

After a two minute walk, a large, ten-foot-high stone wall greeted his eye. It had been an insistence from Marc, Jesse, Trey and his father. Overkill? Yes. The only way for them to leave the palace? Also yes.

It did add privacy, privacy he craved. So he couldn’t complain too much.

Skirting around the structure, he nodded to a guard stationed a little way off from the thick wooden door, turning the iron handle revealed his home… as of today.

Stepping over the small bridge that arched over the stream, his feet bounced over soft, spongy moss to the front door.

Home.

It wasn’t just the building, it was the smell that greeted him.

Smokey and sweet. All Jaxson.

Not that he was there, he’d gone to gather the last of their possessions, despite Chris saying a guard or cleaner would do it.

But no, Jaxson insisted.

He supposed it was the same him going to town to get their food. He still could have Chef prepare their meals, but there was something comforting about doing it himself. It was also an excuse for Jaxson to cook, turned out, he made a mean fresh pasta which was a rare treat.

A little while later, the sun was higher in the sky, their house was looking more like a home. “There!” Chris announced after hanging the picture Victor had painted. He’d even used the hammer all on his own. He looked around the log cabin. Pride swelling his chest. It looked perfect. He smiled to himself, it had been six months since he plucked up the courage to ask Marc if he could leave the palace.

It hadn’t taken too much convincing… only a month of begging.

“Ah, shit!”

He rushed out to the sound of pain, “Jax?”

“Fine… chisel slipped,” he mumbled through sucking on the outside of his hand.

“Let me.” Chris took his mate’s hand in his, licking the gash. It sealed instantly. He soon found a hand around the back of his neck.

“Thanks.” Jaxson kissed his nose before turning back to the log with gouge marks over it.

“What are you doing?” Chris asked, eyeing the mess.

“Trying to make a seat.”

“You know the builders could do that.”

“I know… I want to. It’ll go perfectly next to the stream so you can sit on something rather than the floor.”

Chris leant his head on Jaxson’s shoulder, smiling at the stream. They’d found the perfect place.

He soon found Jaxson’s arm around his waist, tugging him closer into his side. “I really should get on, you’re being very distracting,” Jaxson mumbled, wrapping his other arm around Chris.

“I live to distract you. Did they get the house right?”

Chris had only asked twenty-seven times.

“Yes. They couldn’t have got it wrong, I oversaw the whole thing.”

“Yeah… but.”

“Chris.” Jaxson grabbed his chin, glaring at him. “I love it, I was always going to love it. Stop worrying. The most important thing is you like it.”

Chris looked the two-story log cabin over. A circular window decorated the apex of the A-frame roof that held the three bedrooms. It was a similar size to the suite in the palace really. Tonight would be their first night in it… and Chris was looking forward to that.

“I love it,” he stated honestly. The white lies he used to tell to make others happy, were fewer, he’d worked hard to be more himself… with the help of his mate of course. “It’s everything I imagined and more. It’s us.”

“It is,” Jaxson agreed, tugging him back into his chest, his face burying into Chris’ neck; a place he always wished to be.

“You know…” Chris started. “I’d quite like to ensure the bed is sturdy enough. I wasn’t one-hundred percent when I saw it.”

“Hmm? I’d be more worried about the floor beams. The bed may go straight through.”

“Oh I hadn’t thought of that… may have to give it a proper test?”

Jaxson reached down and kneaded Chris’ crotch. “I’m sick of stabbing my hand anyway.” He grazed their lips before delving deeper, owning Chris’ mouth. “Besides…” he started drawing away, leaving Chris wanting more. “I’m hungry.” Jaxson’s knees thudded the leaf-strewn ground, making quick work of Chris’ belt.

Flinging his head back in perfect pleasure as heat surrounded him. He stroked Jaxson’s hair lightly, his fingers gliding through the soft, silky strands a moment before Chris looked beyond the orange and yellow leaves, spotting the moon despite the sun casting light over the land. He muttered a prayer of thanks to the Goddess, for he knew… she’d always been right.

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