Epilogue
I stopped short, my arms folding around myself as I watched Abel, just for a moment. And, everything about his smile made me stop. I took in how at ease the Alpha looked and realized only how tense he had been, for so long.
But it was okay, now. It really was.
As if he felt eyes on him, Abel tilted his head and turned around to catch me in the middle of the room. I grinned as I made my way to him, spinning dramatically just to bump into his arm and force him to catch. Which he did, holding the drink away from me while it sloshed around in its solo cup. My arms immediately wrapped around him, back flush against his chest.
“There you are.” He kissed my ear and let me take his cup, noticing my fingers were freezing as I did. He took my other hand, brow furrowed as he tried to warm it up with his palm. “You're freezing, baby.”
“Mmh.” I made a sound while looking at the people in front of us. Naya and her girlfriend. They both were trying to convince Abel to take a look at Naya’s PHD proposal.
“Here…” The music changed to some pop song, and I pouted at the Alpha as the man stepped away from me. He had to let me go, unfortunately, to take his jacket off, ignoring when I tried to stop him. Abel was pulling his white jacket around my shoulders anyway, so I gave in, sticking my arms through its warmth while he held his drink again. With my sweater and the warmth from his jacket, I did feel better, even if the chill wasn't very cold; It was just cold enough to chill my nose and fingertips.
“You look so small…” The Alpha chuckled over the music, watching as I tried to push down on the extra few inches on either shoulder.
From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Naya and Chiara exchange looks, a soft smile playing on their lips. The dim glow of the disco lights made it harder to decipher.
“Yeah, well, you're huge!” He cocked his brow, and I turned a deep shade of red, “Like your arms, I mean...” I trailed off, watching the Alpha laugh, and I got shy, all of a sudden.
“This is so amusing…” Naya giggled.
Chiara slapped her arm and pulled her with an apologetic smile, mingling into the crowd.
“Just my arms?” He asked, dipping his head to speak against my ear, using said huge arms to wrap around and take my waist.
“Don’t start something you cannot finish,” I whined, our hips way too close, dangerously so.
“I am planning to. We can go.” The Alpha just swayed, and I let him, taking a second to down the drink he had brought so I could put the cup down.
“Ugh…” I coughed, flicking my tongue at the taste. “What is this?”
“I thought it was cider.”
Abel laughed, taking the cup from me.
"My bad, baby." He apologised, grinning while I tried to get the taste out of my mouth. “I might have mixed up drinks in the dark.”
“It’s okay.” I sighed. “But we cannot leave so soon. It’s our party and in our house.”
Six months into officially courting each other, Abel asked me to move in with him and I immediately said yes. There was no doubt in my mind about anything when it came to him. It just made sense that’s the next step for us.
He exhaled but he was over it in a moment, letting me sway us to the edge of the crowded 'dance floor'. Or well what could be counted as one as our friends formed a circle over the centre.
We spent most of the time swaying at the edge of the party, laughing and giggling at each other while getting handsy, just for fun- Feeling each other up like a school dance and it was the first time we had ever danced with someone, before.
***
“Oh! I am so glad you could make it.” I mumbled into my brother’s shoulder, a smile curving on my lips.
Edward chuckled, tipping my hat. “I wouldn’t have missed it, Emma. Congratulations graduate!”
The whole day was spent talking to different professors, and my friends and also taking pictures so I barely had time to talk to Edward. His flight arrived a few hours ago from where he rushed to my graduation.
“My sister in law! My best friend! I am so so proud of you, babe.” Allie sniffled, squishing our cheeks together in a hug, her belly almost poking me. My brother and Allie announced their pregnancy exactly two months ago. It came as a surprise to them as well but they both were more than ready.
Edward was posted in a different location, a town closer to us so Allie immediately moved in with him. It has been three years and her parents still haven’t spoken to her. She’s fine with it most of the days but then there are a few when she misses them and calls me.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
***
“So no Avon?”
I shrugged as Allie bit on a piece of pickle, getting the juice all over her face. Ever since that incident at the pack house, Avon refused to speak with me. He made it clear of that. I tried several times to approach him but was met with rejection. Still, Abel extended an invitation to him.
“No.”
“It’s his loss.”
“Yeah.” I exhaled leaning against the kitchen counter.
Things were settled now. Thomas, Abel's father gradually came around. At least he doesn’t stay locked in his office when we go over. I don’t have any bond with the Pack Luna, we both are cordial, acknowledging each other’s presence.
Nina on the other hand had become my confidant. She introduced me to their traditions and went over all the stories of the pack. Every time I am there she sits down and has a long chat. We also have each other’s phone numbers, occasionally texting to share new recipes. She sent me a bouquet and some flowers this morning to congratulate me for the graduation.
I jolted as I felt Allie nudge me, “How did he pull this off?”
It was no secret that Abel was working more than ever because of the term end. He barely had time in the morning for breakfast, glued to his screen most of the time. Especially with graduation coming up, he was working overtime.
“I have no idea.” I giggled.
“I'm just glad he makes you happy.”
“He does...” I admitted, my eyes wandering towards Abel who was busy chatting with my brother.
***
“Did you have a lot of fun?” The Alpha breathed, reaching to tuck my bangs back, clearing my face so he could see me better. Everyone had cleared from the living room so it was just us. All alone.
My smile softened from giddy to emotional, head cocking to the side before bending down to push our lips together. Chaste, gentle, sweet, nothing too deep. I pulled back to smile again, laid my head on his chest, eyes fluttered shut.
“Yes, I did. You make me so happy.”
“So do you. Always.”
***
Fin.
***
do tell me what you think on here or my socials:
Facebook: The Scripturient
Instagram: san_2045