Epilogue

**Epilogue**

***Rafael's POV:***

"Did they find any clues?" Astrid asked beside me.
It's been a month since the shifter king has been anxious about his daughter's kidnapping. They are doing everything they can to discover the traces, but it is futile. Everyone attempted to assist them, but we were unable to locate any leads.
We were all heartbroken at first, but my friend encouraged us to go on with our lives, and we've learned that worrying about things that won't work out is pointless. Slowly, we are returning to our everyday lives, but we are still persuaded to find Jill (Rebecca's daughter).
Astrid had mentioned that she may be our kid's mate, putting pressure on us to find Jill. Cindy stated that she would be protected and that only her mate would be able to find her. Only Astrid and I are aware that our child is Jill's mate.
We told Black that, and he found it difficult to go on, but we all know that we are tested with our mates in every aspect of our lives.
We can try, but we can't be sure we'll find Jill since it's written in the stars.
Astrid was seated on the bed, perhaps reading a book. I shook my head and sat down beside her.
"But we're trying," I said, not wanting her to worry too much.
"Rafael, I know nothing will happen to her, but I am concerned about Rebecca. It must be heartbreaking for them to miss their first child." She responded.
At first, Astrid was a weeping mess, and when I asked her about it, she said she had concerns about belonging to our family, and a month was a long time to move on, and now we go about our lives, hoping to find Jill every day.
"We'll get through this," I told Astrid, who nodded and snuggled against me.
"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" Astrid asked while I was fiddling with her curls.
"Everything is ready and cleaned.  We plan to move in by tomorrow." I agreed by nodding.
We are returning to our castle, giving us access to additional spaces for our generations to thrive and all the covens to leave in peace. As far as the territory of those other covens is concerned, I have given those witches the chance to start their own covens as a token of appreciation.
We just completed all of the ceremonies to reverse those labeled as Varlets and bring them back to our realm, which resulted in Charles and his family coming to live among us.
When it comes to demons, they are all free now and have their own domain, which makes it difficult for me to pick where I should spend most of my time. I can't keep vampires and demons together since they don't get along, and I don't want to produce a schism between these two groups, therefore, it's best if they stay away. And because I was born a vampire, I can't stay away from my realm, and demons have made peace with it because I give them equal time.
I have to confess that it can become a little chaotic at times. Managing all of this, taking care of human business, and also managing time for my family and everyone close to me leaves me with little to no time for myself, but I have a very supportive spouse at my side who continuously reminds and encourages me to do what is right for me and takes care of me.
I had planned to put off the relocation until after the twins were born, but Astrid thought it was preferable if everything was done as soon as possible. We've also chosen to join this region with the demon's realm, and this house will always be ours. That way, rather than leaving the room for idols, we can make excellent use of it.
Azael may also now morph anytime he wants, allowing him more access to his capacity to exist peacefully.
We slept that night, knowing that the next day we would be in our kingdom, establishing new regulations and giving our people their due.
I awoke the next morning to find Astrid still sleeping. I checked on the castle one final time, and after I was sure that everything was in order, I requested Bryan to bring everyone back.
After everyone had gone, I returned to our room just as Astrid emerged from the shower. I chuckled as I looked at her, a towel wrapped over her. Astrid recognized the enticing grin I was giving her.
"Um... I think I should get dressed." She began to make her way toward the walk-in closet.
"Yes, I think I must change as well." I followed suit.
As soon as we were inside I drew her back to me, squeezing her between myself and the wall.
"I think we should take something to remember from this place." As I lifted Astrid's wrists over her head and kissed her naked neck, my eyes flashed multiple colors. She was wiggling in my grasp, and I was happy that I could still have an impact on her. We couldn't get enough of each other.
My kisses moved to her collarbone, then back to her neck and jawline. As she drew me closer to her, her hands wrapped around my neck, I let go of her hands.
I hastily opened my shirt, tossed it in a corner, and captured her lips.
I quickly drew her towel into a fast. She began to respond to my kiss, and I began to toy with her body.
"Ah!" Astrid grimaced.
I drew away from her fast. "What happened, little dove?" I asked as her features shifted, and she looked to be in a lot of pain.
"The twins are bursting out!" she screamed in pain.
What a lovely moment my children chose to disturb us! Anyway, this is not the time to consider it.
Astrid sagged to the ground. Given the embarrassing situation, I tossed a T-shirt at myself at random.
"Stay with me, little dove," by the time Astrid had helped herself, putting on a comfy dress while still wincing in pain.
I checked the time, and Charles might not be in his clinic yet. Because Astrid is in labor, I mind-linked him to go to the clinic as soon as possible.
"Ah...!" She sobbed again, but I worried and thought about what to do and where to go.
I considered teleporting, but because Charles would need some time to get to the hospital, I chose to drive us there.
"We'll be there soon," I said to myself rather than to Astrid. I strapped her into the car seat.
She groaned in anguish the entire time, grasping my hand hard.
I wanted Mom and Cindy to accompany me to the hospital since they would be more knowledgeable about the situation.
Fortunately, Charles and everyone else were already waiting for me.
I put her on a bed, and Charles told me he'd call me when things were a bit better.
