Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

A lena stretched languidly, a contented smile playing on her lips as the morning sun filtered through the curtains of Zane's bedroom. She rolled over, reaching for him, only to find his side of the bed empty. Pouting slightly, she sat up, her hand drifting to her stomach.

"Looks like Daddy's already up and at ‘em, little one," she murmured, her bear rumbling with happiness.

And I better get going, too , she thought as she looked at the clock.

With everything going on, she had almost forgotten all about the Trash Hike.

Alena padded downstairs, following the enticing aroma of coffee and bacon. She found Zane in the kitchen, whistling off-key as he flipped pancakes.

"Morning, sleepyhead." He grinned, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Figured you could use the rest after yesterday's excitement."

Alena snorted, snagging a piece of bacon. "You mean after we took down a gang of rogue bikers and exposed our existence to the leader of the Forsaken Riders? Just another day in Misty Vale. But maybe you forgot that I organized a certain little hike for tomorrow. I just want to be sure I have everything all set."

Zane looked up from what he was doing, "Oh, man, that's tomorrow?"

"It sure is!"

"Do you have a lot to do? How exactly does a trash hike work, anyway?"

"I'm kind of figuring it out on the fly. But there's not that much to organize, really. Just hand out a bunch of trash bags and weigh them later on. But I wanted to make some encouraging signs to put at the trail heads, maybe."

"That sounds cool! We'll do it together!"

"Awesome! And I thought maybe I would grab Abi and Nora to help, too!"

"They'll be thrilled! But before all that, I was hoping you might take some time to enjoy the fine meal I have prepared," Zane said with mock elegance in his voice and a flourish of his hand at the table setting he had laid out for her.

"Of course I can! Oh, my god, it looks amazing. That's so sweet of you," Alena said as she gave him a hug and a series of kisses.

After they had begun to eat, Zane spoke, excited. "With all this drama behind us, we can finally start building our dreams. So I have something else we can add to our kind of nature centered endeavors."

"Let's hear it, hon," she said immediately, eager to hear his plans.

"I think we can capitalize on the town's reputation. You know, like Beth does with the ghost tours? We could offer dragon riding tours!"

Alena nearly choked on her pancake. "Dragon-riding tours? Are you serious?"

Zane shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Sure. Why not? Dice sort of knows our secret, anyway."

She looked at him sideways. "Zane, no one can know our secrets, what are you smoking? And I thought you said that you guys decided to have Kiki wipe most of Dice's memory after all."

Zane laughed, "Fine, so no dragon rides, but man, would that be cool. I had you going a little, didn't I?"

"Not even for a second," she laughed. "But what about Dice?"

"We did wipe his memory. Mostly."

"Mostly?" She eyed him suspiciously.

"We completely wiped the memories of the other bikers who were there. After more discussion, it was determined that Ghost was the ringleader and main culprit. The rest will be disciplined, but whatever; that is up to the Forsaken Riders. With Dice, we just couldn't take the risk with him fully recalling all he saw. But…" A wicked look came into Zane's eyes.

"But?" Alena prompted, trying to finally get the story out of him.

"We had Kiki leave a bit—just enough for him to feel a little nervous around us. She said he will believe he imagined it. But it should keep him in line."

"That's kind of evil."

"But effective," Zane said, lifting a finger into the air as he made the point.

Alena couldn't help but laugh in response. "Fair enough."

With that, they finished their meal before they got themselves cleaned up and decided to go out and take in the new atmosphere that had seemed to sweep over Misty Vale.

Alena grinned as she strolled down Main Street, hand in hand with Zane. Her mate. The town of Misty Vale seemed to buzz with a newfound energy, bears and dragons mingling freely, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Hey, Alena! I can't wait for the hike tomorrow! Such a great idea!"

"Kelly! Thanks, honey. Oh, my god, I didn't tell you that I told him!"

Her friend beamed. "Congratulations, hon! Um, I kind of heard. You and Zane are sort of the talk of the town, actually," Kelly said a little sheepishly. Seeming to take in Alena's surprised look, she quickly added, "In a good way, I mean. A very good way."

"Oh," Alena replied simply before introducing her to Zane. "Zane, this is my good friend Kelly. She's been a lifesaver!"

