Epilogue
Mikhail
The semester came to an end, and I was excited to bring Freya home with me.
My parents were beyond eager to meet her, unsatisfied with the regular video calls they had already had with her.
Shortly after Eldon took care of Bianca, Freya received a letter from her mother, assuring her she was safe and happy to hear about our mating. I knew my girl missed her dearly.
As promised, my clan had gone above and beyond to set up a safe haven for any Elements seeking a home and protection.
Small cottages on large swaths of land were built within the perimeter of our territory.
Alma, Freya’s mother, was the first arrival.
She had been there for over a week at that point, getting her space set up and contacting other Elements to coordinate their arrivals.
Both my mother and Alma swore me to secrecy, wanting to see Freya’s face in person for the first time in months rather than over a phone.
So, while my mate bustled about, packing and unpacking the same bag, my bear huffed in frustration.
He didn’t like lying, and he didn’t like the idea of having to share Freya’s attention with so many people.
Halloween had proven to be a pivotal night for several of the students, but nothing could top the night we had—the night we became true mates.
Since that moment, we had only grown stronger.
No longer forced to hide in the shadows, to repress her powers, Freya was flourishing.
We were connected through our mating link, and it was a gift to feel her thrive.
One of the biggest reasons I couldn’t wait to get her home was the freedom it would provide us.
At Bartholomew, we could go out at times, revel in our power, and play.
But we still had to be careful, aware of our surroundings.
On clan lands, the sky was the limit. I couldn’t wait for Freya to unleash, to see the absolute magnificence of her untethered strength.
Father had sent a private plane, and Freya’s wide-eyed expression when we boarded made the whole trip. Once we were up in the air, I showed her the cabin with a bed. There, we made use of several hours of our flight.
Freya eventually fell asleep. I tucked her into my side, enjoying having her so close.
I was going to propose that week, in front of her family and mine.
She would meet her new family, and they would get to meet their new alphas.
I was excited to show off my mate, and I knew she would be a ruthless but fair ruler.
For the moment, we would live in the main castle, but I knew it wouldn’t be permanent.
We needed our own private space—still safe on clan lands, but a smaller house.
After several discussions, we had agreed on an intimate house—one where we could hear each other from another room.
I didn’t want or need distance from my mate.
The key was the land it was on. We needed plenty of space for my bear to roam and Freya’s magic to run free.
The flight attendant knocked on the door to let me know we would be preparing for landing soon.
I woke up my grumpy mate and helped her back to our seats.
Once we were belted in, I held her hand as the plane landed, watching all the expressions flitting over her face as my family’s lands became visible below us.
The view was stunning, with miles and miles of pristine mountains and lush landscapes visible during the descent.
I practically pulled Freya off the plane as she was so distracted, trying to get a glimpse outside.
When we finally stepped on the ground, a piece inside of me settled.
Much to my amusement, Freya insisted on keeping the windows down on the ride to our home.
Her excitement was palpable, and it was clear that she didn’t want to miss anything.
I could feel the anxiety inside of her, the fear that she would blink and it would all disappear, waking up in her small dorm room alone and confined.
A shudder ran through Freya, so I quickly yanked her into my side.
Tucked securely under my arm, I drew her attention to my window and to the house atop the mountain we were ascending.
“That is Fortress Bjornsson. Your new home.” Her eyes widened as we took in the gigantic structure.
We were home. Fated mates or not, Freya was mine.
She was beautiful, mind, body, and soul, but now that I had time to get to know my mate, I couldn’t imagine any future without her.
I would make sure she never wanted for anything.
I would make sure Freya knew she was loved and treasured.
I would make sure I was there for her, always and forever.
Freya
The car pulled through the tall gates and around the long, circuitous driveway before stopping in front of large oak doors.
Standing outside waiting for our arrival were Mikhail’s parents, Erik and Helena.
I recognized them from our frequent video calls, but I was still nervous to meet them in person.