I was sitting outdoors, fidgeting with my hands. Mom came over and sat next to me, caressing my back.
"Don't worry, my daughter and grandkids are strong," Mom reassured me with a big smile.
She has begun to acclimate to the changes around her, attempting to comprehend everything. While she has grown close to Astrid, they have become inseparable, and I am frequently chastised even when Astrid is at fault.
She refers to her as Mom, and my little dove says she is filling the void left by her mother, and Mom, too, has spoilt her, yes more than me, by taking care of her and making everything she enjoys.
We were each unfolding our lives in front of her each day, and she too said that I did the right thing by killing Elliot.
"Rafael, you may come inside," Charles said as he stepped outside in his medical garb.
I sighed deeply and gazed at my family. They all smiled encouragingly at me, and I immediately stepped inside.
"I-I can't" Astrid was exhausted, and her face was drenched in sweat.
I approached her and she swiftly grasped my hands.
"Astrid, listen to me. Okay, you must push with all your strength." Charles gave her instructions.
"Please take it out, I can't," she yelled.
"It's all right, little dove; you can do it. Remember how many times we imagined this situation in our heads? Now is the moment, and we shall persevere. We'll be holding our babies in a while. So, take a deep breath and give one more push." I began murmuring encouraging words to her.
She shuddered and gasped, closed her eyes, and thrust with all her strength.
The nurses urged, "Yes, yes, keep going; we can see the baby."
"Just a bit more, little dove." She held my hand strongly and did exactly what I asked.
Astrid yelled and exclaimed loudly. When we heard the baby's wail reverberating around the room, her eyes opened, as did mine.
Astrid held my hand hard before I could go tend to the baby.
"All OK, keep going; baby number two is still on the way." Charles waived his hands at us, and I had to exert even more effort until Astrid collapsed tiredly on the bed.
I was taken aback since the second baby did not cry. I became concerned and hurried to my baby.
It was a boy, which means my baby girl was born first.
"Why isn't he crying?" Astrid asked, concerned and attempting to get out of bed.
The nurse swiftly wrapped both of them and delivered them to me.
"Because my boy is smiling," I said, a large smile growing over my face.
Astrid, too, chuckled before collapsing on the bed. My eyes welled up with tears holding them. I have never felt this happy. Though I have had most of the crowns on my head, nothing compares to this. I felt a happiness that words can't describe. This feeling was surreal, and I felt like I had everything in this world.
I grabbed both of the babies and placed them on Astrid's chest.
Charles stepped outdoors in an instant. Cindy, Mom, Eva, Charles, and Bryan rushed in.
They moved fast towards Astrid.
"Aww, they're so cute," Eva said as she gazed at them.
"Shh. They're sleeping now, so keep quiet." I sighed and rolled my eyes. 
"Oh, they're not going to get any rest any time soon," Mom chided as she picked up our daughter.
"But Mom!" I grumbled.
"Shut up, Rafael; they need to be active to grow. You don't know about babies more than I do, so keep quiet." Mom chastised me once more.
Eva was holding our son, and they were all adoring him as I walked and sat by Astrid.
"Could you just tell us their names now?  It is a lot of suspense to handle," Cindy asked, her fingers on my son's pouty lips.
I grinned as I stared at Astrid.
"Our girl!" I remarked, motioning to Mom.
"Allison Fiona Delmar," I and Astrid said in unison, and Mom was astonished to learn that we named our baby after her, but it was Astrid's idea from the start, even though we hadn't gotten Mom back.
As she kissed the top of her head, Mom's eyes welled up with tears. "We'll call her Ally for short." Cindy happily clapped her hands and took our Ally away from mom.
"And it's Alexander Jack Delmar for our boy," Astrid said.
Everyone in this room knows who Jack is, and I chose his name to honor Jack's sacrifice. Ally and Alex are both perfect.
"And Alex for short," Cindy chirped, and Azael was contained with it. He was the one who insisted on our baby having a name that sounded similar to his.
Even when it was time to go, my wacky family was not ready. We had to practically shoo them away.
I burped babies and placed them in their cribs after everyone had left and Astrid had finished feeding them.
I approached my lovely mate, leaning on the headrest beside her.  "Thank you for coming into my life, little dove. Thank you for existing and filling my life with all the happiness," I whispered, getting emotional.
Before her arrival, I was leading a pointless existence, waking up with the intention of vengeance, but she showed up and taught me what life is. I'm not sure what I'd have done without her. I'm not sure if I would have emerged from the darkness into which I had sunk.
I know she often thinks she is fortunate to have me, but I am the one who has been privileged to be her "Third Chance Mate."
She was ready to open her mouth to argue, but I stopped her from kissing her passionately. We only separated when Alex began to cry.
We both laughed, and I approached them, bringing them along and resting near their mother.
I will do my best to be the best father possible for them, and I am confident that they will be strong like their parents while still being unique in their own way, and I will be there to support them.
I have everything at this moment, and there is nothing else I desire in my life.
"I love you, little dove." I carefully stretched myself, not wanting to disturb our kids, and kissed the top of Astrid's head.
"I love you too, Rafael," Astrid whispered, dozing off to sleep.
I chuckled and kissed my babies, dozing off to deep slumber myself.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

**I thought of writing some more details about the future, but I think its perfect the way it is. Initially, I planned on writing the book separately for both Ally and Alex. I still have plans for those, but let's see where this goes, and if this book becomes a success someday, I will come back to write their story. Please remember to vote if there are any events running, that would mean an absolute world to me. I love you all<3 **