Fifty Eight

They made love over and over until the sun finally came up painting the sky in buttery vanillas and neon oranges. They were exhausted and hurt all over but they couldn't stop smiling.

They let Hades and Kalla out to race back home, letting their natural navigation system lead them to where they belonged. The two wolves enjoyed the freedom, chasing each other and rolling around as they played. Their paws thundered across the earth as they yipped like two juveniles until finally they made it close to the township. Their howls were replied to by a chorus of howls, the song filling the air as wolves of all ages came to greet Kalla and Hades, the sense of relief and joy washing through the pack like cleansing waters. News of the Alpha's return and their victory over the forces working against them spread quickly but there were still so many questions in need of answering.

Kade was sitting on the steps of the pack house when Daniel and Eva approached after shifting back and pulling on some clothes an omega had been kind enough to grab for them. At first Daniel thought he was hallucinating again when he saw the familiar shock of dark hair and steel grey eyes before realising that his best friend was very much alive.

"How?" Daniel asked incredulously.

"Dagmar." Kade shrugged with a crooked smile.

Bethan revealed everything about Ethan and herself from their heritage to Ethan's cruelty and lust for power. It quickly became clear that Ethan had been the mastermind behind everything and that Bethan had just been another victim of her brother's wickedness. The rogues following him were either killed or detained by the warriors when they came to find Eva and Daniel. Those who survived were questioned before being put on trial by the council of Alphas. The bodies of the Emerald pack victims were never recovered. The rogues who had taken the bodies had been killed and the van that they had used was stolen so they weren't able to track it.

Eva couldn't help but take pity on Bethan. The girl had been through so much by the hands of her own family. She thought she'd meet resistance when she suggested to Daniel they let Bethan join the pack but surprisingly Daniel was receptive to the idea and agreed.

Now with the mating bond complete, Eva was officially Luna but they agreed to hold off on any form of ceremony until things had settled down. There still so many fresh wounds and so much to process. That didn't stop Daniel and Eva taking a much needed vacation though. Once the investigation into what had happened was complete, the couple headed down to Cornwall, stopping a few times along the way to check out the sights, meet with some other packs and to make love.

The cottage they found was perfect and for five blissful days they got to watch the sea crash over creamy sand-filled beaches and eat local seafood. By the end they were nut brown and sore again from making love on every surface they could in the cottage and a few places outside.

"Do we have to go back?" Eva sighed as they lay in bed one late afternoon, golden light pouring in through sheer curtains that billowed in the sea breeze. "I haven't learnt to surf yet."

"We left Kade in charge." Daniel pointed out, his fingers brushing over his mate's naked hip.

"He'll be fine." Eva smiled. "We could just stay here and farm seagrass."

"Seagrass?" Daniel raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm." Eva smiled lazily. "Samphire is really popular right now."

"How about when we retire?"

"Deal."

---

A lazy breeze danced through the trees and grass carrying the scent of summer with it. The weather was holding up and as the late afternoon rolled in, the azure blue skies cleared of any clouds leaving the buttery light of the sun to filter through the patch work of leaves.

Somewhere in the meadow of long grass and wildflowers, children pranced and giggled. The boys all wore button down shirts and dress trousers while girls wore dresses of varying shades and crowns of flowers. Their bare feet bounced over the dry earth as they played, enjoying themselves while the adults mingled with a buzz of excitement in the air.

Eva didn't think this day would ever come given the year they had had as a pack as well as individuals. And yet here she was, watching as Maria carefully put the last touches to Eva's hair, both of them smiling softly as they basked in the glow of this special day.

After weeks of investigations and sorting out the devastation left in Ethan's wake, Eva and Daniel agreed to a formal union ceremony. They were happy to forgo it but they knew the packs needed this and so agreed to celebrate their love with a ceremony and of course, a party. The omegas had certainly out done themselves, turning the meadow into a summery wonder with flowers and fairy lights. There were tables, a band, a dance floor and of course, drinks.

"Okay done." Maria breathed, her hands coming to rest on her small baby bump as she watched Eva. "Do you like it?"

Eva's auburn hair cascaded over her naked shoulders in loose curls. In the later afternoon sun the silky tresses lit up in shades of toffee, molasses and subtle reds. On her head was a crown of chrysanthemums, corn flowers and baby's breath in soft shades of blues and white.

"I love it." Eva smiled, standing from the vanity to hug her friend. "Thank you."

Maria and Duncan decided to move closer to Eva and Daniel to assist with fortifying their defences and negotiating an alliance with a few packs from close by as well as in Greece, Spain, USA, Mexico, Canada and Australia. Duncan’s knowledge of training new recruits and combat as well as Maria’s expertise in relationship management made them the perfect couple to assist. Their knowledge and ability to win people over proved invaluable.

