Epilogue
A month later, Fenris walked into the middle of the Silver Clan’s village in the Great Forest, surrounded by friends and family.
With his tense mate by his side and several of his new clan behind him, he knew much rested on this careful introduction.
He was placing a large amount of faith in his uncle, despite all that Red thought about him.
But an interesting conversation with Rena and Rurik had convinced him to take the first step.
Now that the danger had been lifted from the Pavtek family, Red wanted to embrace their future. And what better way than bringing the Red Clan back where they belonged? To the Great Forest of their birth.
“Fenris.” Uncle Mike stood with his arms crossed in the center of the courtyard. Aunt Emily and Fenris’ three other uncles and cousins stood behind him. All around them, Silver Clan wolves gathered to stare at history in the making.
Red clasped his hand tighter, and he squeezed it to let her know not to panic—not that his alpha ever would. “Uncle Mike. I’d like you to meet my mate and new alpha, Rudra Pavtek.”
The silver wolves rumbled with surprise and shock. A female alpha? One that commanded one of their own? Rurik’s presence had been noticed, as had the bears and foxes with them. That they’d been allowed entry into the Great Forest at all spoke of the wonder of this day.
Michael Barton stepped away from his wife and family until he stood directly in front of Fenris. Those closest to them looked away, but not Red, and not Fenris. Alphas didn’t bow to other alphas. They didn’t feel the fear an alpha commanded over those he led.
“Hmm, she’s pretty enough.”
Fenris rolled his eyes when Red bared her teeth. His uncle bit his lip as if to cover a smile.
“As pretty as her mother, another great pain in my ass,” Mike said in a gruff voice. He nodded at Rena over Fenris’ shoulder. “Nice to see you again, Rena. And Rurik. Looking spry as always. For a human.”
Rurik told him to go to hell, and Mike grinned. Then he looked back at Fenris and frowned. “Still turning your back on your heritage, pup?”
The rumbling of the Red Clan behind him grew louder.
“He’s not a pup,” Red growled. “He’s my mate and the rightful alpha of this damn clan.”
“Actually, he’s not.” Mike handed them two locks of hair.
One was hers, the other blond. “Your father showed up and gave me this a few weeks ago, about the same time I snuck a few strands from my hot-headed nephew. The Wolf in the Forest hasn’t been happy with me for a while now,” he said gruffly.
“I did what I thought was right at the time. My golden brother barely survived his birth, and we hit hard times. But Fenris, your father loved your mother, and he made me promise to find the same for you and your idiot twin the year you turned twenty-five. Don’t ask me how he knew, but he did. ”
“So he was never a part of the Golden Clan?” Fenris had to ask.
“Hell, no. We put that rumor out there to protect the strength and memory of the great golden wolves. But after Lycos defeated the humans, he was the last. One or two are born every generation, and they’re male.
Your father was golden, as are you and your brother.
And if we’re so blessed, you’ll make more golden wolves with this one here,” Mike said with a nod at Rudra.
“I put yours and Anson’s offerings, and Rudra’s, into the Living Box.
And I prayed. Now here you are, the answer to my prayers. ” He had tears in his eyes.
“Uncle Mike?” Fenris asked, worried.
His uncle turned and walked back to his family then addressed the gathering.
“One and all, take note of this historic occasion. Blessed by the Wolf in the Forest, we rejoin clans and families long denied. As it was shown to me by the Great Wolf, we will know a time of peace ruled by a pair of alphas stronger than any we’ve ever seen.
The heir of Lycos himself, Fenris Barton, and his mate, Rudra Pavtek, will rule jointly over our clan.
No longer Red or Silver, we will henceforth be the Great Wolf Clan of the Great Forest. Those who were once banished may return, wolf, bear, fox and more. ”
“Except the cats,” someone called out from the crowd, causing a roar of laughter.
“Unfortunately, even them,” Uncle Mike grudgingly admitted. “From this day until the Wolf in the Forest declares otherwise.” He knelt and bowed his head to Fenris and Red.
A sudden stillness came over the air, and then the musical notes of wolf song filled the forest. The whisper of power sent a rainbow of light over the gathering, a single golden beam lighting Fenris and his mate, a sure blessing from the Wolf.
The congregation joined in song, and a terrific love flowed through the crowd.
“My mate, my heart,” Fenris whispered. “My enemy, no longer.”
“As if you ever were,” Red whispered back and kissed his cheek. “We love you, Fenris. Both of us.” She put his hand over her belly and smiled.
Fenris had finally come home.