Epilogue
TY
The scent of vanilla and chocolate wafted through the air, a comforting and sweet reminder of Liza’s loving touch in every pastry she baked.
I stood in the kitchen doorway, watching as Sabrina helped my heavily pregnant mate finish up the last of their orders for the bakery.
Their laughter rang like music in the cozy space, bringing warmth to my heart despite my ever-present concern for Liza.
“Careful with that one.” Liza balanced a tray of cupcakes over her swollen belly. “It’s a little wobbly.”
“Got it,” Sabrina said, gingerly setting the tray on the counter. “I don’t know how you do it, Liza. You’re about to pop, and you’re still running around here like it’s nothing.”
“Hey, I’m just trying to keep busy until he decides to make his grand entrance.” Liza chuckled, rubbing her belly affectionately.
My protective instincts flared at the sight of Liza’s discomfort, but I knew better than to try and smother her with help.
She was so damn strong, and I was filled with admiration and love for her every day.
Our son would be arriving any day now, and though I was full of joy, I couldn’t shake the worry that lingered in the back of my mind.
I wanted our son to have a better life than either of us had known, free from the dark legacy of Liza’s father, and the burden of being an omega.
Ten months had passed since the day Castro died.
We’d been overjoyed when we found out she was pregnant, but the worry that our child might be born an omega like Liza haunted us.
The last thing we wanted was for our child to suffer as Liza had at the hands of her father. Thank the heavens it was a boy.
“Careful, love,” I said, trying not to sound too controlling. “Don’t push yourself too hard.”
Liza flashed me a smile, clearly reading my thoughts. “I can still handle myself, Ty. Besides, Sabrina’s here to help.”
Sabrina, always cheerful and energetic, buzzed around the kitchen. Her short blonde hair bounced as she darted from one task to another. She glanced over and grinned. “Trust me, Ty. She’s in good hands.”
I held up my hands in surrender, unable to resist a grin. “Just making sure.”
At Liza’s four-month ultrasound, the doctor had confirmed that we were having a son., which had relaxed us. Our son would be an alpha, not an omega. Now all that remained was the anticipation of his arrival.
“Ty,” Liza called, jolting me from my thoughts. “Can you grab the powdered sugar from the top shelf, please?”
“Sure thing.” I moved quickly, handing her the sugar while casting a protective glance at her belly.
“Thanks.” Liza’s warm gaze met mine. She was more than aware how much she and our unborn son meant to me.
“Any time.” I leaned in to give her a quick kiss.
“Fun time’s over, you two,” Sabrina said playfully. “Let’s finish these orders before Liza’s maternity leave officially starts tonight.”
“Right.” I nodded, getting out of their way. We weren’t sure how much longer Liza would last before our son arrived, so it was best to get everything done now.
My phone buzzed, and the caller ID said unknown. A knot tightened in my stomach. I had an idea who it was.
“Excuse me, ladies.” I stepped out of the kitchen to answer the call. “Hey, Liam.”
“Ty,” he said, low and cautious. “Is Liza doing all right?”
“Better than ever, actually. Our son will be here soon.” I cracked with emotion but quickly composed myself. “We still miss you, though.”
“Good to hear.” Liam sighed. “I wish I could be there, but you know how it is. Too many enemies.”
“Believe me, I understand. Promise me you’ll come meet your nephew as soon as it’s safe.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I worried that I had said too much. Then Liam sighed, the sound heavy with emotion. “I promise I’ll visit when I can. I’d be there now if I could.”
“I know,” I said, understanding the danger he faced but still wishing things could be different. “Just... don’t stay away too long.”
“Believe me, I don’t want to.” His voice softened, almost wistful. “But I have to lay low for a while longer. There are still too many people after me.”
“Speaking of which,” I started, curiosity getting the better of me. “What exactly are you up to? You’ve been pretty elusive lately.”
“Let’s just say I’m working on something big,” Liam answered cryptically. “I need you to be with Liza, though. You’re her rock, and when the news breaks that I’m dead, she’s going to need you.”
“Wait, what?” My stomach dropped, my mind racing to understand his words. Then it clicked, and I grinned. “You’re getting out of the business, aren’t you?”
“Something like that,” he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. “Let’s just say it’s time for me to start over, and I can’t do that with a target on my back.”
“Really?” Liam had always been a bit of a lone wolf, but he cared about those close to him. “That’s great news, man.”
“Thanks. I just wanted you to know so you wouldn’t be alarmed when news is out.”
“Of course. We understand.” He deserved all the love and support he could get.
“Take care of Liza, and make sure you get word to me when my nephew is born.”
“Will do,” I said, grinning in spite of the situation. “Take care of yourself, too.”
“Always.” With that, the line went dead, leaving me with emotions I couldn’t quite deal with right now. There was no time to dwell on them, though, because at that very moment, Liza shouted from the kitchen.
“Ty!” She sounded strained, panicked, and I rushed back into the kitchen, looking for the danger.
“What happened?” I asked, skidding to a stop as I took in the sight before me. There was a puddle of water at Liza’s feet, and her face was now pale as she clutched the edge of the counter.
“Either I just had a very unfortunate accident, or my water just broke.” She panted, trying to catch her breath.
“Shit.” A grin spread across my face as I stared at the puddle of water at Liza’s feet. This was really happening. Our baby was on his way.
“Ty,” Liza whimpered as she clutched her belly. “We need to get to the hospital.”
“Right.” I sprang into action. “Sabrina, can you finish the orders?”
“Of course. You two just go and have that baby,” Sabrina said with a wide smile, her spunky personality shining through even in this intense moment. She waved us off while I helped Liza gather her things and picked up the pre-packed hospital bags.
“Stay safe, guys,” Sabrina said as we headed for the door.
“Thanks, Sabrina,” Liza said between breaths, gripping my arm tightly as another contraction hit. We had been through so much together, and now this journey was about to reach its peak.
The summer sun warmed our skin as we stepped outside, but it did little to dampen my excitement. Liza leaned heavily against me, each step toward the car a feat of strength.
“Almost there, love,” I said into her ear, my warm breath mingling with the cool breeze. “Just a little farther.”
“I can’t wait to meet him,” Liza panted, her eyes glossy with tears from the effort. It was a sentiment I shared wholeheartedly. After months of waiting and preparing, it was finally time to welcome our son into the world.
Once we reached the car, I carefully helped Liza into the passenger seat and strapped her in securely. Her labored breathing filled the otherwise silent vehicle, each gasp a testament to her strength.
“Ready?” I asked, my hand hovering over the ignition as I glanced at her one last time.
“Let’s go have our baby.” A weak smile played on her lips despite the pain etched on her face.
We were ready. Together, we could do anything.
THANK YOU FOR READING ROYAL WOLVES OF PRESLEY ACRES!
Continue reading for a sneak peek of The Alpha’s Fated Encounter, Book 1 of Fated to Royalty