Epilogue
Kara
Life was a whirlwind, and I was smack dab in the middle of it. I’d been bonded to my alphas for two years now and I didn’t think I could love them anymore, but each day, I did.
After a much-needed break, they’d jumped right into the recording studio and recorded their best album to date. Fans drooled over the more mature sound they’d gone with, and now they were wrapping up their world tour with a final performance in Los Angeles.
Their contract was done, and they hadn’t resigned, but I didn’t think they would stop making music. Now, they would do it on their own terms and when they wanted instead of having a record label ordering them around.
Tate’s dad still played a major role in their career, but when it came to me, he completely backed off. I didn’t know if it was his omega knocking some sense into him or because he could see how much happier the band was with me in their lives.
Anya sat next to me in the suite as N’Pact took the stage for their final song of the night. I hadn’t been at all of their shows, opting to stay on the bus and get work done, but I had attended at least half of them, and it never got old seeing them come alive on stage.
God, they were perfect, and I couldn’t wait to get them home and finally tell them my secret.
I didn’t mean to project my feelings to them, but I did, and four heads turned our way even though they couldn’t see us very well.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the weird telepathy thing you five have going on.” Anya laughed and glanced over at me. “What was that about? I don’t see anyone adjusting themselves, so it clearly wasn’t a dirty thought like usual.”
I shifted in my seat. “Yeah, well… I’ve been struggling to keep my feelings to myself lately.”
“Is everything okay?” Anya looked at me with concern. “I know you’ve been stressed. The party tomorrow is going to go great.”
I squirmed in my seat again; it was so hard for me to keep things from everyone when my scent had changed. “I know that… we’re going to miss their last song.”
Anya continued to stare at me as I looked back at the stage. “Oh my God, you’re-”
“Shh.” I gave her a warning glare and darted my eyes over to my sister and her pack. “I haven’t told anyone. Not even Kayla.”
Her eyes widened and she put her hands over her mouth, tears springing to her eyes. She was going to attract Kayla’s attention. I wanted to tell my sister so badly it hurt, but I wanted to tell my alphas first. Plus, it was still early in the pregnancy.
“Go cry in the bathroom or something…” I bit my lip, my own eyes watering a little. “I just found out yesterday, okay? I haven’t figured out how to tell them yet.”
It had only been two heats since I’d been off birth control, and I hadn’t got my hopes up since the first one didn’t result in a pregnancy.
But I should have guessed the last heat I had four weeks ago was different.
It was more intense. I’d been the neediest I’d ever been, and not just because we were on tour.
“This is so exciting.” Anya was practically bouncing in her chair. “When are you going to tell them?”
I shrugged. “Tonight? Last night they were too tired, and I didn’t want to affect their last show.” I looked back at them singing their hearts out. “They’ve been worried about my scent because it’s a little different.”
“Oh, I know. They’ve asked me and Jon to keep an eye on you because they think you’re stressing too much about your business and Omega Match.”
“There’s nothing to worry about. I’m not stressed. Maybe just a little tired.” I’d been working quite a bit on an app where alphas and omegas could communicate before matches even happened.
My pack had been worried when I agreed to start helping Omega Match restructure and improve on top of the consulting business I’d started. I loved doing both and couldn’t see myself giving either up.
I’d thought about teaching at one of the omega academies nearby, but that would not have worked with as much travel as my pack did. I wanted to be with them most of the time, and being away for weeks or months was not going to work.
Of course, Kayla had come up with the idea, and in true sisterly fashion sent me a mock-up of branding the same day we’d talked about it.
So far, it had been well received, and I had a waitlist that was months long.
Packs who struggled after they first matched—and sometimes even well after they matched and bonded—hired me to give them an objective look at what was happening and suggestions for fixing it.
The best part was that I set my own schedule and did everything from home, which meant I could do it while on tour.
As the show ended and we were escorted by security out to our SUV, I grew nervous about telling them. We’d talked about having children a lot—going off birth control had been a mutual decision—but now that it was going to happen, I didn’t know if they’d have the same enthusiasm.
I had a good hour to mull over how to tell them while I waited in our living room for them to get home. Things were always crazy after shows, so hanging around their dressing room wasn’t something I normally did, and now with a baby on board, I had to be extra cautious.
My eyes were growing heavier when Gizmo lifted his head from my lap and let out a yip of excitement. He stood, lording over me like the true protector he was. I wasn’t sure if I believed dogs could sense pregnancies, but he sure had become extra clingy the last few weeks.
“Honey, we’re home!” Alvaro announced, coming in the front door first. He kicked off his shoes and dropped a bag by the door.
I greeted them with kisses and hugs. Tate was watching me carefully, but if he noticed I was sweating, he didn’t say anything.
“Let’s have a toast.” Cal grabbed a bottle of expensive champagne from one of the bags they’d put by the door.
I bit my lip, walking with them into the kitchen, where Avery grabbed five champagne flutes from a cabinet. Was this how I told them?
My mind was on how exactly to say it while they chatted excitedly and poured the drinks.
There should be a manual on how to tell your pack you’re pregnant, especially on such a momentous night.
I didn’t want to take away from their accomplishment, but tomorrow there’d be alcohol at the party to celebrate the end of a successful tour.
“You all right, sweetheart?” Tate handed me my glass. “You’re really quiet.”
“I’m… perfect.” I looked at each of them, my heart filling with so much joy at seeing their happiness. I raised my glass and so did they, falling silent to hear what I had to say. “To eight months of freedom.”
They looked so confused, and if it wasn’t such an emotional moment, I would have laughed at their expressions.
“Eight months?” Alvaro brought his drink down but didn’t drink it yet. “What’s in eight months?”
I set my glass down on the counter and put a hand on my stomach. “When you become fathers.”
“I knew it!” Tate put his glass down and wrapped his arms around me, picking me up and spinning me around. “I knew you were, and they didn’t believe me.”
I burst into tears, burying my face against Tate’s shirt. I was just so happy and overwhelmed by it all. They jumped into action, surrounding me, their purrs and scents comforting me.
“Don’t cry, Kara. We’re here.” Avery was stroking my hair just how I liked.
“Always.” Cal kissed my arm. “We can’t wait.”
Alvaro’s purr was strong against my back, and he kissed the shell of my ear. “This is the perfect way to start the next chapter of our life.”
“Let’s go to the nest.” Tate scooped me up in his arms and the champagne was forgotten.
“But what about celebrating the end of the tour?” I wrapped my arms around his neck and rested my head against his shoulder, breathing in his scent and being comforted by his purr.
“We have something even more special to celebrate tonight.” Avery was beaming, and I reached one of my hands out to him. He squeezed it before we started going up the stairs.
It was moments like these that made me feel loved and cherished by the most perfect pack an omega could ever ask for.