34. Chapter Thirty-Four Epilogue

Chapter Thirty-Four: Epilogue

J asmine

I can't believe this day is finally here. The sun's shining, the air's filled with laughter and chatter, and the sparkling new Olympic-size pool and splash playground in the heart of the Integration Zone is officially open!

It's been a whirlwind couple of years since Bold and I got mated. Life's been busy with my advocacy work and trauma counseling. The publicity surrounding Wright's takedown and incarceration, as well as the eventual closure of all the Nature's Edge facilities, made me well-known in social media recovery groups. The money that's been in trust for me since my mom died has allowed me to provide therapy to so many needy people, free of charge. I'm thrilled to relieve so much suffering.

Both our careers are thriving. I now have a team of three counselors and a full-time secretary. Bold's the de facto head of the Wolven Warrior operation, which keeps him busy, in and out of the Zone, but we always make time for what truly matters—family.

I have to grin. Those swimming lessons at Dad's place were a hit with Bold's siblings… and gave me the idea for this place.

Speaking of which, I spot Bold's grandmother across the pool deck, herding a gaggle of over-excited wolven pups, orclings, naginis, and hybrid kids toward the splash park where brightly colored hoops form an open tunnel, water spraying in a dozen different directions.

Waving green stems eight feet high hold slowly spinning daisy-like petals, water flying gently from every part of the plastic fronds. Water jets up at random intervals from spouts on the thick rubberized ground.

Balls, stars, and other shapes spray and drizzle and shower and drench the running, screaming, laughing kids… and some adults, both human and Others. Water guns of every size and description are placed near the water-filling stations.

There are changing rooms at the north end, with shelves along the outside wall holding towels in every imaginable color. Picnic tables and benches, all with large collapsible umbrellas in concrete bases, surround the pool and playground. Smiling parents and elders watch, happily wiping off the occasional errant spray of water.

I hired six naga youths as lifeguards. They also clean and maintain the pool and playground. Laundering the towels in the washer and dryer that is in the changing room is also part of their job. The teens are natural swimmers and all of them got certified in a lifesaving course. I'm so proud of them.

All of Bold's siblings have asked to be swim instructors. The schedule for lessons is already full and starts next week.

"Hey, love." Bold's arms wrap around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder. "Quite the turnout, huh?"

I lean back against his solid warmth, my smile so wide it hurts. "It's amazing. I can't believe we pulled this off."

" You pulled this off," he corrects, pride vibrating in his voice. "Watching you charm the City Council, rally the community, and make this dream a reality? You're incredible, Jazz."

I turn in his embrace, looping my arms around his neck. " We did this. Together. Like we do everything."

"Damn right." He kisses me, soft and sweet, and I melt into it. Two years of marriage and this male still makes my knees weak.

A splash and a shriek of laughter catch our attention. We look over to see Asha and Forest engaged in a wild water fight. You'd never know they were two adults by their loud shouts and the force with which their tails churn up impressive waves.

"Careful, you two!" Bold mock-growls. "Don't make me come over there!"

"Bold! Jazz!" Defiance calls. "Come on in, the water's perfect!"

I trade a loaded glance with Bold, fighting a giddy grin. "In a minute," I call back.

"What's that look?" He quirks a brow, even as his hands slide to my hips. "You're up to something. I can practically see you vibrating."

"Well…" I duck my head, suddenly nervous and excited all at once. "I had an appointment yesterday…"

"Appointment?"

" Doctor's appointment." We've been trying for months. He's got to get the hint sooner rather than later.

He goes still, his searing blue eyes flaring wide. "Jazz… You're…?"

I nod, tears springing to my eyes. "Looks like the Zone is getting its first human-wolven baby… er, pup."

"Mate… love… Nira." Bold's voice is choked, reverent. He drops to his knees right there on the pool deck, uncaring of the audience, as he presses fervent kisses to my stomach. "You're… we're…"

"We're going to be parents," I confirm, wonder and joy bubbling up inside me like champagne. "A little of you, a little of me. Or, knowing our luck, a lot of trouble."

Bold surges to his feet and spins me around, both of us laughing through tears. Our family quickly surrounds us, tails wagging, happy yips filling the air.

"A pup! I thought I smelled a difference," Grandmother exclaims, pulling us both into a crushing hug. "Oh, what a blessing!"

"I was certain of it," Courage says with a knowing look. "Just waiting for you to announce it."

My gaze darts to my mate and I spear him with the type of caustic look only mates exchange. "Did you know too, dear?"

"Well, umm… I suspected. I was waiting. Figured the moment you told me would be an amazing cause for celebration."

As punishment for his gentle deception, I bump him playfully with my hip, then reach on tiptoe to kiss him.

"Okay, love. I'll give you that. It was amazing."

My dad's smile is wide as he shifts his weight from side to side as though he's waiting until there's an opening for him to barge through the crowd of Bold's boisterous family to get close enough to hug me.

"How much time do I have?" Dad asks. "I'll have to pup-proof the house, beef up the fence surrounding the pool, buy a crib and car seat for grandpa-grandson—or grandpa-granddaughter—sleepovers. And—"

I kiss him and squeeze him in a bear hug almost as tight as the ones Bold gives me. "You have plenty of time, Dad. Normal gestation for a wolven is five months. Nine months for a human. The doctor figures mine will likely be around seven. We'll know better as the pup grows. All I know is it's going to be fine."

"I'm going to be the best uncle," Forest announces with a sly, fang-filled smile. "So, I've got seven months to figure out how to spoil him rotten?"

"Sure do," Bold claps his back. "You can give him lots of love, just like I did you. You ready?"

"Born ready!" Forest puffs out his chest. "I'm gonna teach him or her all the good stuff. Like how to sneak extra cookies and where the best mud puddles are."

We all laugh, the feeling of pack, of family, wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

I catch sight of Courage, Stealth, and the rest of Bold's team roughhousing in the shallow end with a group of orc and naga kids. Lash dunks Fang underwater, cackling, only to get knocked off balance by a powerful naga tail.

This is the future, in all its chaotic, colorful, imperfect glory. And as I stand here, surrounded by love, watching the community we've nurtured splash and play and simply be… I know every struggle, every sacrifice, has been worth it.

Bold pulls me closer, his hand resting reverently on my stomach. "Thank you," he rumbles, his voice thick with emotion. "For this life. For our child. For choosing me. I love you, Jasmine Sinclair."

"I love you back, Bold Sinclair." I frame his face in my hands. "Forever and always."

And with the sun on our faces, our pack at our backs, and the promise of a new adventure growing inside me… I know forever is just beginning.