Norris Epilogue
Months Later…
Having just woken up, I stirred beneath the sheets, stretching languidly as consciousness slowly returned. Beside me, Gali slept like a rock, his features relaxed in a way I rarely saw outside the privacy of our bedroom.
Gazing at him, I marveled at how far we'd come since those dark days following El Lobo's death. The road hadn't been easy, navigating the treacherous landscape of the cartel world while trying to build a life together. But through it all, our love had remained constant, an unbreakable tether binding us even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
And today, we would make it official. A small ceremony with only our closest friends and family in attendance — Mrs. Hargrove, the landlady who'd become like a grandmother to us, and a handful of trusted associates from Gali's past life.
It wouldn't be the grand affair some might have expected for the new leader of the Nightshade Wolves taking an omega as his husband. But that wasn't who we were. We preferred simplicity, intimacy, and a celebration of our bond rather than outward displays of wealth or status.
A sudden cry pierced the quiet, followed by the rustling of blankets as Orion began to stir in his crib across the room. I smiled, pushing myself up on one elbow to peer over at my sleeping alpha.
"Duty calls, Daddy,"I teased, running a finger down the bridge of his nose."Our son requires your attention."
Gali grunted, his brow furrowing as he burrowed deeper into the pillow."Five more minutes,"he mumbled, keeping his eyes firmly closed."Then I'll get him."
Laughing, I leaned down to press a lingering kiss to his temple before slipping from the bed. Crossing to the crib, I scooped Orion into my arms, marveling at how much he'd grown in just a few short months.
"Morning, little man,"I cooed, nuzzling his sleep-warm cheek."Ready to start a big day?"
Orion gurgled happily, waving chubby fists in the air as I carried him to the changing table. As I diapered and dressed him, my mind drifted to the events of the day ahead.
Gali had worked tirelessly to ensure our safety and security in the aftermath of El Lobo's demise. He'd taken control of the Nightshades, ruthlessly quelling any dissent or challenge to his authority. It hadn't been an easy transition, requiring countless late nights and dangerous meetings with high-ranking members.
But through it all, he never lost sight of his ultimate goal: providing a stable, loving home for our family. He was determined to give Orion the childhood he had never known.
And now, after months of planning and preparation, we stood on the precipice of a new beginning. Not just a wedding, but a declaration to the world of our commitment to each other, of the life we were building together.
As I finished dressing Orion, Gali emerged from the bedroom, looking rumpled but devastatingly handsome in a tailored suit that hugged his muscular frame.
"You two look dapper,"he remarked, crossing to wrap his arms around us from behind. His lips brushed my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.
I leaned back into his embrace, sighing contentedly as Orion reached up to pat Gali's cheek with a damp hand."We can't have Daddy feeling left out,"I agreed, turning my head to capture his mouth in a quick kiss.
Breakfast passed in a domestic blur of feeding the baby and sipping coffee, stealing glances and smiles across the table. Before long, it was time to begin preparations for the ceremony.
Mrs. Hargrove arrived promptly at noon, bearing a basket of goodies and a wide grin."Don't you two look a picture!"She exclaimed, enveloping us in warm hugs."My babies, all grown up and getting married!"
Tears pricked my eyes at her joyful exclamation. Despite her gruff exterior, Mrs. Hargrove had become a true mother figure to me, offering unwavering support and tough love in equal measure.
Together, we fussed over the final details, adjusting flowers and straightening bowties. When Gali disappeared into the bedroom to check himself out in the mirror one more time, Mrs. Hargrove pulled me aside, her expression turning serious.
"I want you to know how proud I am of you both,"she murmured, squeezing my hands."Of the man you've become, the love you share. You've faced so many challenges, and overcome so much... And yet here you are, ready to commit yourselves to each other fully."
Emotion clogged my throat, making it difficult to speak. I nodded with my mouth shut, blinking back tears.
She smiled then, her eyes twinkling."Now, no crying until the vows! We don't want you to ruin your pretty face until you say 'I do'!"
Laughing through my tears, I hugged her."Thank you,"I whispered."For everything. For being here, for supporting us..."
"Oh, hush now,"she scolded gently, patting my back."That's what family is for. And that's what you two are - family."
The ceremony itself passed in a blur of heartfelt vows and misty-eyed well-wishers. As Gali slid the ring onto my finger, his gaze locked with mine, brimming with love and promise, I felt a sense of completeness wash over me. This was where I belonged, with this man, with our son.
Later, as guests filtered out and we began the process of cleaning up, Orion decided to make his presence known most unexpectedly. While stacking chairs, a loud squelch sounded followed by a pungent odor wafting through the room.
"Uh oh,"Gali groaned, wrinkling his nose."Someone needs a change."
Grabbing our son, I carried him to a nearby couch, laughing as I began the arduous task of peeling off his soiled clothing.
"He's got your flair for drama, Daddy,"I teased, struggling to contain Orion's wriggling form.
Gali snorted, reaching for a fresh outfit."Can you blame him? With parents like us, he's bound to be a bit theatrical."
End of Book 4