Epilogue - Damien

Six months later, and I’m still trying to get used to how different everything feels. And how everything feels right at the same time. It’s hard to believe that after all the chaos, after all the demons and battles, we finally have some peace. Even if it’s just temporary.

Jade’s standing across the room, talking to Alec and a few others from the East Hills pack. Her eyes are bright with laughter as she tosses her brown hair over her shoulder. The sight of her, looking so vibrant and alive, still hits me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. She’s been through hell, but here she is, standing tall and confident.

Catching me staring, she raises an eyebrow and gives me that look. The one that says, “Are you going to come over here and join the conversation or just keep ogling me from across the room?”

I smirk and lift my beer in a mock toast before taking a swig. Alec’s official alpha ceremony is in full swing, and the packs are celebrating like there’s no tomorrow. It’s well-deserved. The guy’s been holding things together for them since Patrick’s death, and now, with him officially stepping into the role, East Hills is finally finding its feet again.

“Looking at her like that’s going to get you in trouble, you know,” Alec’s voice rumbles next to me, startling me out of my thoughts.

I glance at him, shrugging. “Trouble’s part of the package.”

Alec chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re not wrong about that.”

The party is loud and crowded, but it’s not the kind of chaos that makes your skin crawl. It’s the good kind—shifters laughing, sharing drinks, kids running around underfoot. The tension that’s been hanging over us for months has finally lifted, even if Jade is convinced this quiet won’t last.

She’s probably right.

There’s something different about her, though. Not in a bad way, just… different. She’s not the same woman I grew up with. Hell, she’s not even the same woman I fell in love with months ago. The battles, the demons, the magic—they’ve all shaped her into someone stronger and more resilient. But there’s a softness to her, too. One that wasn’t there before.

Her powers are still in flux. I know it bothers her, even if she won’t admit it outright. She’s getting some of them back, piece by piece, like puzzle pieces slowly falling into place, but she’s not sure how much of her magic is coming back—or if all of it ever will.

She’s come to terms with it, though, or at least she’s trying to. She’s been using her healing powers more—small things, like mending cuts and bruises—plus her psychic abilities to keep an eye out for danger.

I can’t blame her for being cautious. There hasn’t been any sign of more demons since that night, but Jade’s convinced there’s more coming. She’s sure there’s a portal out there somewhere, just waiting to let hell loose again. And knowing her? She’s not going to stop until she finds it.

Alec’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “She’s doing better, huh?”

I follow his gaze to where Jade’s now teasing Leah about something. “Yeah. She’s strong.”

“Stronger than any of us realized,” Alec says quietly. He’s got that big-brother protective look on his face, the one he wears when he’s thinking too hard about Jade’s well-being. Can’t say I blame him. She’s been through enough for ten lifetimes, and she’s still standing.

“She always was,” I reply. “We just had to let her show it.”

Alec grunts, but there’s a hint of pride in his expression. “I’m glad she has you.”

That hits differently, and I glance over at him, surprised. Alec’s not usually one to hand out compliments, especially when it comes to me and his sister.

Before I can say anything, though, Jade’s voice rings out. “What are you two whispering about over there? Planning some secret alpha business?”

I grin, leaning back against the wall as she saunters over. “Nothing you need to worry about, witch.”

She rolls her eyes and steps up next to me, slipping her arm around my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It is now. Six months ago, I would’ve second-guessed every touch, every move. But now? We’re in sync. We’ve found a rhythm, even if the world around us is still unpredictable.

“Secret alpha business it is, then, huh?” she teases, looking between Alec and me.

“Just talking about you, of course,” Alec says with a smirk.

“Should’ve known,” Jade grumbles. “Can’t leave me alone for five minutes without you two plotting something.”

I laugh, pulling her closer. “What can I say? You’re always the topic of conversation.”

“Flatterer.” She swats my chest lightly, but her smile softens as she looks up at me. There’s something in her eyes that tells me she’s thinking about everything that’s happened. Everything we’ve been through.

I lean down and press a quick kiss to her temple. “You okay?”

She nods, though I can see the flicker of uncertainty beneath her bravado. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

“I can smell that,” Alec teases. “Don’t strain yourself.”

Jade flips him off with a grin, and I can’t help but chuckle. “Careful, Alec,” I say. “She could still probably take you down, magic or not.”

Alec snorts. “I’d like to see her try.”

I feel Jade’s body relax against me, but I know her well enough to sense when something is weighing on her. She’s still thinking about her powers, still worried about the portal she’s convinced exists. She doesn’t say it, but I can see it in the way her gaze flickers to the edge of the clearing like she’s waiting for something to leap out of the shadows.

“We’re good, Jade,” I murmur, low enough that only she can hear. “Nothing’s happening tonight.”

She meets my eyes, and for a second, I see the doubt flash across her face. Then she nods. “I know. It’s just… I don’t think this is over.”

“I know you don’t,” I say softly. “But we’ll handle it. Whatever comes next, we’ll deal with it.”

She lets out a slow breath, leaning her head against my chest. “Yeah. I know.”

Alec clears his throat, clearly sensing the shift in the air. “I’ll leave you two alone. I’ve got a pack to officially lead, after all. Think I’ll take my niece with me, too, so she isn’t subjected to this.”

Jade and I both smile at that, watching as Alec makes his way back to the center of the celebration, where the rest of the East Hills pack is gathered. There’s a warmth in the air tonight. A sense of unity that hasn’t been there in a long time.

“You ready to get out of here?” I ask, turning back to Jade.

She raises an eyebrow. “Sneaking out of my brother’s alpha ceremony? Classy.”

I shrug. “He’ll survive without us for a little while.”

