Love, A Curvy Girl’s Guide (A Curvy Girl’s Guide to Shifters)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T he forest glowed under the soft afternoon sun, golden light filtering through the canopy of trees. Twinkling fairy lights were strung between the branches, their soft glow adding to the magic of the moment. Wildflowers lined the natural aisle, the scent of lavender and jasmine thick in the warm air. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying whispered blessings through the trees.

Haley stood in the packhouse, staring at her reflection. This was it. Her wedding day.

The dress was everything she had wanted—elegant yet simple, with delicate lace along the neckline and sleeves, hugging her curves before flowing into a soft train. Her hair was styled in loose waves, tiny pearl pins scattered throughout.

She smoothed her hands down the fabric, breathing in deeply.

It was perfect .

And Haley’s hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

“Breathe,” Verity teased, perched on the edge of a chaise in the packhouse as she watched Haley fuss over the lace of her gown. “Unless you’re planning to pass out at the altar, which, if I’m being honest, would be a bit dramatic—even for you.”

Haley shot her a look through the mirror. “If I pass out, make sure Ian catches me, okay? You know, since you’re useless. ”

Verity smirked. “Totally useless. But at least I showed up. I half expected you to uninvite me after…” She trailed off, her smirk faltering.

Haley sighed, setting her hands on the vanity. “We’ve worked through that. You’re here. That’s what matters.”

It had taken time to heal the rift between them. Time, and effort. But Verity had shown up—in small ways at first, then bigger ones. When Haley and Ian had decided to move to be with the pack, Verity had checked in regularly with Haley’s mom. Funnily enough, she’d even hit it off with Ian’s older brother Derek when she’d learned that he was also into her favorite video game. For a while there, Haley had been certain that it was Dennis who was into Verity, but it looked like things had changed.

“After all,” she’d told Haley. “Who would have guessed such a hot computer science nerd would be into Shadow’s Thrall? We were meant to be friends… With benefits, if I have anything to say about it.”

Haley had said plenty. Mostly—keep it as friends!

As if on cue, Verity picked up a glass of champagne and took a deliberate sip. “Your future brother-in-law looks really uncomfortable in a suit, by the way. I bet he looks hot as hell out of it.”

Haley smirked. “Derek always looks uncomfortable around people. Leave him alone. Don’t poke the bear!”

“Or the wolf?” Verity mused, swirling the champagne in her glass. “But, Hales, he keeps looking at me like he wants to eat me. And Lord knows, I’d like to be eaten.”

“Verity!”

“Fine,” she huffed. “But he’s also been drinking. A lot. And we both know he’s not much of a drinker. Now, that’s not on me.”

Haley bit back a laugh. “Verity… are you trying to make Derek nervous?”

She shrugged, feigning innocence. “I mean… I might’ve flirted with him a little. But it was nothing, I swear.”

Haley’s eyebrows shot up. “A little?”

Verity grinned. “I asked him about the benefits of an extra monitor while playing Shadow’s Thrall. We’re going shopping tomorrow!”

Haley narrowed her eyes. “Be careful with him, Verity.”

Verity’s smirk softened. “I know. And I am . I won’t mess this up, Hales. I promise.”

A soft knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Haley called out.

Her mother stepped inside, wearing a pale blue dress that softened her normally sharp edges. But the biggest change wasn’t in what she wore—it was in her expression. There was a warmth in her eyes, a gentleness that had been absent for too long.

“I’m just going to give you two some time,” Verity said, moving toward the door. “I’ll see you out there, Hales. You’ve got this.”

After Verity had closed the door, Haley turned to her mom. Their relationship had taken a lot more work and was still on shaky ground. Haley’s mom had resolved to take her meds on a regular basis and was seeing a therapist these days. However, with years of neglect, their mother and daughter relationship needed time and nourishment to grow.

“I wanted to give you something,” her mother said, her voice thick with emotion. She pulled a small velvet box from her purse and opened it, revealing a delicate strand of pearls .

Haley gasped. “Mom… these are your?—”

“They’re yours now,” her mother interrupted gently, stepping behind her to clasp the necklace around her neck. “They belonged to your grandmother, then to me. And now I want you to have them—not as something borrowed, but as something to keep.”

Haley touched the cool pearls, her vision blurring.

Her mother hesitated before speaking again, her voice breaking. “Haley, I owe you an apology.”

Haley turned, stunned by the vulnerability in her mother’s face. Her mom was usually willing to put things behind them, but she rarely confessed to her part of the problem. Haley held her breath.

“I put too much on you when your father got sick,” she admitted shakily. “I know I expected too much and I leaned on you in ways I never should have. You were losing your dad and I wasn’t being a good mother. It haunts me to think of the things I’ve said and done. That wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.”

Tears filled Haley’s eyes.

Her mother took a deep breath, her hands tightening over Haley’s. “As you know, I’ve been in therapy. I’m working on it. And I just need you to know—I see you. I see how strong you are. And I am so, so sorry for the weight I put on you.”

A tear slipped down Haley’s cheek as she squeezed her mother’s hands. “I know, Mom. And I love you.”

