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"I had it built. The contractors specialized in paranormal modifications." I click through additional angles, showing her the emergency exits and the specialized materials designed to absorb magical overflow. "Temperature controls and humidity regulation along with soundproofing rated for supernatural frequencies."

She turns in my lap to face me directly, her gaze unwavering as it searches my expression and makes me stir restlessly. "This is more than just a house. You designed an entire life."

"I designed our life." The admission comes easier than expected, maybe because she's looking at me like I've offered her a precious gift rather than overstepping a boundary. "Doesn't matter what the walls look like. You're what makes it home."

Her chin dips, just barely, and the armor she wears loosens around the edges. The sharp, restless energy that has defined her since the night we met turns into something I've never seen on her before—peace.

"Where do I sign?"

I pull the contracts from the manila folder and spread them across the desk around us. Serenity slides the first page closer, skimming legal terminology with a veteran's eye for hidden traps.

"Joint ownership and equal financial responsibility with shared decision-making authority." She glances up at me with a wicked smile. "Think you can handle being legally bound to Chicago's reigning magical threat?"

"I think I can manage."

She signs with a flourish, then passes me the pen. As I add my signature beside hers, Kellan's tease drifts through the adjoining wall.

"Is that the sound of domestic bliss I hear? Should I start shopping for housewarming gifts?"

Serenity laughs against my mouth as I kiss her, ignoring Kellan's commentary. When she leans back, her eyes hold an excitement I never thought I'd see there—bright and unguarded and aimed squarely at a future neither of us expected to survive long enough to plan.

"So," she murmurs, fingers playing with the collar of my shirt, "when do we move into our fortress of domestic bliss?"

"Next weekend. Unless you have objections to motion sensors and a two-car garage."

"Only if you promise to use the garden tub at least once."

From next door, Kellan's voice rises in triumph. "I knew it! Nobody researches fertilizer for purely professional reasons!"

Serenity and I exchange a single look before the laughter takes us both—full-bodied and unguarded, the kind that shakes your ribs and steals your breath. It fills the office and spills into the hallway. I let it run its course, knowing any effort to contain it feels futile.

Some things aren't worth controlling.

39

SERENITY

The full moon hangs above our new home, casting an ethereal light over the stone walls. With every single box finally unpacked and put away, the house finally feels like a true sanctuary. I step onto the back patio, bare feet finding the smooth flagstones warm from the day's heat. The herb garden I planted last week releases its fragrance into the night air with notes of lavender and rosemary, alongside moonflowers that only bloom under moonlight.

"You still want to do this?" Darius emerges from the kitchen sporting two glasses of wine, eyes reflecting the moonlight. He's traded his usual tactical gear for dark jeans and a soft gray Henley that gives him an unexpected domestic edge.

"I've been looking forward to this all month." I accept the wine but don't drink yet, too aware of the energy thrumming beneath my skin. "First peaceful full moon in our own space without any assassins. I’m also relieved to be free from underground rituals or ancient entities trying to possess me through moon magic."

"When you put it like that, it sounds almost boring."

"I could hex your wine if you're feeling nostalgic for chaos."

Darius sits on the patio steps beside me, close enough that our shoulders brush. "I'll pass. Work gives me all the excitement I need; I like my home life beautifully boring."

The moon climbs higher, and I feel the familiar undertow of energy seeking connection. The power flows, smooth and unhurried, far removed from the uncontrollable surges that used to terrify me. Having Darius nearby balances the energy and keeps the magic from spiraling beyond my control.

I extend my hand toward the garden, letting light pool in my palm like liquid moonbeams. The energy responds instantly, maintaining an eager obedience as it waits for direction.

"Show-off," Darius murmurs with warmth and unmistakable pride.

The light in my palm expands, flowing outward in ribbons that dance between the herb plants. Metallic threads weave through the moonflower vines, making them shimmer like they're carved from starlight. I guide the magic higher, letting it spiral around the oak tree at the garden's edge until the entire canopy shimmers with soft luminescence.

"This is what it's supposed to feel like," I say while watching the light play across Darius's face. "The power remains beautifully controlled and entirely mine."