Epilogue - Rafael
The pack center is alive with warmth and light on Christmas Eve, every corner glimmering in the soft, multicolored glow of the decorations strung from wall to wall. The tree near the fireplace is heavy with memories: ornaments we’ve all brought over the years, woven between Maisie’s tangled popcorn garlands and the Vandenbergs’ hand-cut stars that dangle with a childlike charm.
Everywhere I look, my pack is there—faces flushed, laughing, handing around steaming mugs of cider and mulled wine, toasting one another with a cheer that rings out through the center like music.
Percy has everyone raise a glass for the Rosecreek toast, his voice loud and playful, blessing us with “a year of peace, joy, too much pie, and not a single broken bone,” though he raises an eyebrow as he meets my eye. I only shake my head, laughing.
The toast brings a moment of silence, a gratitude that hangs in the air, as if every one of us is sharing in the relief of having made it to this moment together.
The kids slip between tables, weaving in and out of legs and under the benches, their voices rising as they dart around, pleading with Aris to shift just once, to show them “the big wolf.” After enough begging, he sighs with good humor and transforms, shaking out his fur as the children shriek in delight, burying their hands in his coat.
Of course, it’s can’t last. Half of the group has kids, and we’re all getting old anyway. Maia French-exits first, followed by my very drunk sister. Then the Vandenburgs and the Cadells.
Once the festivities have well and truly wound down, the rest of the group disperses, half of the pack heading out for a few more drinks and the other half heading back to their own homes and families, their children, their cozy little forevers.
I sweep Thalia away. We retreat together to my suite on the top floor of the pack center, where we’re staying until we decide what comes next—our own permanent place, or world travels—leaning against one another, sleepy and tipsy.
When Thalia pulls me down on top of her onto our bed, however, I know I’m not too tired to ravish her.
I lean in, our lips meeting in a soft, languid kiss. The taste of wine lingers on Thalia's tongue as it dances with mine. My fingers tangle in her hair, still slightly damp from the earlier rain. She sighs contentedly against my mouth.
Thalia's hands roam over my back, tracing lazy patterns. The warmth of her touch seeps through my shirt. I trail kisses along her jaw, down to the sensitive spot below her ear. She shivers and clutches me tighter.
We take our time undressing each other, savoring each newly exposed patch of skin with gentle caresses and feather-light kisses. Thalia's skin is flushed and warm beneath my fingertips. I pause to admire the way the dim lamplight casts a soft glow on her rich, smooth skin.
She pulls me close again, then flips us, kissing a path down my neck and chest. Her fingers trace the contours of my abs, dipping lower. I inhale sharply as she wraps her hand around me, stroking slowly.
"Lie back," Thalia murmurs, gently pushing me onto the pillows.
My breath catches as she takes me into her mouth. The wet heat of her tongue swirls around me, sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. I tangle my fingers in her silky hair, guiding her movements.
Thalia looks up at me through her lashes, eyes dark with desire. The sight of her is intoxicating. My hips buck involuntarily, and Thalia hums appreciatively, the vibrations sending another jolt of pleasure through me. She increases her pace, and her talented mouth and hand work in tandem.
I feel the familiar tension building, threatening to overwhelm me.
"Wait," I gasp, gently tugging Thalia's hair to pull her away. "I want to be inside you."
Thalia releases me with a soft pop and crawls up my body, a glint in her eye. She straddles my hips, hovering just above where I need her most. I grip her waist, my fingers digging into her soft flesh.
"Thalia," I whisper, my voice rough with need.
“Rafael.” Her voice is impossible to resist.
My mate leans down to capture my lips in a searing kiss as she slowly sinks onto me. We both moan at the exquisite sensation of our bodies joining.
She begins to move, rolling her hips in a slow, sensual rhythm. I match her movements, thrusting up to meet her. We find our familiar dance, bodies moving together in perfect synchronicity.
I run my hands up Thalia's sides, cupping her breasts. She arches into my touch, her head falling back in pleasure. I sit up, wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her closer. My lips find her throat, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin.
Thalia's nails rake down my back as she picks up the pace. I can feel her starting to tighten around me, her breathing becoming more ragged. I slip a hand between us, my fingers finding her most sensitive spot.
"Oh god," Thalia gasps, her hips jerking erratically.
I circle my fingers faster, feeling my own release building.
"Come for me," I murmur against her skin, my voice husky with desire.
Thalia cries out, her body tensing as waves of pleasure crash over her. The sight and feel of her climax pushes me over the edge. I bury my face in her neck, groaning as my own release washes through me.
We cling to each other, trembling and breathless, as the aftershocks slowly fade. Thalia peppers soft kisses along my shoulder, her fingers tracing patterns on my back. I stroke her hair, reveling in the warmth of her body against mine.
Eventually, we disentangle ourselves and settle onto the pillows. Thalia curls into my side, her head resting on my chest. I pull the blankets over us, cocooning us in warmth.
"I love you," Thalia murmurs sleepily.
And I know she means it.
*****
THE END