"Aw, thanks, doll! I'm just so happy for you two. And for everyone, really. It feels like a whole new town, almost. It's amazing!"

"I'll see you tomorrow at the hike, I guess," Alena finally said as they said their goodbyes.

It's really happening, her bear purred contentedly. Clans united. Cub safe. Alena placed a hand on her belly, marveling at the life growing within her. A symbol of the love she and Zane shared, of the future they were building together.

"What are you thinking about?" Zane murmured, squeezing her hand as they continued to walk along.

She leaned into him, breathing in his comforting scent. "Just thinking about how much has changed. I mean, look around us. Bears and dragons, coexisting peacefully. I never thought I'd see the day. Maybe thinking about how we scorched a circle in the grass yesterday, too," she said with a wink.

Zane chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "We're hot What can we say? And yes, it's a brave new world, that's for sure. But it feels right, doesn't it?"

Alena nodded, her heart full to bursting. "It does. Like this is how it was always meant to be."

As they passed by the diner, she spotted Archer and Brandon through the window, deep in conversation with Striker and a few other bears. Her brother looked up, catching her eye, and raised his coffee mug in a salute.

"This new normal is going to take a little getting used to," Zane mused, shaking his head. "Never thought I'd see my brother sitting down with a bunch of bears like that. I guess miracles do happen."

"Speaking of miracles," Alena said, tugging him towards the park, "I have some ideas I wanted to run by you. For the nature center."

Zane's eyes lit up, his enthusiasm palpable. "Lay it on me, babe. I'm all ears."

They settled onto a bench overlooking the playground, and Alena outlined her vision. "Picture this: interactive exhibits on local flora and fauna, guided nature walks, maybe even a butterfly garden. I want it to be a place where people can connect with the environment, learn about the magic of Misty Vale."

Zane nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "I like it. And we could tie it in with the adventure tours. Maybe offer package deals—a day of hiking and rock climbing, followed by a visit to the nature center."

"Exactly!" Alena exclaimed, excitement thrumming through her. "And I was thinking, what if we incorporated some of our history of the town into the exhibits?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously, we can't talk about bears and dragons, at least not exactly, but we could frame it as how the town has come together… I don't know, maybe how we've gotten past our politics or something, in the interest of creating a better tomorrow for our kids? Maybe a little about the power of love to heal old wounds?"

Pride and affection shone in Zane's eyes. "Sure, why not. Hey, maybe we could print up some questionnaires for tomorrow? Like looking for ideas for how we can showcase the natural beauty of Misty Vale?"

"That's a fantastic idea, Zane!" Alena said, smiling back at him.

It felt so good to have a mate… more than a mate, a real partner, someone who supported her in every way.

"Awesome! I can put something together later, then."

"This just feels like a dream," she breathed, emotion welling up inside her. "I just feel so incredibly lucky to have found you," she murmured, giving him another quick peck on the cheek.

Zane pulled her close, his hand resting protectively on her belly. "I'm the lucky one…" He trailed off, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, it was going to be a surprise, but I guess I can tell you now…"

"Tell me what?" she asked, stopping him in the street and grabbing his hands. "What are you up to, Mr. Livingstone?"

"I may have mentioned the project to our architect. About designing the nature center. To your specs of course. And maybe I also mentioned it to my father. As an investment into Misty Vale, of course. I didn't have the time to go into it yet, but he was very receptive to the idea..."

Alena's jaw dropped, shock and elation warring within her. "Really? That would be amazing. Oh, my god, Zane!" She threw her arms around him, peppering his face with kisses. But you really think he will help out?"

"I would say it is all but guaranteed. He has really taken a shine to us as a couple."

"Of course he has!" she said, kissing him again. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Zane laughed, holding her tight. "Anything for you, my love. You and our little one."

Alena wasn't sure how much fuller her heart could get.

"Speaking of miracles, you know, it was no small feat to get my father to that whole… whatever it was we did last night. But obviously it was well worth it. He is more than enthusiastic to see me get the adventure tourism business going, and in many ways, your ideas to enhance Misty Vale's trail network fit like a glove. It's just perfect, really."

Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through their conversation. "Well, well, if it isn't the lovebirds."

Alena turned to see Kiki sauntering towards them, Abi skipping at her side. The little girl's face split into a grin as she caught sight of them.

"Auntie Lena! Uncle Zane!" she cried, launching herself into their arms. Alena laughed, hugging her niece close.

"Hey there, munchkin! Are you excited for the trash hike tomorrow?"

"I sure am! Nora's gonna come with her mom Amelia, and Ruby, too… and Daddy also…" Abi was all little girl at the moment as she went on excitedly about her plans.

"Do you think you and Nora could come over in the morning and help me make some signs?"

"Yes! I'll have to ask her, but I bet she'll want to help!"

"Awesome! Well, you let me know. In the meantime, what trouble are you and Aunt Kiki getting into today?"

Abi giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "No trouble. We're helping Mr. Dice!"

Zane raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kiki. "Oh, really? How so?"

Kiki shrugged, a smile playing on her lips. "Let's just say, Misty Vale might be getting its first tattoo parlor. Dice thinks it could be a good, legit business. And I figured, why not help him out a bit?"

"Out of the goodness of your heart, just like that?" Alena asked her.

"Actually, yes. I think I need to do some good deeds. Like a lot of them. But also I was thinking maybe I could start a kind of side-hustle in adding some magical effects to them."

"Kiki, Dice can't know about magic!"

"Of course not. I have learned all my lessons about screwing things up, okay? I just thought for shifters and fae, you know those in the know...if they wanted I could add things – after the fact and unknown to him of coure. Don't worry...humans wouldn't be able to tell. Don't you think that would be cool?"

Zane shook his head. "You always like to keep it interesting, don't you? Just don't go getting too friendly with him. He's only a human, after all."

"Oh please. Banish the thought. I have learned my lesson playing around with hearts as well," Kiki said quickly. "Believe me. Besides, I think he has taken a shine to some girl in town."

"And guess what else!" Abi piped up, bouncing on her toes. "Kiki's gonna start giving me fairy lessons!" she practically screamed.

Alena gave Kiki a surprised look. "Really? And what exactly does that entail?"

"Well, I am not so sure who will be giving who the lessons, to tell you the truth," Kiki mused. "If it is not obvious enough already, Archer and Ruby have a pretty powerful fae in the making right here.

"Hey, I have a powerful bear, too!"

They all laughed.

"Oh, I don't doubt it," Zane said.

Alena ruffled her hair. "But we will just have to see about that when you are a little older."

"Oh, I already know," Abi said confidently.

Alena raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I have learned not to doubt her," Kiki commented.

"Rainbow says the baby is gonna be a—" Abi began.

"Bzzzzz!" Alena quickly interrupted her. "Sorry, Abi, but if you don't mind, we kinda want to be surprised."

Abi furrowed her brow for a split second before a big smile spread across her face. "Okay! Well, it'll be a good surprise!"

They all let out a laugh at Abi's infectious happiness. Alena leaned into Zane's embrace. "Boy or girl, they are going to be so loved. By all of us."

Kiki reached out, giving Alena's hand a gentle squeeze. "And they'll grow up in a world where bears and dragons stand united. Where anything is possible."

"Thanks to you," Alena said softly, meeting the fae's gaze. "Your truth set us free."

Kiki ducked her head, a rare show of humility. "I am not so sure about that. First of all, you barely got it out of me, and then, when you finally did, it seemed no one cared."

"But you got the ball rolling by finally telling the truth. I know that must have been hard, but we will never forget it. No one will."

"Forget about all that stuff. None of this would have been possible," Zane said, gesturing around at the general atmosphere in the town, "had you not created that memory bubble with Abi."

"I wish I could take the credit, but it wasn't me, and it wasn't even Abi. We were just the conduits.

"Faciliators? Right? That's what we are," Abi piped in.

That elicited an even hardier laugh.

"‘Facilitators,' and yes, that's right, little one," Kiki said putting a hand on Abi's shoulder. She looked at Zane and then Alena in the eyes. "It wasn't really us. It was your love, your courage, that brought about this change."

Abi nodded, "Rainbow says love is always the answer. Love and rainbow sparkles, of course."

