Epilogue
Hayden
I blink my eyes open to the sight of beautiful snowflakes drifting lazily to the ground. The sight of all that glittering snow just outside our window is one I’ll never grow tired of. Smiling, I press myself against the heat of Thorne’s broad chest.
“Good morning, omega mine,” he whispers against the back of my neck. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, love,” I say quietly, so we don’t disturb anyone. It’s Christmas morning, and all our loved ones are currently sleeping in our guest rooms.
Thorne’s fingers lightly trace the collar of my green thermal pajamas. Before I can even say anything, he whispers in my ear. “Brace yourself; there’s a stampede coming.” He laughs.
Just then, little footsteps pound down the hall, and the door to our bedroom slams open.
“Sorry! We asked them to let you sleep in,” my mother calls out from the kitchen. In the background, I can hear Nora laughing, and I’m pretty sure she’s the reason why my children are bursting through the door like little mini-Kool-Aid men.
“Papa!”
“Dada!”
Rose and Snow come running into the room.
My heart melts at the sight of them in their new matching green thermal pajamas.
The ones that match mine and Thorne’s. Call us cheesy, but ever since reuniting with Thorne, my mate and I have made it a goal to embrace all the different kinds of Christmas traditions, before adopting our favorites into our family.
We even keep a shared journal where we write down all our favorite memories.
One of the traditions we were both most eager about is matching pajamas and family photos.
Rose glances at her brother with a wide smile, and Snow nods. Together, they both eagerly climb onto the bed and start jumping. “Goddess,” I whisper to my mate. “If this is them every day, can you imagine how they’ll react when they understand that Christmas means presents?”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing their omega papa is a very talented figurine and toy designer.”
I laugh, happiness filling me in a way I didn’t know was possible. Not only do I have my dream job, but I have my fated mate back in my life, along with my friends, my family, and two beautiful children…no. Not just two beautiful children, but also a new little one on their way.
Smiling over at my mate, I wonder how long it will take his lion to realize my scent has changed. What are the chances I would find out about another cub around Christmastime? Thorne always said he wanted a large family, so I wonder if this surprise can be its own little tradition.
Thorne tickles my sides. “What’s got you smiling like that?” Rose and Snow see their alpha father tickling me. They both erupt in laughter and tackle me, little fingers tickling me everywhere. I squirm and laugh, hugging my children to me.
Glancing over at Thorne, I wink. “I might have another Christmas gift for you and your lion,” I say, rubbing my belly.
Thorne’s eyes widen with awe. “Mate, are you… Are you...” his words trail off, a wide grin on his face.
I nod happily. “I am!”
Thorne whoops with joy before he pulls me into a sweet kiss. Our children burst into laughter again, and the next thing I know, my face is being peppered with tiny little kisses, too.