Would they accept me as Mikhail’s mate? I could tell how deeply the family cared for each other, and my heart ached at the idea that I might cause strife between the three.
“Your family waits outside to welcome you home.” The meaning behind his words filled me with warmth, and I nodded.
He pressed a hard kiss to my lips before opening the door and sliding out of the SUV, grabbing me by the hips to lift me out after him. Without ever breaking contact, we walked up to his parents, who were watching us with large smiles.
Helena had tears in her eyes as she broke away from her husband to hug me. She was only a few inches taller than me, but her shifter strength was undeniable as she clutched me to her chest.
“Oh, you’re even lovelier in person.The two of you together bring tears to this old biddy’s heart.
Just perfect. I’m so happy to finally have a daughter.
It can get tiresome, being surrounded by these big babies, so you come to me if any of them give you trouble,” she told me firmly.
The excitement on her face was infectious.
I nodded along and laughed at her instructions, feeling close to the brim with all of the exciting emotions. Erik walked over, and I reached my hand out to greet him. He gently batted my hand away before lifting me in a proper bear hug.
“We’re not formal here, my dear. You’ll get used to it. As my wife has already said, we are so thrilled to welcome you home.” He put me on my feet, holding my shoulders to make sure I was settled, causing a growl to come from Misha. I turned to him, confused, but Erik just laughed.
“It gets easier, son, I promise. Now, please come inside. We have some surprises in store.” I turned to Misha, whose jaw was set in a stubborn line, his eyes avoiding mine. I could feel his bear’s discomfort, and anxiety ran through me. He was nervous about something, and I didn’t know what it was.
“Everything is good, Little Storm, I promise you.” He ushered me through the foyer. The immense space was captivating.
Turning a corner, we entered another room that I assumed was some sort of lounge.
My eyes flitted all over the place, trying to figure out where to focus, when a soft gasp caught my attention.
Standing just inside the sitting room was my mother.
I hadn’t seen her in nearly a year. I didn’t know who moved first, but soon, we were sprinting toward each other and colliding in the middle of the room.
“What are you doing here?!” I screamed just as she yelled “Surprise!” Laughing as we hugged, Mom rocked me side to side, like she had done when I was young.
“Ask your beau. This was all his doing.” She smiled, swiping the tears from my cheeks and tucking my hair behind my ears. Realizing the lengths Mikhail must have gone through to set it up, I turned around quickly.
“Misha! I can’t believe it…What-What are you doing?” I looked down at Mikhail, who was on one knee, a black velvet box in his hand.
“My Freya. When I dreamed of finding my true mate, nothing could have prepared me for you. I thank the gods every day that they bound you to me, because mates or not, I could never live a life without you. Please, do me the honor of becoming my wife, now and always. I love you, my sweet Freya. Will you marry me?”
I tackled Misha to the ground, nodding as I sobbed in his arms.
“Yes! Of course, yes. I love you, Mikhail, so very much.” He slid the ring on my finger and claimed my mouth in a passionate kiss.
I was basically in his lap on the floor, and a sharp whistle had me remembering my surroundings.
I looked up to see our families watching us, and couldn’t help the embarrassed flush that ran through me.
My pale skin turned bright red as Mikhail hauled us to our feet.
A man came out with glasses of champagne, and I was grateful for the cold beverage.
Misha pulled us up, but kept me tucked against his chest.
“Here’s to those who wish us well. All the rest can go to hell.” Erik raised his glass in a toast.
Laughter rang out, and I hid my red face against Misha’s chest. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “I promise to love you more every year, every day, every minute. I can’t wait to call you my wife.”
“Through rain or shine, I’ll always stand by your side, Misha. My mate. I can’t wait to call you my husband.” Before the last word left my mouth, he pulled me in for a searing kiss.
Sound disappeared, and it was only us, filled with love, hope, and dreams of the wild, messy, beautiful life we had ahead of us.