Epilogue

Layla POV

I wrapped the little box with a blue ribbon and tucked it in my dresser. I’d give it to Dean after the ceremony.
“Layla! What are you doing? We’re thirty minutes late,” Ginger barged into my room.
“Sorry, I had something to do.”
She gripped the flower bouquet and swooned. “I didn’t think anyone could top my mating ceremony dress but yours comes close.”
I laughed. “Thanks Ginger. I can feel how agitated Dean is right now.”
“Yes, let’s go. I don’t want to get on the Alpha King’s bad side.”
Ginger had her mating ceremony a month ago. Dean and I waited until the castle was restored before we had ours. The entire pack showed up for our ceremony I could feel the love. Three months ago I should have been dead but I was given a last chance at life.
Now I’d been given a gift.
The ceremony was in the back yard. Thanks to Ginger it was something out of a fairy-tale. In Dean’s pack mating ceremonies are at night so the moon can stand as the goddess’ representative. Lights hung from the trees and the ground. The grass liked the sky with thousands of lights in it. Applause rang out when me and Ginger emerged in the backyard.
I saw Dean breathe a sigh of relief. His brother clapped his shoulder.
My mate looked great in a suit but there was nothing anyone could do to make him wear a tie.
Gabe was leaving the pack to restart his own and a daunting journey to find his mate. Kenzie and I still weren’t cool I made peace with the fact that we wouldn’t be. Ginger took her seat next to Sam the mastermind behind out victory against the hybrid wolves. I was glad those two made it together.
I walked the white carpet to where my mate waited for me.
I wished my family could be here for this. Owen stood as a representative for my family. He would officiate our ceremony he stood beside Dean with a bright beam on his face.
“Finally we can start,” Owen said.
Laughter came from the crowd.
We joined has. A waxing moon hung in the clear sky. It felt like a smile on us.
“We’re joined here today to unite the Alpha King with his Luna. The woman who will be his partner for all time. Under the moon goddess’s light, I ask my Alpha King what his decision is.”
Dean squeezed my hands. “Layla, I choose you. I’ll always choose you. In a thousand lifetimes I want you as my mine. I’ll protect you with every fur of my coat and every bone in my body. I, Alpha Dean take you Layla Regan as my mate and Luna of my pack.”
Tears stung my eyes. His declaration was even better the second time.
“Dean, I’d die for you—”
“Please don’t,” Dean cut me off.
The audience laughed.
I smiled. “I love you and I words can’t express the love I have for you. I hope my actions will. I’ll work to be the best Luna to your pack and a wonderful mate to you. I, Layla Regan accept to be your mate and Luna under the moon goddess’s light.”
Dean slammed me to his chest and closed his mouth on mine before Owen could declare us officially mates. Though, the audience burst into cheers and applause.
“I love you,” Dean said between kisses.
“I love you more.”
***
Dean kicked the door to our bedroom open. He carried me inside like a bride.
“We shouldn’t have left the party,” I said.
“Trust me most couples don’t last as long as we did. I can’t wait to have you.”
I remembered Dean’s gift. He tossed me on the bed and pulled off his jacket.
“Wait!”
“Do I have to?” He growled.
I rolled off the bed and walked to the dresser.
“Did you know that wolf’s scents change sometimes?” I asked.
He frowned. “Yeah it’s rare though.”
“Did you also know that a wolf can change her scent back to her original scent after it changed.”
“Layla, is this what I’m waiting for?” He laughed.
I dipped my head to the side. A month ago my scent changed. Thank goodness Dean was too busy to notice and I realized early. I opened the dresser drawer and pulled out the box.
Dean sat on the edge of the bed and sighed. “I know you can but it takes a lot of work because the scent can always come back.”
“I know. It was a lot of work.”
“What?”
I pulled the box from behind me and held it out.
“A gift for you.” I said nervously.
He chuckled. “I didn’t get you anything. I feel like a dick.”
He pulled the blue ribbon off.
“Yes, you did,” I said.
“Yeah? What?”
He removed the box and my heart slammed forward. I relaxed my muscles and allowed the new scent to shine through.
Dean pulled out the positive pregnancy test and stared at it. He cupped his mouth before standing. He held my shoulders.
“Your… your scent changed. You’re pregnant, Layla?”
I nodded. “I wanted to surprise you?”
He shook his head. “You hide our baby’s scent the entire time? I can’t believe you.” He laughed.
He pulled me into him arms and squeezed.
“We’re having a little pup. The first of a few,” I said, tears staining my eyes.
“I couldn’t ask for more. I love you I love our baby, Layla.”
“I’m not sure if it’s a girl or boy. We can find out together.”
He laughed. “You’re never leaving this room. You won’t be able to eat on your own after this.”
My lips fell. “Dean.”
“You’re officially a delicate egg. I’m going to take care of you.”
“Oh but—”
“But nothing, Little Wolf.”
I sighed and shook my head. Deep down I wouldn’t want it any other way than with my stubborn Big Wolf.