Alena and Zane laughed, the joy and absurdity of the moment washing over them.

"Of course," Zane agreed, ruffling Abi's hair. "How could we forget the sparkles?"

As Kiki and Abi said their goodbyes and wandered off, Alena leaned into Zane's side once again, contentment settling deep in her bones.

"You ready to change the world, little dragon or dragoness?" Zane murmured, putting a hand on her belly as he pressed a kiss to her hair.

"Dragon? Who said anything about Dragons? They could be a bear, too, you know…" Alena grinned up at him.

"Oh, boy… believe it or not, I hadn't even thought about all that," he admitted. "I'm not even sure how all that is going to work…"

"How about we let tomorrow take care of itself? But for today, what do you say we take in some nature, just you and me?" Alena turned in his arms, looping her hands around his neck.

"I think that sounds perfect."

They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the forests around Misty Vale, Alena taking him on a few of the lesser traveled trails and pointing out rare wildflowers. They picked a spot for a picnic, and they ate, talked, and dreamed about their future, the plans they had for their family and their community. The sun began to dip towards the horizon, and they shifted into their animal forms, Alena's bear loping alongside Zane's dragon as they raced through the trees.

Mate, her bear purred . Strong. Protect .

They tumbled in the grass, exchanging playful nips and affectionate nuzzles until Alena pinned Zane to the ground. Zane let out a rumbling dragonesque purr.

Mine , she could have sworn she felt both their spirits whisper in unison.

Later, as they lay tangled together under the stars, Alena laid her head on Zane's chest.

"We're really doing this, aren't we?" she murmured. "Making a life together, a family."

Zane captured her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Nervous?"

Alena thought about it, searching for any hint of doubt or fear. But all she found was a bone-deep certainty, a sense of rightness that settled into her very marrow.

"No," she said softly, meeting his gaze. "I'm not nervous. I'm… happy. Truly happy, for maybe the first time in my life."

Zane's smile was blinding, his eyes suspiciously bright. "Me too, Alena. Me too."

They stayed there awhile longer, trading gentle touches and soft words, until the chill of the night air finally drove them back to town.

As they walked hand-in-hand down Main Street again, Alena marveled at the changes she saw. Bears and dragons nodding to each other in passing, sharing friendly smiles and easy conversation. Zane stopped to chat with Dice and a few other bikers, their laughter carrying on the breeze.

To Alena's surprise, they were planning to participate in the next day's hike as well.

"I think you might want to pick up some extra trash bags in the morning," Zane quipped when they continued on their way.

"Yeah, I am getting that vibe," she agreed.

The next day, the trash hike went off without a hitch. Abi and Nora helped Alena create the posters in the morning. The little girls decorated them with crayon drawings of flowers and birds before they went around placing them at the various trail heads. It seemed like half the town came out to help clean up the trails and woods all around the town, and to everyone's amazement, it was actually Dice, of all people, who won the prize for collecting the most trash. Alena had never seen the town more united in purpose. It was surreal, this new normal.

After all the trash was taken down to the town's dump, Zane and Alena ended the night at Archer's bar, surrounded by family and friends.

As Alena looked around at the faces of those she loved—Abi perched on Zane's lap, Archer and Ruby smiling at each other like lovestruck teenagers, Striker and Smith engaged in a good-natured arm-wrestling match—she felt a swell of overwhelming gratitude.

This, right here? This had been more than worth fighting for. It had been worth every obstacle, every challenge, every moment of doubt and fear.

At the end of the day, their love had won. And Alena knew that as long as she had Zane by her side and their little miracle growing inside her, she could face anything, even a dragon-bear baby shower that was apparently already being planned by Ruby, Kiki, and Amelia. Now that was a truly terrifying thought.

As she sat taking it all in, Alena reached for Zane's hand under the table, lacing her fingers into his. He glanced over, a question in his eyes. She just smiled, brilliant and free, and squeezed his hand.

"I love you," she mouthed.

"I love you, too," he mouthed back, his gaze soft and warm. And there, surrounded by the laughter and love of their family, both blood and chosen, Alena knew they had finally found their happily ever after. It had been one hell of a ride. But in the end? Fate really did know best.