Chapter 206

EPILOGUE

Six years later

Ever since the twins started walking, the house was a mess the minute it was tidied up. And wow, if my blood wasn't wolf, I'd be crazy right now.

I was lying on the living room rug resting a little. The sofa was far away because I had pushed it so that I could grab a stroller that Mesec had let roll under it and I was enjoying a few seconds while the twins were in the room playing.

But that didn't last long.

"Mommy!" I heard Lirine's voice and looked up long enough to see her red hair running towards me before she jumped at me. I laughed and rolled with her on the carpet.

"Where is your brother?" I asked and she looked at me with those caramel eyes.

“He's angry because he said I disappeared with his cart.

“What cart?”

“A red one.” I looked at the coffee table and saw the cart I had just gotten from under the couch.

“Mesec!” I called him and after a few seconds, he appeared in the hallway. His unruly black hair was already up to his ears. His caramel eyes turned to look at me and I saw that he had an upset look on his face.” Hello my dear. His sister just found his cart with me. It was under the sofa. You were the one who let him run downstairs. Don’t blame your sister for things anymore.” I pointed to the cart and he looked in the direction and walked there quickly.” Promise me?”

"Yes." He smiled, came over to where I was on the carpet and threw himself down next to me too.

“Apologize to your sister.

“I’m sorry Li.” He didn't even look at her like he was really embarrassed, but since Lirine was much more extroverted, she simply smiled a huge smile and said:

“I said I hadn't picked up your cart Zac, but I'm sorry, melon head.” And then she pinched his nose. Making him huff in anger.

“Where is Dad?” He said I could go running with him this time.” Mesec grumbled.

Whenever Connor went out to check the territory, Mesec would watch him from the balcony. Seeing the huge, black wolf move away until it disappeared between the trees.

“Mommy, can I go too?” ?!” I took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling, pretending to think. They remained quiet waiting for a response.

“Dad is at the diner watching the rest of the renovation, but he’ll be here soon.” I looked at the porch and beyond. The sun lit up all the green grass and trees that rustled in the wind.” But of course we can leave.” The two stood up excitedly and rolled across the plush carpet.

They loved my wolf form and Connor's. We transformed ourselves from when they were just a few months old because this custom was essential to facilitate the understanding of our species and even proximity to our wolves. I made a point of explaining everything they didn't teach me and what I wish I had learned when I was their age. And when the twins discovered that they would also transform when they were born, they both started jumping all over the house. I bet it was their favorite number now.

I heard the doorbell ring and I frowned as I stood up.

“Is that Dad?”

“It’s daddy!” Lirine jumped up and ran to the door.

“Lirine, wait. Your father doesn’t need to ring the doorbell, dear.” I went over there and immediately smelled Lori before I even looked to see who she was.” It’s your sweet aunt.” I smiled and opened the door. Seeing Lori with a ponytail and red lipstick on her mouth.

“Auntie!!” Lirine jumped to her legs and hugged her. And suddenly I saw a pair of dark green eyes looking from behind Lori at her. He gave me a familiar smile and then I waited to see what he would do this time.

Jasper suddenly jumped forward all at once with a loud "BUH" and Lirine screamed in fright, almost falling on her ass if I hadn't been right behind her.

“What did I say about scaring, Jasper?” Lori spoke firmly to him and the little boy, who was almost seven months older than the twins, smiled contentedly.

“Sorry, it’s just funny.” He spoke and walked through the door to where Mesec was standing. Still holding the cart.” You’re still the coolest twin.” He spoke and looked at the cart in Mesec's hand.

“Come, come in.” I made room for Lori and Lirine followed us inside, eyes shining. She looked like she wanted to cry but I knew she would hold it until the last minute before going to sleep. Jasper was always like that with the twins, but with Lirine, he always invented something else to tease. It was an innocent childish thing, of course, but I often had to spend time with her before bed because she was crying nonstop due to Jasper saying her hair was ugly or her teeth were crooked. Mesec, however, looked at all that and remained silent. He incredibly knew how to deal well with Jasper and his provocations.

