Epilogue
Hazel
A few months had passed since things went down with my dad, and it was like we could all breathe again.
The seasons had changed. Our house was completely unpacked and fixed up.
The guys were starting to do some really important work in conjunction with the authorities, working alongside them instead of for them.
That allowed them to head into some gray territories, and they had already saved multiple omegas’ lives.
The rule my mates stood firm on was no mission could require more than two of them to be away at a time. I didn’t like any of them being away, but I loved the work that they were doing. It mattered. And sometimes, things that matter meant sacrifice.
It had been a couple of weeks since they had a mission, but there was plenty for them to do around the house. We were in a great routine and, while I missed them when I was at work, I loved it at my shop.
Today was turning out to be a really good day. The shop was busy. Sales were good, and I loved that, but sales never mattered to me as much as the people who came in to tell me how much my sleep sachets helped or my scent blockers made a difference.
Those silly sleep sachets—I couldn’t keep them stocked. Once people found them, they bought them for everybody they cared about. A few suggested I sell them on the internet, but if I couldn’t make enough for the town, there was no way I could keep an online store going.
My friends and I had taken to closing up shop every day for lunch.
The four of us would get together and eat and chat and have girl time.
I loved my pack. I loved my mates, and I appreciated more than I could possibly realize how much they fostered my relationship with Clover, Goldie, and Augustine.
Lately, like today, Alice would join us as well.
She’d become all of our de facto grandmother. It was the best.
My greenhouses were both up and running.
The new one my mates built was exactly what I needed, and that meant I never ran out of ingredients for the things that I made.
It was something that Shiloh and I worked on together, which made it extra special.
There was only so much wood he could cut, but he loved being outdoors/outdoor adjacent in the greenhouse, and I enjoyed his help.
But the shop, I kept as my own space, with my friends popping in to help from time to time.
They were working toward ideas of their own, so were less available, and since things were in order, that was fine.
I was supported, cared for, loved, and protected.
But having something that was just mine gave me a sense of security that even the most amazing mates couldn’t, and because they were so amazing, they didn’t take that to heart.
Instead, they understood and encouraged it.
“Any news on your father?” Alice asked.
I knew the others wanted to ask as well, but they had seen firsthand the horror that was being his child and tried to bring him up as little as possible. And really, I didn’t mind talking about him, not the way I had when he could still hurt me.
“No. He’s still dealing with the authorities. Rumor mill has it, he’s trying to barter for his life by giving details about open cases he has knowledge about. He’ll never get out, but maybe they won’t put his beast down.”
I didn’t care if he lived or not. But if he helped get other omegas free in exchange for his life, that felt worth it to me. If I wanted to know the nitty-gritty, I could ask True. He could find anything, but this was enough information for me.
Alice asked a few more questions, going from my father to life at home. And then she asked the question I should’ve expected from her since I got mated.
“So, since I’m kind of your grandma, can you tell me, will I be getting any great-grandbabies anytime soon?”
Goldie giggled because, of course, she did.
“My mates and I have talked about it. We’re thinking about trying actively next heat cycle.”
Augustine whistled and high-fived Clover. “Told you.”
“Seriously, are you guys betting on my fertility?”
“Maybe.” Clover at least had the decency to look like she felt bad about it.
“I hope you all lose all your money.”
I didn’t really, because all of them were cheering on my family, just not agreeing on the date that it would grow.
We finished eating and went back to work, which continued to be busy, which was good because I really wanted to go home and see my mates. Being busy distracted me from the slow-moving clock. Something about the conversation with Alice about babies had me needing to see my alphas.
When I got home to not one but three pregnancy tests sitting in front of my coffee mug, I understood why. My mates all suspected I was pregnant, and, on some level, I must’ve too.
“My heat isn’t late.”
“Count again.” True tapped his nose. “It should’ve been last week.”
I started doing math, and he was right. “How can I keep a whole business going if I can’t count between heats?” It was a real question.
They all laughed. I joined in, and then I went to take the tests, one for each of them.
I took all three, set them on the back of the toilet, and walked out to wait with my mates.
“Did you have any idea?” Lindon asked.
“No, but looking back, I should’ve. And I think maybe Alice knows because she asked about great-grandbabies today.”
“That tracks,” True said. “Surprised she hasn’t asked earlier.”
“Me too, which is why I think it’s not a coincidence.”
The timer went off. I went and collected all three, keeping my eyes closed as I brought them out and handed one to each mate. By some miracle, I didn’t bump into a single piece of furniture or wall.
“One, two, three. Look.”
I didn’t get the chance to see any of the tests. All three fell to the floor as my mates swooped me in their arms and hugged me close.
“We’re gonna be dads,” Shiloh’s voice cracked.
“It’s true. I’m gonna be a mom.”
“The best mom.” Lindon rubbed his cheek against mine.
“The very best mom.” True kissed my forehead.
Less than a year ago, I was running for my life, the person who was supposed to care and protect me doing the exact opposite.
And with the help of my friends and Alice, I was able to begin again here.
I was happy with that. I thought it was everything I needed, and then three sexy alphas walked into my life.
They turned it upside down in the most amazing of ways. And the best part of all was, our story was just beginning.