“Leaving it behind for good?” Ty’s voice came from behind me, startling me out of my reverie, making me jump a bit. I felt his warm breath on my neck as he approached, the familiar scent of him comforting and grounding amidst the tendrils of overwhelming memories.
“Finally,” I whispered. “I can’t live in the past any longer. I need to move forward, with you and our pack.”
“Then, say your goodbyes,” he murmured gently, pressing his body against mine in a gesture of support. His warmth enveloped me, fortifying me against the ghosts that still haunted this place.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the scents of the decaying wood fill my lungs. I allowed the memories to wash over me one last time, both the beautiful and the painful, embracing them all, but refusing to let them hold me captive any longer.
“Goodbye,” I whispered again, more firmly this time, as I released the past and embraced the future that awaited us.
Opening my eyes, I turned to face Ty, his amber eyes alive with understanding and love. He rubbed his cheek against mine in a tender gesture that spoke volumes without the need for words.
“Let’s go home,” I said, stronger now as I took his hand and led him away from Heather Falls.
We walked together through the moonlit forest, leaving the past behind us as we stepped into our new life—one filled with promise, growth, and endless possibilities. For we were the Keller pack, and no matter what lay ahead, we would face it together.
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 daynow, 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.”
