Epilogue Heron
“ Y ou ready?” I asked, clasping Rebel’s hand in mine. The added piece of jewelry she wore made me smile. When I asked what type of ring she wanted, Rebel quickly answered.
A fire opal.
It seemed appropriate. And now, she wore it on her left hand, a symbol of our love and recent engagement.
“Yes! I’m so excited for you.”
That made two of us.
The plane ride had felt long and tedious, but only because I couldn’t wait to land in Hawaii. My birth parents, Kai and Lolana, were eager to meet us.
My phone buzzed, and I checked the screen, surprised to see Carrion’s text. This is the happiness you’ve been waiting for.
Touched, I responded. Thanks, brother.
Once Rebel and I returned to The Roost after our flight, I found Carrion. Despite my initial anger and the miserable three days I spent apart from Rebel, I knew I had to patch things up with him. Thinking back on the conversation, I smiled.
“Heron. You’re both home.” Carrion appeared relieved. “You found her.”
“I did.”
He nodded, a grim smile on his face.
I couldn’t imagine the burden he carried, walking with the secrets of every member of the club and forced to endure horrible visions of the future. He must run into so many situations that would worry everyone else but not Carrion.
He found a way to work through every obstacle until he found a way to prevent disaster or harm. It occurred to me that he’d done the same for me and Rebel. He learned of her kidnapping and went through every possible scenario to ensure the right outcome.
How many times did he see his loved ones suffer? How often did he intercede so we survived and didn’t lose anyone?
The toll that must take on his soul, I bet it consumed him.
He shrugged. “I see you get it now.”
“I do.”
“It’s my burden to carry.”
“And you do it without asking for anything in return.”
Before he could reply, I rushed him, throwing my arms around him to give an enthusiastic bear hug. I didn’t care who saw or judged. Carrion risked his sanity, life, and peace of mind to ensure my Rebel lived. He saved my woman.
I wouldn’t have my mate without his help.
“Thank you, Carrion. You’ll never know just how much you saved me.” I choked on the words, hugging him tighter. “Brother, I fucking love you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Even now, I fought the urge to cry. I would always be grateful for what he’d done to save Rebel’s life.
Carrion: Take pics. I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.
Me: Next time I’ll bring you with us.
Carrion: I’ll hold you to it.
“Who are you texting? Crow?”
Crow had texted us since the moment we landed. I hadn’t had a chance to answer since I was busy finding our luggage.
“No. Carrion, actually.”
She smiled. “Carrion is my favorite.”
I shot her a look.
“After you, your crow, and that beautiful phoenix.”
I snorted. “Uh-huh.”
“I’m serious.”
“Better be,” I teased. “Send Crow a text for me. He keeps blowing up my goddamn phone.”
She giggled. “Okay.” I saw her typing a message and then hit send. “Done.”
We found our luggage and made our way toward the entrance to the airport. Outside somewhere, my family waited for us.
Rebel stopped. “I have a secret I need to tell you.”
“Okay.” I held onto the luggage and scanned around us, not perceiving any threats. “Tell me.”
I didn’t ask why she had chosen to reveal her secret now.
“It’s got a sad part and a happy part. Since today is one of our happiest days together, I think it’s time.”
Focusing on her, I nodded. “Fire away.”
“Bad stuff first.” Her smile faded.
“Rebel? It can wait if you want.”
She shook her head. “No. It has to be now. I’m finally strong enough to tell you.”
Well, shit. I didn’t like this. My protective urges threatened to bring out my crow and phoenix.
Her palm lifted and pressed over my heart. “Just listen. There’s no danger. Okay?”
“Fine.”
“I was pregnant once, but I lost the baby.” Sadness lingered in her eyes, and she blinked back tears.
Fuck. “I’m sorry, Babe. How?”
“He’s no longer here, and I don’t want to dwell on it.”
Frowning, I pulled her into my arms. “Rebel.”
“I’m okay. It’s time for the wonderful part now.”
Wonderful? What did she mean?
She stepped back and reached for my hand, placing it on her lower belly. “We’re having a baby.”
Stunned, I didn’t move. People rushed around us, entering and exiting the airport, but I couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the joy that exploded inside my chest.
“A baby? You’re having my baby?”
She giggled. “Yes.”
“I fucking love you, my Rebel.”
“I love you too.”
In front of everyone there, I kissed her, pushing all the love I felt into that kiss. When I finally lifted my head, I felt so fucking happy that I didn’t know how to handle it.
“We’re telling your parents too.”
“We are?”
“Yep. Tonight.”
“Then we better get moving.”
She laughed, and we tugged our luggage to the exit, stopping outside when we saw the sign held up high where we wouldn’t miss it.
Welcome home, Manu & Rebecca.
My parents used Rebel’s real name. Cute.
Two people stood beside the sign. I’d never met them before and only had one picture to compare, but I knew them as soon as I saw their similar features. I got my looks from them. My phoenix prompted me, and I felt the presence of the others inside Kai and Lolana.
Their bright smiles and shining eyes mirrored my own.
Fuck, it felt good to finally meet them.
Taking Rebel’s hand, I walked toward my birth parents and the promise of a beautiful future filled with family, love, and a connection I would cherish as long as I lived.
Manu Hale Williams-Lani had found his mate, heritage, future, and family. And I was ready to pass it on to the next generation.