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Epilogue

Lia’s POV

The early morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. The gentle hum of the ocean waves outside was a constant reminder of how much life had changed over the past five years. I stretched lazily in bed, glancing over to see Luca already awake, leaning against the headboard with a book in his hands.

“You’re up early,” I murmured, snuggling closer to him.

He looked down at me, his lips curling into a smile. “Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d make the most of the quiet before the chaos begins.”

I laughed softly. Chaos was an understatement when it came to our house these days. With two young boys and a girl who had inherited her father’s stubbornness, mornings were anything but quiet.

Just as I predicted, the door burst open, and Merlin ran in, followed closely by his siblings.

“Mom! Dad! You promised we’d go riding today!” Merlin, now ten, was the leader of their little trio, his energy boundless.

“Yeah, you promised!” echoed four-year-old Finn, his bright eyes shining with excitement. He was the spitting image of Luca, right down to the serious furrow of his brows when he tried to act grown-up.

Three-year-old Alina toddled in last, her curls bouncing with every step. She climbed onto the bed and threw her arms around my neck. “Ride horsies!” she demanded with a giggle.

Luca and I exchanged amused glances. “Alright, alright,” I said, pulling Alina onto my lap. “Go get ready, and we’ll meet you outside.”

The kids cheered and ran off, leaving the door wide open behind them.

As we made our way to the stables, I took a moment to marvel at how far we’d come. The clans were no longer two separate entities but one strong, united family. Luca and I had worked tirelessly to ensure peace and prosperity for everyone. It hadn’t been easy, but seeing the smiles on our children’s faces made it all worth it.

Bianca and Jenny had been instrumental in helping us maintain order. Bianca was now happily married to Zachary, the deputy who had won her heart all those years ago. They had two children of their own, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the woman Bianca had become.

Jenny, true to her word, had found love in the most unexpected place—with a quiet, reserved healer from the clan. They were engaged now, and the sparkle in her eyes every time she spoke about him was proof enough of her happiness.

Three years ago, we packed our bags and traveled back to the main packhouse for a momentous occasion—Alina’s wedding. I remember how vibrant and joyous the ceremony was, a perfect blend of traditions and personal touches that reflected her fiery personality. The entire clan came together to celebrate, and it was a sight to behold.

Alina, Finn’s sister, had always been a strong and independent soul, but on her wedding day, she was a vision of grace and beauty. She married Damon, a respected warrior from a neighboring pack, and their union not only strengthened alliances but also brought happiness to everyone who knew them.

For Luca and me, the journey back to the packhouse was bittersweet. It brought back memories of Finn and everything we had endured to get to where we were. Yet, seeing Alina so happy reminded us of the resilience of family and the importance of love.

Our children were just toddlers then, full of energy and curiosity. Merlin was seven, Finn was four, and our youngest, little Alina, was barely two but already showing signs of inheriting her father’s stubbornness. They were the darlings of the wedding, stealing the spotlight with their antics and laughter.

Alina had always been fond of our children, and that day was no exception. She spent hours playing with them, twirling little Alina around in her arms and letting the boys chase her through the gardens. She doted on them endlessly, and they adored her in return. Even now, when we visit her and Damon, her eyes light up at the sight of our kids. She spoils them with treats and stories, always making them feel like the most important people in the world.

The wedding itself was magical. The ceremony took place under the moonlight, a nod to our werewolf traditions. Alina and Damon exchanged vows surrounded by family, friends, and pack members, their love for each other evident in every word and glance.

Luca and I stood among the crowd, hand in hand, watching as the couple pledged their lives to each other. It reminded me of our own journey and how love had grown between us despite the challenges we faced.

The celebration that followed was unforgettable. The feast was lavish, the music lively, and the dance floor packed. Luca and I took turns chasing after the kids, who were determined to be part of every activity. Merlin insisted on dancing with the bride, while Finn tried his best to keep up with the older kids.

Looking back, that day marked a new chapter not just for Alina but for all of us. Her marriage symbolized hope, unity, and the strength of bonds that transcend loss and hardship.

Even now, Alina remains a cherished part of our lives. She’s a loving aunt to our children, a trusted confidant, and a reminder of the enduring power of family.

The day passed in a blur of laughter and activity. Merlin and Finn raced their horses across the fields while Alina rode with Luca, her little hands clutching the reins as she squealed in delight.

Later, we gathered in the garden for a family dinner. The kids played tag with the other children from the clan while the adults shared stories and plans for the future.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Luca pulled me aside.

“Happy?” he asked, his voice soft.

I looked around at our children, at the family we’d built, at the life we’d created together. My heart swelled with gratitude and love.

“More than I ever thought possible,” I replied, wrapping my arms around his waist.

That night, as we tucked the kids into bed, Merlin asked a question that caught me off guard.

“Mom, do you think I’ll be the Alpha one day?”

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “Maybe. But being an Alpha isn’t about power, Merlin. It’s about love, responsibility, and doing what’s best for your family and your people. If that’s what you want, then one day, you’ll make a great leader.”

He nodded solemnly, his young mind already brimming with dreams.

As the house grew quiet, I found myself sitting on the balcony, gazing at the stars. Luca joined me, a glass of wine in his hand.

“Five years,” he said, handing me the glass. “Can you believe it?”

I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. “It feels like a lifetime ago and just yesterday all at once.”

He took my hand, his thumb brushing against my skin. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Lia. You’re my strength, my heart, my everything.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I leaned into him. “And you’re mine, Luca. Always.”

The sound of a soft cry interrupted our moment.

“That’s Alina,” I said, already standing.

Luca chuckled. “I’ve got her. You relax.”

I watched as he disappeared into the house, my heart full.

Life wasn’t perfect—it never would be. But it was ours, and it was beautiful.

As I turned my gaze back to the stars, a single thought filled my mind:

This was only the beginning.