“Oh god,” she moaned, her head falling back as he thrust into her.
His pace quickened, and he leaned in, nipping her ear. “Fuck, Cora,” he groaned. “You feel so fucking good.”
“Grayson,” she panted, her legs tightening around him. “Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.”
His thrusts became harder, faster, and she dug her nails into his skin, leaving marks behind. The tension coiled inside her, and she clung to him, desperate for release.
Grayson’s mouth moved back to her breasts, and his tongue teased her nipple. His fingers slid between them, stroking her clit. The sensation sent her tumbling over the edge, and she cried out as her orgasm hit her.
“Fuck,” he growled, his thrusts becoming more erratic. “Fuck, Cora.”
He came hard, shuddering against her and burying his face in her neck. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as their hearts beat together.
“I love you,” she murmured, her fingers tracing patterns on his back.
“I love you,” he replied, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Forever.”
The word seemed to hang between them, binding them together in a way that went deeper than anything else. At that moment, Cora knew they would make it through this. They would find their peace. They would have their forever.
Epilogue - Grayson
Grayson adjusted the collar of his shirt for the third time and shifted his weight from foot to foot as he took in the gathering crowd in Bellefleur’s main square. It had been months since the battle, but the energy of the town had changed completely. The air was filled with laughter and joy, and for the first time in years, Grayson allowed himself to revel in the moment.
The pack had pulled together to organize the celebration, decorating the square with lanterns that hung from trees and strings of wildflowers wound around posts. Tables were laden with food, and children raced between the adults, giggling and shouting in excitement.
Grayson’s gaze landed on Cora, standing at the center of it all with their newborn cradled in her arms. She glowed with an ease he rarely saw as she rocked their daughter gently. His heart stuttered as he watched her, overwhelmed by the realization that this was his family, his life now.
“You’re staring,” Ryder teased, sidling up beside him with a cup of something strong in hand. “Not that I blame you. You’ve got it pretty good.”
Grayson smirked but didn’t look away. “She’s incredible.”
“Understatement of the year,” Ryder replied. He clapped Grayson on the shoulder. “And the kid? What’s the verdict?”
“She’s perfect,” Grayson declared, almost reverent. “She’s strong. I can feel it already.”
Ryder raised an eyebrow. “Magic or wolf?”
“Both, I think,” Grayson admitted. “Cora says she can sense something…unique. It’s like nothing she’s ever felt before.”
Ryder nodded, taking a sip from his cup. “Good thing she’s got both of you, then. That kid’s going to be a force to reckon with.”
Grayson’s lips quirked into a smile. “She already is.”
Across the square, Zane lingered near the edge of the gathering, arms crossed, as he leaned against a tree. His expression was pensive, and his gaze was fixed on the celebration but not truly part of it. Grayson caught sight of him and tilted his head in concern.
“Zane looks like he’s lost in his own head,” Grayson said.
Ryder followed his gaze and sighed. “He’s been like that for a few days now. Says he’s fine, but you know him—he doesn’t talk unless he has to.”
Grayson frowned. “I’ll check on him later.”
“Don’t wait too long,” Ryder warned. “Whatever’s eating at him, it’s not going away on its own.”
Grayson nodded but let the thought linger as he returned his attention to Cora. She had joined a group of pack members, each taking turns cooing over the baby. Laila reached out to gently touch the infant’s hand.
“She’s beautiful,” Laila cooed. “What’s her name again?”
“Elyse,” Cora replied, her voice brimming with pride. “Grayson chose it.”
