“Billy?” She turns to face me fully. “We’re really doing this. Mated, baby on the way, our entire future ahead of us.”
“Having second thoughts?”
“Never.” Her fingers trace patterns on my palm. “Just marveling at how much has changed. Six weeks ago, I was in that basement. Now...”
“Now you’re free. We’re together, and we’re starting a family.”
“It’s like a dream,” she whispers.
“The best kind.” I agree.
Back at the cabin, she immediately starts making lists, doctor’s appointments, vitamins, work schedule. I watch herplan our future, her face bright with purpose, and my chest feels too full of love.
“I’ll start with morning shifts,” she decides, tapping her pen against her lips. “See how I feel. Maybe three days a week to start?”
“Sounds perfect.”
“What?” she asks, catching me staring.
“Nothing. Just... I love you.”
She sets down her pen and crosses to where I’m sitting. Without hesitation, she straddles my lap, arms winding around my neck.
“I love you, too.” She takes my hand and places it on her still-flat stomach. “Both of you love us, too.”
Through our bond, I feel her joy, her determination, and her fierce protectiveness of the life growing inside her. It mirrors my own perfectly.
“Our cub,” I murmur, splaying my fingers wide.
“Our cub.” She agrees. “Our future.”
We sit here wrapped around each other as the afternoon sun streams through the windows. From prisoner and captor’s son to mates expecting our first child.
The journey seems impossible, yet here we are.
Life is good.
Life is wonderful.
EPILOGUE
BILLY
The brewery hums with laughter and conversation, bears and wolves mingling freely in a way that would have been impossible six months ago.
I lean against the bar, watching my very pregnant mate hold court near the fireplace, her hands resting protectively on her swollen belly, as she laughs at something Maya just said.
Through our bond, I feel her happiness, wrapping around me, making me warm and content. But underneath, there’s a flutter of nerves. She glances my way, catching me watching.
You okay?I send through the bond.
Just a lot of people,she responds, her mental voice carrying a hint of anxiety.
Want me to come over?
Not yet. I’m good. Just... stay close.
“Never thought I’d see the day,” Mitch says, appearing at my elbow with two beers. “Lennox bears and Grey Ridge wolves celebrating together.”
