The Wolf Who Hatched an Egg (18 page)

Reed honked a bit and settled into Liam’s warmth. Shaking his head, Shiloh pulled his clothes on and wrapped his arm around Liam’s waist. Together they made their way out of the park and toward the car.

It was almost lunchtime, and there were many other people around. It should have been unsettling, and it was, to the extent that other shape-shifters still weren’t used to seeing a wolf cuddle a cygnet. But Liam felt quite thankful that Skylar had helped them find
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this place, a more reclusive park reserved for shifters. Here, everyone could come, with the condition that they remain peaceful at all times.

They could shift into their animal forms, teach their children to fly or hunt. Of course, it didn’t feel like the wild, but Liam couldn’t yet afford a house away from the city. Unfortunately, even if both his pack and the swans agreed to their mating, that didn’t mean he, Shiloh, and Reed could live in either location.

He was making arrangements with Brody, though. Brody had the land, and together, they were building a small home for Shiloh, Liam, and Reed. It would be perfect, since that way, Reed would also have playmates and Brody could build his own little pack, like Carson used to say.

In the meantime, though, Liam had found a new job—he’d lost his previous one while caring for Shiloh—and enjoyed spending time with his mate and son. He temporarily worked for Skylar and the adoption agency, and having his boss as a friend really had perks.

They reached their car without incident, and Shiloh sat behind the wheel. Liam took position in the back seat. After ensuring Reed was safe, Shiloh started the vehicle.

“You know, I was thinking. You never did finish teaching me how to sing.”

Liam froze. He’d never been superstitious, but he couldn’t help but remember that old legend according to which swans only ever sang when they died.

He noticed Shiloh’s kind smile moments before his mate began to hum a lullaby under his breath. It was the same one Shiloh had been singing when they’d met. Reed let out a sound of contentment and cuddled closer to Liam.

“Legends are just that, legends,”
Shiloh said in Liam’s mind.

“We’re making up our own story—the story of the swan who sang
and the wolf who hatched an egg.”

The lingering apprehension faded from Liam’s mind and they both burst into laughter. Against Liam’s chest, Reed honked again,
The Wolf Who Hatched an Egg

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and the familiar sound told Liam everything he needed to know. This time, nothing would be able to separate them.

THE END

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A native Romanian, Scarlet was born in 1986 and grew up an avid fan of Karl May and Jules Verne, reading fantasy stories and adventure. Later, when she was out of fantasy stories to read, she delved into her mother’s collection of books and, of course, stumbled onto romance.

As a writer though, Scarlet Hyacinth was born one sunny summer day, when a dear friend of hers—the same friend who introduced her to GLBT fiction—proposed they start writing a story of their own. As it turns out, the two friends never did finish that particular story, but Scarlet discovered she had a knack for writing and ended up starting to write individually. And so, between working on her dissertation, studying for exams, and reading yaoi manga, she started writing the Kaldor Saga. Along the way, Scarlet met a lot of wonderful people who supported her, and in the end, she found her story a home and, in the process, fulfilled a beautiful dream.

Also by Scarlet Hyacinth

Siren Classic ManLove: Mate or Meal 1:
The Lamb Who Cried Wolf

For all other titles, please visit

www.bookstrand.com/scarlet-hyacinth