Epilogue
Two months later
“Come on, River. We have a surprise to show you,” Nash sing-songs.
“Give me a minute. I just need to send this information to Stone.” I can hear the guys clear their throats behind me.
“Stop. He’s mated. And you three are the only men I see. Besides, it’s strictly business.” I laugh.
Nash gives a playful eye roll and I laugh.
My sweet jokester can be jealous, and I can’t say that I hate it.
Tonight I plan to tell him and Holden that I’ve decided to take a couple classes on campus next semester.
I’m not ready for going full time, still not fully comfortable with being around crowds for too long.
At first I was afraid of running into Henry.
I’ve never met him, and even though he wasn’t an active participant in what Marcus and John were doing, he was still loyal to them for a period of time.
But a month ago they mentioned he withdrew from school and moved home.
Apparently, he was still having a hard time dealing with his involvement.
I hope he’s able to come to terms with his actions and move forward in the future, making better choices.
The guys have been secretive since before my heat. Disappearing for hours at a time on this secret project of theirs. But today I get to find out what it is.
Since we bonded, we’ve spent most of our time here in my tiny apartment. Not that I didn’t want to be at their place, but this is home. It’s hard to explain, and they’ve never asked me to, but I just always assumed I’d be living here on this property.
“Are you done yet?” Nash whines again.
“Yes,” I laugh. “Show me this surprise.”
Roman steps over to me, taking my hand, helping me to stand. He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a mask. “First, we need to put this on you.”
My eyebrow raises in confusion. There was a time I’d be afraid, but no longer. I trust them. “Okay.”
He places the mask on me, thrusting me into a world of darkness. Roman takes hold of my hand, and Holden’s pineapple scent tickles my nose as he steps up on the other side of me, taking my other hand.
They carefully lead me out of the apartment and down the stairs, helping me into the truck. At least I think it’s the truck since they help lift me up into it. The sound of doors opening and shutting loom around me.
“Where are we going?” I ask, crossing my fingers they’ll let their secret slip.
“Nuh uh, Little Omega. You have to wait,” Roman purrs.
I don’t know how long we drive, as I sing along to the music on the radio. It kind of feels like we’re moving around in circles. Finally, the car comes to a stop. “Sit tight,” Roman tells me, as doors open and shut.
Cool air hits me as my door opens and hands grip my waist, helping me out. The ground is uneven, and I have to walk slowly, gripping onto their arms as they guide me forward.
Familiar scents get stronger as we come to a stop.
“Ready?” Roman asks, and I nod. The mask drops from my face, and I see Tav and the guys standing on the porch of a house. A beautiful two-story home. But what has me crying is the lake set off to the left.
“What? When?”
“We’ve been working on it since the day we had our picnic here,” Roman tells me.
“Yeah, he came to us with an offer to buy some of our land to build your home on. I can’t say we hated the idea of you still being close to us.” Torin beams with happiness.
“You did this for me?” The three of them nod. “What about your house?”
“We figured you’d find a good use for it. Maybe have it as a safe house for Heatwave or a home for abused omegas. However you want to use it, you can.”
I can’t hold back the tears anymore. This is everything I wanted and didn’t know I wanted at the same time.
A pack and family that loves me for me. All I see in my future is happiness.
No longer do I live in fear. Not because it’s gone, but because it no longer rules my life.
Now I have a pack and a family. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.
All it took was for this omega to pull a con and be a beta.