Epilogue
Audrey
The sound of the ocean was one of my favorite things. The first day we arrived here in Crescent Bay, we stopped on the coast.
I can still remember that feeling of hope and excitement as we all piled out of the SUV and ran toward the water.
Ledger and Kane dove right in, while Rydell stood back, grinning from ear to ear.
Ansel and I held hands as we ran into the waves, just far enough to let them wash over our feet, screeching as we got splashed from every direction.
Caspian walked up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and holding me tight before joining the others. Ares took out his phone, taking pictures of us all before pulling everyone in for one big selfie.
That picture now hangs over the mantle in our living room.
So much has changed in the past year.
Lilly and Sara were the first to join us out here. They moved in while we settled into town, one giant home filled with love.
Once the money hit our bank accounts, we started filling the house with furniture and decorations.
Next, came building Sarah’s place just a short walk away, so Lilly never had to be without her.
Paul joined us three months later, moving into the apartment above the shop we found. It was big enough that one day he could fit a pack of his own.
Kane was still positive he’d find one.
It also made it easy for Paul to help run the tea shop, which Kane quickly turned into a full café. There was a huge garden out back where he grew most of the herbs himself, and anything he couldn’t grow there, we kept in the greenhouse.
Ansel and I each had our own studios in between the tea shop and Rydell’s tattoo parlor. My room was soundproof, with perfect acoustics for my music. I could record songs anytime I wanted, now.
I’ve had several offers from people wanting to sign me, but I ignored them all. I wanted control of every part of my life, and that included my music. I released what I wanted, when I wanted, and shared videos that brought in enough revenue that I never had to worry about another job.
That, and the settlement from ARC meant we were finally free to live.
Rydell started small. His first tattoo was for Ansel, who quickly became addicted. He now had two full sleeves,including ink running all the way down to his fingers.
Watching Ansel come out of his shell was beautiful. His confidence grew, his smiles coming easier, and he even went out in public on his own now.
Of course, my omega still preferred the company of our own pack, especially me, but now he no longer lived in constant fear of alphas.
We weren’t those kids who were taken. We were stronger now. And with everyone in town looking out for us, we always felt safe.
We still went to therapy, but we focused on what made us happy, and on each other.
“Audrey!” Lilly’s voice echoed through the garden. I turned, smiling as the little ball of sunshine ran toward me. She threw herself into my arms for her good-morning hug. Something she did every morning.
“Daddy and I brought you coffee!” she announced proudly.
Caspian followed close behind, his hair blowing in the wind and a smile lighting up his face. He wore a white T-shirt, jeans, and no shoes. We didn’t need them here, not with our own private beach.
He handed me a mug and gave me a kiss, his hand settling on my growing belly. It was hard to imagine the man who was near-comatose when I met him.
“How’s my favorite omega doing out here?” he asked.
“And my baby brother?” Lilly giggled, leaning closer until her nose brushed my belly, giving it a little nuzzle for the brother who couldn’t quite feel her yet.
I felt a tiny bump against her, and Lilly’s laughter filled the air. Maybe he did feel it.
“Even better now that you brought me something warm, even if it’s decaf,” I teased, taking a grateful sip. It was just chilly enough that the warmth spreading through me was welcomed.
“You don’t have to go into work today?” I asked him.
He shook his head. “Ledger and Ares are on recon. I stayed behind to catch up on reports.”
All three of them had settled into their roles within the Alliance easily. Ares now led the entire chapter, his temporary boss getting everyone acclimated before moving back to his post in Seattle. Ledger and Caspian made amazing agents.
Even if they were bored half the time.
The chief was right, this was a quiet life. We spent our weekends together, had dinner at the table every night as a family.
Some might call it ordinary, but they never had to fight to experience it. They never knew how precious ‘simple’ could be.
My past no longer haunted me. It made me who I am, but it doesn’t own me anymore.
I survived, and now, I belong.
The End.