Chapter 202: Epilogue
Chapter 202: Epilogue
Mason’s POV
Caleb stands in front of me, frowning so intensely you’d think someone just told him his wolf form had a crooked tail. For the fifth time tonight, he adjusts my tie like his life depends on it.
“I think you need to fix this,” he mutters, voice brimming with panic and perfectionism.
I stifle a laugh, raising an eyebrow at him. “Since when do wolves care about neckties?”
We’re wild by nature, not born to wear these polished fabrics. But today is different. Today is sacred.
Caleb has taken his role as my Beta and best man far too seriously. Since the moment I asked him, he turned into a wedding general. He’s terrorized staff, obsessed over details, and nearly scared the decorators into retirement.
And deep down, I know it’s because he’s sentimental.
He won’t say it. But I see it.
Still, that doesn’t make his antics any less hilarious.
“Caleb, how many times are you going to adjust this thing? I’m not pacing up and down. I’m standing still, waiting for my bride,” I say, shaking my head.
His face flushes. “Of course, my king.”
I take a step toward the garden—but of course, he speaks again.
“Wait. Are you absolutely sure you don’t want to reconsider the gray suit? It made your shoulders pop,” he says, eyeing me like a disapproving stylist.
I glance down at the midnight-blue suit. “I’ll live, Caleb.”
Outside, the gardens—my mother’s sacred garden—look like something out of a dream. Untouched flowers bloom proudly, breathing beauty into the night. The setting is intimate, with only a few tables scattered for close family and friends.
It was Madilyn’s idea to hold the wedding here.
And once again, she showed how deeply she understands me.
I lift my gaze to the sky, heart tugging gently.
“Are you watching, Mother?” I whisper. “Would you say I’ve done well?”
And maybe it’s only my imagination—but the stars shimmer brighter for a moment.
I step forward to the front of the garden, facing our guests.
Off to the side, Antonia and James are having one of their intense debates. Probably something trivial, but both of them look like they’re about to go to war over it. I smirk to myself.
James has no idea what he’s in for.
I’m not about to warn him, though.
Then, my smile fades slightly as my eyes land on Johnson. He sits alone, stiff, silent. When our eyes meet, he gives me a curt nod. Briefly, a flicker of gratitude crosses his face.
It took real effort to get Madilyn to agree to invite him. She’s not the type to hold grudges—but wounds like hers don’t heal overnight. Still, I sensed a part of her needed his presence. Not for reconciliation—but for answers. For understanding.
Her mother’s story lives within him.
My gaze travels again—over familiar faces. Friends. Allies. Fighters who stood beside us during the war with the Warpaw Kingdom. And then… Kara.
The sight of her still squeezes something deep in my chest.
Every time I see her, I’m reminded of Harrison’s sacrifice.
I tried to repay her—offered gold, estates, gifts from the Royal Vault. But she turned everything down.
“Harrison did his duty,” she said.
So I did the only thing that felt right. I ordered a school to be built in his honor. A sanctuary for the young. A future bearing his name. And that—she accepted.
The orchestra begins, strings rising like a heartbeat.
Guests turn toward the aisle.
They don’t bow. They just smile—warm, genuine.
Tonight, I am not their king.
Tonight, I am simply a man—waiting for his mate.
And then, like a blessing in motion, she appears.
Ariana.
Our daughter.
She clutches her flower basket, walking slowly, sprinkling petals along the path with serious concentration. Her wild curls bounce with every step, and then—when she sees me—her whole face lights up.
“Daddy!”
She breaks into a sprint, laughter bubbling. I scoop her up mid-run, spinning her, showering her face in kisses as she giggles uncontrollably.
And then I freeze.
Because behind her… she comes.
Madilyn.
And beside her—Jackson.
He walks tall, healthier than ever, pride glowing on his face. A father, giving away his daughter, fully present at the moment that means the most.
Tears shine in his eyes.
And Madilyn…
She’s breathtaking.
Her dress flows like a river of silk—pure white, no heavy lace, no gemstones. Just her. Elegant. Graceful. Timeless.
A delicate flower crown sits in her dark hair, a halo of soft blossoms. For a moment, my breath stalls.
She’s not just beautiful.
She’s ethereal.
Our eyes lock, and her love washes over me like light itself.
She walks slowly, and the distance between us becomes unbearable.
And then—she reaches me.
Madilyn stands before me.
Ariana beams between us, looking up at her parents like they’re the stars themselves.
I extend my hands.
Madilyn places hers in mine.
Together, we hold Ariana between us.
No crown. No signature. No ceremony.
For werewolves, the bond is the vow. And we’ve been bonded since the moment fate drew us together.
But this moment… this is for our hearts.
I look into Madilyn’s eyes.
“Madilyn, from the moment our paths crossed, my world changed. You became my strength, my calm, my light. Before our family, our friends, and our daughter—I vow to protect you, cherish you, and love you through every storm and every sunrise. For as long as I breathe… and long after.”
Tears shimmer in her eyes as she answers.
“Mason, you are the fire that warmed my coldest days. The stillness that settled my storms. With you, I found my home. I vow to walk beside you, through joy and pain, light and shadow. I choose you. Always.”
The silence hangs—thick, sacred—until the crowd breaks into laughter and cheers.
“Kiss the bride! Kiss the bride!”
I laugh, drawing her close, wrapping both arms around my girls.
I kiss her—fiercely, deeply.
Let the world see.
This woman is mine.
She leans into me, her lips brushing my ear.
“I have something to tell you,” she whispers.
I freeze.
She gently lifts my hand and places it on her stomach.
And then—softly—
“I found out today… You’re going to be a daddy again.”
For a moment, everything blurs.
Then joy crashes over me like a wave.
I pick her up and spin her as Ariana squeals in delight. Then I lift our daughter too, holding both of them in my arms.
This—this is everything.
My girls.
My queens.
My whole world.
Maybe the goddess put me through pain so I could feel this joy.
And I swear—I’ll never let them go.
Because they are mine.
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The End…