I went to the kitchen to pour some glasses of juice and looked at Mesec next to Jasper.

“Do you have another cart like this?” Jasper asked. His black hair was straight and shiny like Lori's, but it was shorter than Mesec's.

"No.

“So can I play with this one?”

"No." I smiled and closed the fridge when he turned his back on the oldest and headed towards the carpet. I knew this behavior. It was like Peter's when he met Kai.

Speaking of which, my brother kept his promise. Almost every weekend, he came to visit us and mess around with his nephews. They called him Uncle Pet, thanks to Connor and his "I didn't know" ability to make nicknames. Peter didn't like this at all, but it was too late. The twins loved it.

“Ah, let’s play!” Jasper spoke and followed Mesec who was ignoring him.

"No.

Lirine came to me visibly silent and I handed her the purple glass full of orange juice. She thanked him and pulled the stool up with some difficulty to sit down.

"And then?" Lori said.” I stopped by the cafeteria and wow... it looks beautiful!

“We are already in the final stretch.” It's been a few months since we decided to renovate it. Connor checked expenses and budgets and I helped him plan. Since we couldn't expand it to the sides, we would build a second floor with glass sides and more tables so customers could work or study while they ate. With more description and space.” It’s going to look amazing when it’s done.” I responded to Lori.

Minutes passed while we talked and Lori ended up making her wonderful cupcakes to accompany our afternoon.

We gossiped, shared the news, and I saw Mesec get really angry when Jasper stole his cart and ran out onto the porch. Mesec ran after him and I kept an eye on the inside to see if the two wouldn't stray too far.

“When are Dominic and Joseph coming back here?” Lori asked me and I looked back at her. Joseph had gone with Dominic to Spain for an exchange program and the white wolf, who was now a young adult, was drop dead gorgeous. Surprisingly, he and Sophia only fought. And before he left to travel, the wolf started dating Matheu. That's right. Joseph's human and best friend. I don't know how it happened, but at least the two seemed to get along well.

"Actually, I do not know." I replied.

As for Dominic, he had changed a lot before deciding to go to Spain. He was quieter, more introverted and it was strange to see our Dominic like that. He didn't say anything about it, not even to Alaric and Connor. And the Alpha respected the wolf's choice.

“Maybe they'll come back one of these days...” I concluded and looked back at the balcony. The boys weren’t there anymore.” Lirine, call the two good guys inside.” I asked and she left the glass on the table before getting off the stool and running outside.

"Then?" How are you and Connor?”

“The same as always.” I opened a huge smile.

“If you need some time alone with him, you can leave the twins at home with me.” I nodded gratefully. We did that a lot, actually. Just like Jasper would occasionally hang around here while Lori and Collin did whatever they liked to do.

I held back a laugh when I thought about it.

Then suddenly we heard the sound of the balcony door opening and I looked in the direction only to see Connor holding three children in his arms. The twins on one side and Jasper on the other. All three of them mumbled and laughed at the same time.

“I heard the noise of certain children venturing near the trees and I found three little pests when I went around the house.” He said everything with a smile on his face as if he loved pretending to be the villain who stole their fun.” Hello ladies.” He said approaching and released the children on the carpet.

“Hello Mr. Businessman.” Lori responded and he walked towards us.

“Things are interesting there.” He came over to where I was and leaned in to kiss me. Our lips touching and your naughty tongue sliding around until it meets mine.” How are you my sweetheart?" He asked in a whisper and kissed me again.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking." Lori said and we both laughed.

“Forgive my indiscretion, Lori. I'm glad that you are well.

“Daddy, daddy!” Lirine approached him and grabbed him.” Will you run with us?”

“Of course yes!

“Mom, I want to run with them!” Jasper walked up to Lori with his eyebrows furrowed.

“No, we’re going home.” Lori got up and took the keys from her pocket. We’ve stayed too long.” Jasper turned to Lirine and then looked away for a moment.