Her mother exhaled shakily, “I love you too, Bug.”

It struck Haley in that very moment that her dad truly was there with them. Her mom hadn’t used her childhood nickname in decades, and for her to bring it out in this moment could only mean one thing. He was there.

Her mom let out a strangled sigh. “I have to ask… is that why you and Ian decided to live with the pack? Because of me?”

Haley shook her head. “No. Not at all. I’m happy here, Mom. I’m learning so much from Neela, and Ian has become a valued member of the pack’s guard. This is where we were meant to be. Ian and I belong here.”

Her mother nodded, blinking rapidly.

“Mom?” Haley asked hesitantly. “Would you walk with me down the aisle?”

Her mother’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you sure?”

Haley nodded, her voice steady. “I’m sure.”

Her mother let out a watery laugh, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I would be honored.”

Despite the beautiful afternoon, the decorations, and the guests, Haley only saw one thing—Ian.

He stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in a fitted navy suit that made his blue eyes even more striking. His stance was strong, but she could see the nervous energy in the way he shifted slightly, his fingers flexing at his sides.

His eyes locked on to hers, and everything else faded.

Her heart pounded as she stepped into the aisle, her mother beside her, walking her forward.

The guests turned, smiling warmly. Verity was grinning and waving, while Bridget was openly crying, trying to mop up her tears with a damp hanky. Neela was smiling fondly, as were many of the pack members she’d worked with over the past year.

But none of that mattered.

Because Ian was waiting for her.

She reached the end of the aisle, her mother giving her hand one last squeeze before stepping back.

Ian took her hands, his grip firm but reverent.

“You’re breathtaking,” he whispered.

“You’re shaking,” she teased.

His laugh was rough, breathless. “You’re marrying me. Of course I’m shaking.”

The officiant cleared his throat, and the ceremony began.

Their vows were spoken through tears and laughter. Ian’s voice broke slightly when he promised to stand beside her, no matter what storms came their way. And Haley’s heart swelled as she vowed to love him with everything she had—for now and always.

The kiss was slow, deep, and filled with everything they couldn’t put into words.

When they pulled apart, the pack let out a roar of approval , and the party began.

It was hours later when everyone had finally eaten and drank their fill. The happy couple had danced the first dance and cut the cake, and a bonfire crackled in the clearing, fairy lights casting a golden glow over the dancing guests. Laughter and music filled the air.

Haley sat beside Ian, completely blissed out. It had been a perfect day .

Nearby, it appeared that Verity was toying with Derek. Haley wasn’t sure what set the unease low in her belly. Perhaps it was the way her friend’s eyes shone so brightly, or the way she held her champagne flute, twirling it between her fingers.

“Ian.” She motioned over to where they stood. “You don’t think that’s going to be a problem, do you?”

Ian glanced at where Verity and Derek were talking.

“They are standing pretty close,” Duke observed, reaching over and snatching some grapes from Dean’s plate.

“That’s leaning,” Dayton smirked. “Definitely leaning.”

“He’s not going to do anything,” Dennis said gruffly as he plopped down beside them. He’d taken off his suit coat and looked more comfortable than the rest.

Verity’s voice floated over to them. “Hmm. You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

They all watched as Derek’s grip on his glass tightened.

“Hey, maybe…” Ian started, but, before anybody could intervene, Derek yanked her against his chest.

Then he kissed Verity.

Hard.

A collective gasp swept through the guests.

Haley’s jaw dropped.

Dennis choked on his drink. “Holy shit. What the fuck is he doing?”

Dayton, ever the instigator, let out a slow whistle. “Well, damn. I didn’t know the boy had it in him.”

The kiss, which had started out as passionate, was turning downright pornographic. Some of the pack members were pointing and whispering, while Haley saw more than one mother turn their kids away from the scene.

Dean, watching with narrowed eyes, muttered, “Is it just me, or does Derek look like he’s about to?—”

Derek suddenly pulled back, his fangs extended.

“Oh, no,” Haley breathed.

Verity, still dazed from the kiss, blinked. “What’s?—”

He sank his fangs into her neck, her scream piercing the air.

Derek let out a deep, guttural growl. His muscles tensed, his skin rippling .

“Oh, shit,” Ian muttered.

Duke groaned. “Seriously? Can’t have one nice family event?”

Dennis turned and left, not saying a word to anyone else.

“Where’s he going?” Dayton asked, already loosening his tie. “Mom is going to be pissed.”

“Language, boys!” Bridget spouted automatically.

Davis smirked. “You think the pack covers therapy?”

“Not if it’s for dumbass decisions,” Dayton added, clearly enjoying the chaos.

Meanwhile, Derek dropped to his knees, clutching his stomach. His breathing grew heavier, and a deep shudder ran through him.

Dean sighed. “Yup. He’s shifting. Shit, that looks painful.”

Derek let out a strangled sound, somewhere between a growl and a whimper.

And then—his suit tore at the seams.

Haley groaned, rubbing her temples.

“Oh, no,” she muttered. “Here we go again.”