28. Epilogue

Alice laughed as Gabriel chased Boss around the sofa, trying to retrieve a bauble the Newfie had taken from one of the boxes.

"Come here, you overgrown mop." Gabriel chuckled.

They both ended up roughhousing on the floor, with Gabriel trying to fish the bauble from Boss's mouth. Boss was wagging his tail so hard, he swiped a book out of the coffee table. When he finally let go of the red ball, Gabriel got up and put it on the Christmas tree, drool still on it.

They were setting up the Christmas decorations in the apartment's big living room. The massive tree almost reached the second-floor ceiling. They were going to need a ladder.

"Well, it's going to be a very distinct tree," she mused as she cleaned the bit of drool from the bauble.

"Maybe we can make some tinsel out of his hair too. It's fucking everywhere," Gabriel joked.

"Hey, don't be mean. He was the best Christmas present ever." Alice pretended to pout.

"Really? Because I think he will get some competition this year," Gabriel teased.

"What? Another dog?" Alice asked. She wouldn't mind another dog, but she wasn't sure if Boss would get jealous.

"No, not another dog." Gabriel chuckled. "Maybe I can make it an early Christmas present."

Alice turned to him and made her best omega eyes. Gabriel was a sucker for her pleading eyes.

"We are having another alpha conference this year. This time in Spain."

"Oh?" This was not what she had expected.

"And considering that Spain is my territory now, I see no reason why you can't accompany me."

"Really?" Alice gasped. She jumped into his arms and kissed him before hesitating. "But is it safe? I mean, we still don't know if the strays disbanded."

"The strays have been on the run. Matts assured me all their activities died down." Gabriel grabbed her waist and swayed her gently. "If we plan things properly and put your security first, I see no reason why we can't travel."

Alice hugged and kissed Gabriel with such enthusiasm that they ended up making out on the couch. The only reason they didn't end up doing more was Boss parading a long garland he had just taken from one of the boxes.

They both laughed like kids as they tried to corner him to retrieve the bright gold garland.

Alice went back to decorating the tree, and she couldn't help the smile on her face. Had she ever been this happy? She reached inside to her bonds and focused. Gabriel's bond was radiant with amusement and love. It overwhelmed Bruno's bond completely, to the point she could hardly feel it anymore.

Two big hands grabbed her by the waist, and Gabriel lifted her so she could reach an upper branch. It reminded her of the way the ocean waves lifted her from the sand. Gracefully. Effortlessly.

Alice's heart sang with joy. She felt free.

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