“Your brother is more annoying than you.” And then Lirine scowled and balled her hands into fists.” So you might be the coolest twin.” I held back a laugh and saw Connor raise an eyebrow at him. Lirine's little face now looked quite confused.

“Bye lovebirds.” Lori waved to me and Connor and then kissed the twins.” Come on son.” She took Jasper's hand and the two walked to the door.

And when they left, I turned around as I took a deep breath and saw the twins sticking out their tongues.

“What an ugly thing.” Smile." He likes you, you know?” I told Lirine.

“He doesn’t like it.” She replied with teary eyes.

“He does like it.” Connor agreed with me, but didn't seem too happy about it. His jealousy was funny to see.

"I hate him." The twins spoke together and Connor and I looked at each other at the same time. We pressed our lips together, trying not to laugh, but then Mesec went outside.

“Well, I said we were going to run, didn’t I?” Connor took off his shirt and Lirine ran outside to catch up with her brother.” Let’s have some fun, baby.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer before kissing my jaw.

"You first." I saw him smile and give a wink that made my body react immediately. And then he started to take off his belt and walk away towards the balcony.

The twins were already used to the wolves' customs. Unfortunately, it was already familiar to them to see others naked.

I went to the balcony and saw Connor hovering around our children in the form of the huge black wolf. Lirine stroked his tail and Connor licked her cheek.

"Daddy!" She complained smiling and started jumping with anxiety. Bare feet fluffed in the grass.

"Come on, get on my back."

That was one thing I loved about us. We could all exchange thoughts when we were transformed.

I stepped onto the grass and felt my body shiver as I transformed too. It didn't hurt like it used to. The pain had been numbed when I entwined myself with Connor. And now being in wolf form was like blinking your eyes or taking a breath.

"Mommy!!" They both ran to me when they saw me.

“Who’s going with me today?” "

"I!" Mesec raised his arm and Connor approached, brushing my fur.

"Good luck my dear, he likes to pull his ears."

I lay down and Mesec climbed on me. Just like Lirine did in Connor.

"You're getting heavier every day, daughter"

"I'm not!!" She laughed and hugged his neck.

“Hold on tight, okay?” "

They both nodded and then we took off into the forest. The fresh air rushing through our bodies, the beautiful sun above our heads and the green expanse in front of us.

Connor was running gracefully and elegantly and Lirine had her locks blowing in the wind as she smiled broadly. It was a breathtaking sight, truly.

Mesec stuck to my body and I felt his little hands wrap around my neck to hold on as I jumped over the huge tree trunk that had fallen in the last storm.

And then, as we ran, I heard an imitation of a howl behind my back and I swear my whole body got goosebumps and my eyes watered as I heard my six-year-old son exuding the happiness that only a wolf could express. Even at such a young age he could already understand the meaning of all this. Of everything that mattered to us.

When I looked at Connor, he was already looking in our direction. He seemed overwhelmed with pride and admiration. I could see the same feeling of protection in his eyes and it filled my heart with something soft and unchanging. Something precious that existed just to take you completely and transform you for the rest of your life. It was something absolute. And Lirine, who was on Connor's back, let out that delightful childish laugh and also imitated a kind of failed howl due to running, but happy enough for me to sigh with delight.

I was complete.

Connor lifted his head and exhaled in a loud, continuous howl. That howl that made every strand of hair stand on end and silenced everything around it. A loud howl of pure happiness and satisfaction. The joy of a wolf who was a father, Alpha and companion.

And before he finished howling, I joined him. I looked at the sky and released everything that had been inside me for all these years.

Sometimes we need to run away from what hurts us, what only takes us down, because we deserve much more than we think. Because we are much stronger than we seem and we have no idea what awaits us out there. All we need is a little courage to find out. It doesn't matter if you've tried once, twice, three, thousands of times or not at all. Freedom is something you have to fight to achieve. She may often be in the midst of chaos, but always, know this, there is always a light to guide you out. And find everything you want.

If there was anyone happier than me, I didn't know. And I couldn't wish for anything more than that.