EPILOGUE

ENYA

A week ago we got married. I didn't wear the traditional white dress. Instead, one of the Omegas made a beautiful fire pattern dress for me to pay my respects to my father and his tribe.

There were too many people around for us to end the evening on a somewhat quiet note. His father walked me down the aisle, Aros was Vince's best man, and my mother helped Brent care for their newborn daughter. My little girl was given the honour of being the flower girl. Yes, we chose to adopt- the child that grew closest to me. We adopted Bella, and since that day, we have been an official family. I think it all worked out for the best- all three of us were robbed of family and found each other when we needed it most.

Vince and I decided we don't need a honeymoon- our life is sweet as it is, we don't need any extras.

The pack is doing great, and my amazing husband is now running the pack that I had to take over as it was my dads. We figured out the best way to unite territories and people, so now, we live in our family home right on the old border between the packs.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about how lucky I am. Years ago, I didn't believe that the future held anything for me- unless it was an ongoing battle and torment. And now, look at me, a happy woman with an amazing husband and daughter. Life couldn't get any better, even if I wanted it to.

I lift the cup to my lips as I watch the children play in our backyard. Bella has many friends, and some of the Alphas from neighbouring packs often take their children here- I watch them while the men hold their meetings.

A smile spreads across my lips- no matter how, but I am a mother.

Just as the thought crosses my mind, a small figure runs up to me and throws her arms around my waist. "Mommy, Birsha won't leave me alone. Tell him to stop being such a big bully!" Bella whines as she hides her face in my sweater.

I chuckle and look at the little boy hiding behind a tree. I told Alpha Genesis that it was a bad idea to choose that name for his son. I warned the man, but he didn't listen. If his name literally means "son of wickedness," they shouldn't wait for him to behave. I shake my head. "Brisha, you're a guest in our home, young man. You can't bully the daughter of the hosts. Behave yourself!" I raise my voice just a little to seem intimidating.

"Sorry, Red," the little boy casts his eyes down to his feet. One would think he's ashamed of his behaviour, but I know he's about to announce a "but." Besides, he keeps calling me Red just to annoy me-or as some of those Alpha's say, to remind me of my place. "But she started it, and I didn't do anything!" There it is, the "but."

I look at my daughter and raise an eyebrow. Bella isn't a liar; I know she will tell me the truth. "Mommy, he keeps running after me, and every time he gets close enough, Brisha pulls on my piggy tails. That poop head told me he wants to marry me, but I don't want to; boys have cooties!" Bella lets go of me, crossing her arms in front of her chest and stomping her feet on the ground.

"Who told you it was okay to say those words?" I gasp. She's still cute, but I don't tolerate cursing around children because they learn way too fast.

Bella points her finger at something behind me and giggles, "daddy did!"

I turn to see my mate trying to escape before he's caught in the act. Ever so slowly, Vincent turns back to me and scratches the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, love," he whispers, but I don't see an ounce of regret in his eyes, nor do I hear any in his words. "I told her she could only use those words if someone really hurt her. That's all. Don't be mad at me; I'll cook dinner." With the offer already on the table, I can't say no.

I tell Bella to spend more time with her friends and avoid the strange boy for a while. His parents are a loving and fair couple, but the boy is a real spawn of Satan. Don't get me wrong- he's cute and all that, but there's something evil about him peeking, though. Vincent wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me against his chest as he watches the kids with me. "How's Damian?" I whisper the question.

"Finally jumped off his high horse and realised his mistakes. We're fine now," Vincent hides his face in the crook of my neck and inhales my scent.

"It was Damian who taught her those things, and you're trying to cover for him, right? And don't lie."

"Maybeeee," Vincent trails off the word. Of course, it was Damian- who else would it be if Vince is willing to cut throats if someone says 'shit' in front of his little girl?

I let the conversation die down as we focus on the kids and their laughter. Bella looks happier than ever; I couldn't tell from the look on her face that the poor girl was once the smallest child in the pack and had no parents. From orphan to the daughter of an Alpha - that's a big jump, but we are giving her the life she deserves. Come to think of it, everyone seems happier than ever, including our parents and us. Piece by piece, obstacle by obstacle, we have fought our way to happiness. I never thought I'd say this, but I am happier than I've ever been. Vincent has given me hope, love, dreams, and, most of all, a real family.