I'm so proud of my mate. In twelve months, we will have a son. Our egg is beautiful and a miracle. For months after Pepper returned I wallowed with mixed feelings. Meagan's loss continued to hurt, but the joy of having Pepper as my mate and the pending birth of our child brought great joy.

Bastian, Laryn, and Sarn found love before mating. I don't know why things with Pepper are different. Now though, I love her with everything I have and realize I loved her long before I knew ...