Just a month after moving, Maria discovered she was pregnant.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the moment, both women turning as the door opened and Nora stepped in, her tears welling into his eyes when she saw her daughter standing in her union dress. It was perfect for a scorching summer's day. Creamy patterned lace and cotton made up the flowing skirt before nipping into a laser-cut empire waistline with plunging v-neck and back and delicate spaghetti straps. Eva looked like a goddess with her golden skin and thick hair. The very image of a strong and powerful Luna.

"Oh you look gorgeous." Nora gasped. "Wait until your father sees you."

Eva laughed softly, cheeks filling with colour at the compliment. "Thanks mum."

"We should get going." Maria spoke up. "It's almost time."

The packhouse was deserted now that everyone was outside enjoying the sun. It had truly turned out perfectly for the summer solstice and Eva smiled as the warm sunlight touched her, warming her shoulders and arms.

The moment she stepped into the meadow, the hum of chatter settled to nothing under the melody played by the band. Ahead, at the front of the rows of seats and curious eyes on both packs, stood her mate, his ocean blue eyes closing a circuit with her mossy green hazel eyes. The moment their eyes connected, Eva felt the warmth of love spread from her chest out into her body. The young Alpha stood tall, his broad shoulders and chest covered in a white button down shirt with the top two buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off the intricate patterns of his inked skin. Beside him stood Kade in a similar white shirt and grey suit trousers attire, a pleased smirk playing on his lips as he watched his two friends finally tying the knot.

When Eva was finally in front of them, Kade pressed a friendly kiss to her cheek.

“You look beautiful, Luna.” He smiled before stepping away, leaving Eva to blush from the compliment.

Eva’s heart swelled when Daniel came to stand in front of her, his blue eyes remaining transfixed with hers as his tattooed hands took her unblemished ones, both of them smiling. Behind them the packs watched on as Axl stepped up as officiator, his orange hair and beard trimmed and as bright as flames under the summer sun.

“My friends,” Axl started. “I have been given the honour of overseeing this union between our Alpha and Luna. Some of you will have had the joy of watching Daniel Wolfe grow into a fearless leader who would sacrifice anything for his pack and is a perfect example of what a leader should be.

“Others of you will have witnessed my beautiful daughter, Eva Larson grow into a strong young woman who is loyal and loving and of course, has a fighting spirit just like her father. I think we can all agree that while things have not been easy for these two, the Moon Goddess has made the right choice in making these two destined mates. They complement each other well and without even realising it, they fell into the roles as our leaders naturally, supporting each other as well as us in our darkest hour...that and they are as stubborn as each other.”

That earned a round of soft laughter from everyone.

“So it is my pleasure to read the rites of these two star-crossed mates and bear witness to this wonderful union of souls.” Axl smiled fondly at his daughter, Eva returning the smile as Axl began the ceremony.

The celebrations went on well into the night. The midsummer night air remained comfortably warmed as the packs danced, ate and drank. Children frolicked between the thousands of fairy lights hanging between the trees and the canopy of the stage where the bands played happily. Daniel and Eva had been practically inseparable, craving each other’s touch and company, both basking in the glow of their union and the love that surrounded them.

Their pack was safe and it was because of them.

“Guys,” Kade came over now dressed in jeans and his biker jacket that had been cleaned and returned to him once it was discovered he was alive. “I’m going to head out.”

“Now?” Daniel asked in surprise, standing and helping Eva up from the picnic blanket they were sprawled out on.

“Yeah,” Kade nodded, his grey eyes darkening as he thought of why he had requested leave from his duties as beta. “She’s out there somewhere and she’s in danger. I need to find her.”

“You will find her.” Eva spoke up, resting a reassuring hand on the beta’s arm. “You're her mate. You’re destined to find each other.”

“Stay safe, brother.” Daniel muttered as he drew Kade into a brotherly hug. “And call if you need any assistance.”

“I will.” Kade chuckled and pulled away. “Hopefully I will see you both very soon.” He started to back away. “There better be a little Eva or Daniel cooking by the time I get back!”

They were silent as they watched Kade disappear into the darkness before Daniel turned to his mate, sliding his arms around her waist as he stared down at her adoringly. “We don’t need to have kids right now.” He assured her.

“No we don’t.” Eva replied smiling mischievously. “But we can certainly enjoy trying.”

“I like where your mind is at.” Daniel chuckled, lifting one hand to gently cup Eva’s cheek as he pressed a slow kiss to her lips. “I love you.”

She smiled, looking up into those stormy blue eyes. Less than a year ago Eva had been reeling from the loss of her partner and unborn baby, unable to let anyone else in. But Daniel had come crashing into her life and turned it upside down, proving to her that she could reconnect with someone and that taking the risk of potentially getting her heart broken again had been worth it. She knew now that this was her destiny and she couldn’t imagine life any other way.

“I love you too.” She replied softly. “And I always will.”

---

A/N thanks so much for reading this far. There is one last chapter to come and then that is this story done! feel free to follow me on insta @zaydawattswrites for updates on chapter, a sneak peak and what I'm working on next and also I'll posting about the stories I'm binge reading!