Epilogue
Safira
Every day since I ended up in Haven was better than the last. I was still getting used to this new world and my new body, but I knew I belonged here. When I was a child, lost and alone, I had somehow wished my way to a place that was everything I needed. A place where the love I’d been missing was waiting for me. And now after all these years I was back, and I knew everything was going to be all right.
“Are you ready?” Tony peeked around the corner of the door as I set the metal charm necklace from my mom down on the dresser. Piper, the girl who I’d spoken to at the hospital when I first arrived in Haven, had told me that wearing metal in the area I’d camped at somehow opened a door to this world. It seemed that the necklace my mom had given me was a gift in more ways than one. It helped lead me to my new life. I looked at it, knowing I’d never go back to Weatherby. I had nothing there, and everything here. I turned to smile at Tony, my sweet, mischievous mate.
“I’m ready.” I replied, and smoothed down my hair. We were going to meet with Kaden’s mother who was also an omega, as my mates explained. She lived not too far from here in Kaden’s family home. The drive was short, but I still had nerves as we arrived. I was fiddling with my shirt as we approached the front door.
“Don’t be nervous.” Jax murmured to me as we rang the doorbell. “She encouraged us to follow our hearts.” His words soothed me, and a fresh burst of love and care through our bond from him gave me confidence.
The doors opened, and Cora was there, her arms wide and her eyes sparkling as she took me in. “Oh boys! You found her!” She reached forward and embraced me, her arms covering me and reminding me of the maternal love that I’d missed all these years. It was her. The same woman who’d met me at the diner, who’d cared for me even back then. I melted into her arms, hugging her with all the emotion I’d been holding when I thought about the woman who’d been so kind to me all those years ago.
When she finally pulled back, she looked me up and down, her hands on my shoulders as she beamed with pride. “Look at you! You’re so grown up now!” Her smile was so warm that I felt silly for being nervous before. “I’m so glad you and the boys found each other again! Come inside! We have so much to catch up on.” She ushered me in, my pack following closely behind.
We ended up in the reading room, where Cora had a tray of tea waiting. “Sit! You must tell me what you’ve been up to since I’ve seen you last. I hear you and the boys are just as close as ever!” She said while she greeted each member of my pack, giving them a hug and a kiss on the cheek before eying the bite marks on my neck. My face heated, and she smiled as she lifted the tea kettle, pouring each of us a cup. “Oh don’t be shy my dear. I remember when I first joined my pack. The bites are quite the experience, aren’t they?” She said as she handed me a cup. I noticed the silvery marks on her neck, and also on her wrist as I took the cup.
“Yes, they are. I can't stop looking at them in the mirror.” I mentioned as I reached up to touch my own neck. They were fascinating. Each time I touched the skin, it tingled. If I touched it for much longer, my guys would feel it through the bond. I was still getting used to being so connected with three people who loved me as much as I loved them.
“Now, the boys tell me you are all moved in?” She said as she cocked an eyebrow at them. Kaden nodded as she handed him a cup.
“Yes, and we just finished getting the new decor as well. She has an eye for art.” Kaden said as he reached over and rested his hand on my knee. His compliment made me feel even more accepted. I wasn’t used to being praised, but my pack had been making up for lost time by giving me more compliments in the past week than I’d had in the past ten years. “We’re so lucky to have an omega’s touch in the house. It feels complete now.” His words made me smile, and Cora beamed at him proudly.
“You know, I always thought you all would end up together.” she said as she turned to me. “Back when I met you, however briefly, I just had an inkling you’d be an omega, like me. And the way you all got along, well, I’d always dreamed my Kaden and his pack would have someone that was their true match.” Cora said as she handed cups to Tony and Jax. They took a sip and smiled warmly at her. I could see why they saw her as a mother figure as well. She was just so kind to everyone.
“Well, I’m glad you sensed it too!” Tony said with a laugh as he sat back in his chair. “I think we broke a record with how fast we snatched Safira off the omega registry.” His words were full of humor, but he was right. We all just knew we belonged with each other.
“You know, the boys went on a bit of a quest trying to track you down after that summer.” Cora said as she sipped her tea. “They searched all over, asking around if anyone at any of the schools knew of a dark-haired girl named Safira. I thought they’d move on after a year, but they never gave up hope.” She set her teacup down and leaned forward. “And I’m so glad you came back. Cherish each other. You have something very real, and very rare.” Her words held a deep emotion. I knew I still had so much to learn about packs and our dynamic. But I knew with these people by me, I’d never feel alone again.
“Thank you, Cora.” I replied, grateful to meet her once again. “I wish their fathers would feel the same way you do.” The words slipped out, and I immediately stiffened, worried I’d said something offensive. But Cora just waved it off.
“Don’t worry about them. They will come around. You have a true mate match.” Cora looked over at Kaden, Jax and Tony. “Your fathers have already told me they’ve seen quite a positive change in your leadership style. They might not admit it to you yet, but they think your recent bonding has made you more confident and self-assured. They are secretly impressed.” I felt the three of them perk up at her words. I knew a few of the fathers had reached out to them privately to congratulate them. But I also understood it would take time to adjust to the new dynamic, and to me.
“That’s great, mom!” Kaden said, nearly jumping at the news. They had been working more hours lately, although not at the same time. One of them always stayed with me, helping me to adjust to our new life. We’d already secured my driver’s license and made a list of local areas to explore. But their change in demeanor at work must be paying off if they’d already received a compliment from their hard-headed fathers.
Jax nodded, his mood lightening at the news. “Well, we’re sure putting in the work to make up for the broken deal. But I think we can find other ways to collaborate and grow. Either way, the most important thing is family.” Jax’s words struck a chord as he reached for me, rubbing my back for comfort. “We are going to make sure we have a work life balance, and spend plenty of time with our mate and children.” As soon as he said the words, Cora looked up at us with surprise. “Future children, I mean. Further down the road.” Jax started to stammer, then looked at me. “Or sooner, it’s all up to Safira.” I smiled and reached for his hand. I wanted nothing more than to have their children and raise them in a house filled with love.
“That sounds perfect to me. But let me at least figure out how to drive here first.” I joked, and a ripple of laughter sounded through the room. Cora looked at our cups and lifted the kettle.
More tea?” she asked, but my pack stood up.
“Actually, we want to take you both out today.” Tony said with a proud look. Cora cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Oh? To where?” She asked with a curious smile.
“I happen to know of a very special diner, where they serve delicious milkshakes. If I’m not mistaken, we owe the both of you a shake with fries. Our treat.” Tony said as he offered his arms to each of us. I laughed as I stood to hold on to him, with Cora on the other side as my pack prepared to drive us to the diner where all this started. We had come full circle, and I couldn’t be more content. This was my life now, and I’d never feel lost again.
The End