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For once, I can sleep without worries and wake in the morning feeling freer than I did today.
Epilogue
Teague
One Year Later
“How are you doing this afternoon, Teague?” Ms. Jaime sits across from me. For the past couple of appointments, she hasn’t had her usual notepad and pen in her lap. She’s sitting there with a warm smile as she waits for me to talk.
She’s always waiting for me to open up with only a few questions.
“I’m doing really good.” There’s no pause as I answer her.
“Oh? You don’t just think anymore?”
“No, I feel better than I have since before …” I trail off because I know that memory doesn’t control me anymore. “Before Grant did what he did to my parents and took Alexa and me.”
“You’re certain?” I know she’s only asking because she cares about me. A year of coming to her to talk about what I lived through with Alexa, I understand now why some things happen to good people even though it isn’t right. I’ll never forget my mom and dad. They were great people and understanding beyond belief. They’ll always be with me.
“Yes.”
“We’ve talked about your feelings and how life has changed. Are you comfortable with Miles?”
“Miles is the best.” I can’t control the smile. I only let it show for a second before I pull it back in.
“You don’t have to be so serious, Teague.” She doesn’t understand that I can’t help it. It’s the werewolf in me.
We are protectors, but you can let loose a little.
With my wolf’s words, I free the smile. “Miles and Alexa will never replace my mom and dad, but I know I’m ready to allow them all the way in.”
This is something we’ve talked about a lot lately. I’ve kept everyone away from me for the past year, even my baby sister, who I love so much.
Ms. Jaime can’t cover her shock from me. I sense it in her sharp breath and the slight widening of her eyes before she returns to her flat but still happy face.
“You really have made great improvements.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you want this to be one of our final meetings?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m ready and okay now.”
“Do you have anything you would like to say before we wrap everything up?”
Getting up, I make my way around to her. She has hugged me a few times when I’ve broken down during a session. This is the first time I’ve reached out to embrace her.
Archer’s right, you act like an old man.
Hugging her, I whisper, “Thank you.” I shock her again. “I know it’s your job, but thank you for helping me through so much more than I think you even know.”
“You’re most welcome, Teague. That’s why I chose this job. I love helping children like you find something they need.” She grabs my arms and pushes me back to smile. “You’re awonderful young man, and I see a great future for you. Don’t lose that shine you’ve found here, all right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay. Let’s head out. Alexa and Sydney are waiting for you.” Clapping her hands down on her lap, she stands with me.
The thought of Alexa and my baby sister waiting outside for me makes me happy. I have one more surprise today. With my head held up in pride, I follow Ms. Jaime to the waiting room.