She grins, and there’s that spark of mischief again. “Lead the way, Alpha.”

We slip through the crowd quietly, making our way toward the edge of the woods where the trees offer more privacy. The sounds of the party start to fade as we walk deeper into the woods, and the tension in my shoulders begins to ease. It’s strange being out here, away from the chaos. For the first time in a long time, it feels like we can breathe.

We reach a small, secluded spot near the riverbank, and I pull her close, tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. “You’ve got that look again.”

“What look?” she asks, though there’s a playful lilt to her voice.

“The one where you’re pretending not to be worried.”

She huffs, but her lips curl into a small smile. “I’m not worried. I’m just… cautious.”

“You don’t have to be. Not tonight.”

She looks up at me, and for a moment, the weight of everything we’ve been through lingers between us. But then she smiles, that soft, genuine smile that makes my heart stutter in my chest.

“You’re right,” she murmurs. “Not tonight.”

I lean down, brushing my lips against hers. She tastes like honey and wildflowers, and I can feel the magic thrumming beneath her skin. She melts into me, wrapping her arms around my neck, and the feeling of her body pressed against mine sends a shiver down my spine.

I want to stay here forever, just the two of us. No demons, no magic, no responsibilities. Just us, together, like this.

When the tongue brushes against mine, I deepen the kiss, losing myself in her. Her hands wander, slipping under my shirt, and the feeling of her fingers against my skin makes me groan.

It doesn’t matter how many times we do this. Every touch, every kiss, is like a lightning strike. I never thought I’d have this, not with anyone. Certainly not with her.

And now, every second is precious.

My own hands move, sliding over the curve of her hips to slip under the hem of her dress.

She sighs against my mouth. The sound is music to my ears.

“You’re overdressed,” I tease, gently nipping her bottom lip.

She grins, tugging at my shirt. “So are you.”

Jade works at the buttons on my shirt while I find the zipper on the side of her dress. Within seconds, we’re both naked and panting. I’m half-hard already, and the feeling of her bare skin against mine has me aching. She steps back so the moon illuminates her curves, and the sight nearly takes my breath away.

“God, you’re beautiful,” I murmur.

She responds by dropping to her knees, wrapping her hand around my cock and giving me a wicked grin. “How about we stop talking, then?”

I let out a low moan as she slides her tongue along the underside of my shaft and her hand strokes the base. The wet heat of her mouth is enough to make me dizzy, and when she sucks the tip, I have to grab the trunk of a nearby tree for balance.

“Fuck, Jade!” I hiss.

Her response is a satisfied hum that vibrates through me, and the sound almost makes me come on the spot. I tangle my free hand in her hair, urging her forward. She obliges, taking more of me into her mouth.

I watch as she bobs her head, sucking and licking, her dark hair falling around her face. She knows exactly how to drive me wild, and the sight is almost as erotic as the sensation.

I can’t help but thrust my hips forward, and when her eyes flick up to meet mine, the desire I see reflected there is almost enough to finish me off.

She pulls back suddenly, and I barely have time to register the loss of her warmth before she’s standing, pressing her body against mine.

“I want you, Damien,” she whispers, her lips brushing against my ear.

“You’ve got me,” I breathe.

“Inside me.”

She kisses me hard, and I spin her around and bend her over a fallen log. The moonlight paints her skin silver. I drink in the sight of her, spread and ready.

“Is this what you want?” I tease, running my hands over the curve of her ass.

“Damien,” she pleads, her voice husky with desire.

I position myself at her entrance, sliding the tip through her folds, and we both moan. Then I sink into her slowly, savoring the feeling of her tight, wet heat. It’s fucking bliss.

I begin moving, setting a steady rhythm. Jade rocks back against me, meeting each thrust. Our bodies fit together like they were made for each other, and the friction is exquisite.

Her moans turn to cries of pleasure as I speed up, driving into her harder and faster.

“Yes,” she moans, arching her back.

Her nails dig into the mossy bark as I fuck her, and the sound of our bodies meeting, the slap of flesh on flesh, is intoxicating. I pick up the pace, plunging into her with each thrust. The muscles in her back tense, and her fingers scramble for purchase on the smooth wood.

“God, Damien, yes!” she cries.

I reach around her, finding her clit, and the pressure of my finger against her sensitive flesh sends her over the edge. Her inner walls spasm around my cock, and the sensation is enough to send me tumbling after her.

I pump a few more times, savoring the feeling of her, and then collapse against her, our breaths coming in ragged gasps. The night air is cool on our heated skin, and the scent of her arousal mixes with the earthy musk of the forest. Her pussy throbs around my cock, and I swear the entire fucking planet stops spinning.

“Holy shit,” she breathes.

“That’s one way to put it,” I agree, grinning.

She laughs, a low, throaty sound. It makes my heart swell.

We stay there for a few moments, wrapped in each other’s embrace, until the cool night air starts to chill our skin.

“Think we should go back before someone comes looking for us?” she asks, amused.

“Probably.” I kiss her neck and reluctantly pull away.

As soon as I’m dressed, I tug her against me, inhaling her scent. It’s a mix of magic, pine, and sex. It’s so her.

“Thank you,” she says softly, leaning her head against my shoulder.

“For what?”

“For everything. For being here, with me, even when things are… crazy.”

I chuckle. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

She sighs, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “Me neither.”

“Ready to get back to the party?”

She shakes her head. “Just a few more minutes.”

I nod, and we stand there, tangled together, listening to the wind rustling the leaves and the river flowing in the distance. It’s peaceful, and it occurs to me that for the first time in a long while, I’m not worried about what tomorrow will bring.

Because with Jade by my side, we can take on anything.

*****

THE END