Pity I can’t steal you away.
Yeah, that would probably be noticeable today,I chuckle, leaning into his embrace.
While I sway in his arms, I let my gaze wander around, noticing how Maria and Griffin are dancing slowly with each other, and Nina has joined some of her friends, laughing withthem. Martin and Rory are standing together, and Rory is whispering something into Martin’s ear, making Martin blush slightly and smile. Yeah, they are not even subtle anymore.
I also notice so many pack members around us who are celebrating and looking genuinely happy. What Forest’s parents did came as a shock to them, but I think deep down they always knew they were up to no good. Now that they are gone, it feels like a weight is gone.
It’s the change they all needed.
Everyone can breathe freely now.
And Forest and I can breathe with them.
Epilogue #2
*ROSEA*
“MOOOOOOM!”
I spin around when I hear Lilly’s voice behind me.
“Look what I can do!” Lilly is sitting proudly on the back of a dark-brown wolf, her little feet dangling on either side, with her fingers gripping to the fur tightly.
“Fantastic,” I chuckle. “But you did ask Uncle Martin before climbing on his back, didn’t you?”
“Of course!” she says. “I am his pwincess.”
She really is. She definitely is Martin and Rory’s little princess, and probably the whole pack’s. She is also fearless and strong, as was expected of the firstborn child of an alpha. Griffin comes closer to help her climb down, but she refuses the help, instead jumping off Martin’s back, not minding that she lands face-first on the ground. She is up on her feet immediately, running towards me.
“She obviously has that from you,” Forest grins. “I wasn’t brave enough as a kid to play with the wolves.”
He is holding Connor in his arms, feeding him the bottle. My second pregnancy did not go as expected. Connor arrived a little too early, and unfortunately, my body wasn’t able to provide him with enough milk, which is why we turned to bottle feeding pretty soon.
Seeing my mate, this broad-shouldered, tall man, holding our tiny baby in his arms so gently does something to me I can’t explain. It’s so heartwarming, so beautiful.
“Are you crying, Mommy?” Lilly asks, tugging at my pants. I kneel down in front of her. “Who hurt you?! Lilly will hit them!”
“Line up, pipsqueak,” Griffin grins.
Lilly glares at him, huffing shortly before turning her attention back to me.
“I’m fine, baby,” I say. “I’m just so happy.”
Meanwhile, Martin has shifted back to his human form and put on some clothes, joining us again. Lilly immediately beams when she sees him, running towards him and stretching out her hands for him to pick her up. Martin obliges immediately.
“Why again is he her favorite?” Griffin pouts.
“Beats me,” Rory mutters. “I am her uncle, too, you know?”
“Well, he is her favorite because he takes her seriously,” I explain.
“I do, too,” Rory argues.
Griffin nods. “Yes, what he said!”
Forest laughs. “No, you don’t. Rory constantly fusses over her and thinks she is made of sugar, melting in the rain, and you, Griffin, are a tease.”
“Man,” Griffin mutters. “Maybe she will appreciate us more when she is older.”
