Duke Charming | Craig

Epilogue

*** Six months later ***

I felt his presence long before he entered the bistro, the bell above Nellie's entrance chiming when the door hit it. It was impossible to miss with our bond, and the only way of describing it is the feeling of coming home after a long day at work. Home to his loving embrace and his hands squeezing my arse when he kisses me hello.

It's a presence I'd sense a mile away, and I, his mate and wife, would never tire of how drunk on desire it left me in.

"There she is!" Craig's eyes twinkled as though he was seeing me the first time all over again. "Everyone, this 'ere's my very own wifey, found and married 'er all by myself.

Straightening up from behind the counter, I smiled at the group of tourists he brought in, and signalled Bonnie to grab some menus. "Welcome to Nellie's, everyone. Please, take a seat, relax, and we'll come around shortly to take your orders."

Bonnie was in her element, showing the group to the 'Tourists Only' tables – a clever idea of Craig's after we joined our businesses two months ago. He moved to the building next to mine and now, Nellie's was an official stop on each tour schedule. My business has been blooming, and finally, I could afford to give my staff raises as well as bonuses.

"Funny, lunch wasn't on your itinerary. Didn't you plan on taking them on a picnic?" I quirked a brow, staring pointedly at him.

"Eh, postponed it til tomorrow. I was missin' you to much, Lady Balfour." Craig rounded the counter and grabbed me by the waist. Before I knew it, he dipped me and kissed me for everyone to see. His group cheered loudly, some of the younger guys encouraging him to 'get some'.

I was positively flustered once he placed me back on my feet, leaving me reeling from both the kiss and my new title. "That will take some time getting used to."

Craig officially changed my last name a month after Ash and Rheon got married. Unlike them, we didn't want a big, white wedding with all the packs attending. So, we got married in Culross at that chapel Craig once mentioned, and only invited Seren and Larkin from Bloodrose, Reyna and Alex – and baby Eren – from Nightstar, and my team to the event.

To me and Craig, it was the second happiest day of our lives, the first being the day we met. To Victor, it was another reminder that he was officially the last one in his pack to be single.

"Looks like finding one's mate during weddings is becoming a trend in our family now," he joked that day. "But I guess I'm just above the trends these days. I'll just stay single. Forever."

I told him to be patient, that one day, he'll find that person who'll complete his soul. He'll know it even before it happens. Just look at Craig and me – in the end, he did marry the chef whose croquembouche had him writing his vows that first night I served them at the castle.

He also learned to make pancakes for me at Hamish's insistence.

"So, what can I get for you, lad?" I said smugly, winking at him. "The usual or something new?"

"Does the usual include you on my desk next door?" He returned that smugness tenfold. "I've got 'bout an hour till I'm taking the group out on the bus."

I narrowed my eyes at the clock on the wall, leaving him hanging on purpose. But truthfully, I wasn't wearing a bra, and I couldn't wait for him to discover that little surprise on his own.

"I think I can sneak out for a few minutes."

Craig's excitement could outmatch a child's. Glancing about to make sure no one was watching, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door that joined our buildings.

"Oh, b'fore I forget, do we 'ave plans for dinner yet?" He asked on the way.

I hummed and recalled the menu I worked out for this week's dinners. "I think it's beef wellington tonight. Unless you have a better idea."

"You know, I'm kind of in the mood for pizza – the one you make with the peppers and that spicy sausage."

I smirked. "See, I told you I'd get you to like pizza."

"Only if I get you for dessert."

The door closed just in time to block the view of his hand squeezing my arse, and then it was off to his desk.

THE END