Epilogue

Lily

T he fair was a success, and I'm thrilled to have been such an integral part of it. Now, I'm sitting outside the farmhouse, a mug of tea in my hands, watching as Emily and George make their way up the driveway. The sun casts a warm golden glow across the apple orchard. The trees we planted are still small, but they will thrive, I know it.

It's been a whirlwind few weeks, filled with more changes and challenges than I ever could have imagined. But as I see the smile on Emily's face as she looks up at George, I'm reminded of how far we've all come.

"Lily!" Emily calls out, waving enthusiastically. I set my mug down and stand to greet them, pulling Emily into a tight hug. She is a changed omega from the frail creature who crept into my shop, and I couldn't be happier.

"It's so good to see you," I say, stepping back to look at her properly. She looks healthy, happy, and, most importantly, safe. "Come on in, the guys are just finishing up dinner."

As we step inside, the warm scent of home-cooked food and the sound of laughter greet us. Jack is at the stove, stirring something that smells divine, while Max and Sam are setting the table, playfully arguing about the correct way to fold napkins.

"Look who's here," I announce, and all activity stops as my alphas come to greet our guests.

There's a flurry of hugs and handshakes, and soon, we're all settled around the dining table, plates piled high with Jack's famous lasagne.

As we eat, the conversation flows easily, catching up on each other's lives. But I know I have to give Emily the news.

"So," I say, setting down my fork, "I have some news."

Emily leans forward, her eyes wide, almost as if she knows what I'm about to say.

"The Omega Trials have been shut down, and the leaders have been arrested. Max's stepdad has been working to shut them down, and he did it."

The room falls silent as my words sink in. Emily's hand flies to her mouth, tears filling her eyes.

"Really?" she whispers.

I nod. "Max's stepdad has been building a case against them for months. They won't stand a chance with the evidence he gathered, plus my testimony and that of other survivors."

"The leaders, the enforcers, even the scouts - they've all been arrested," Max adds quietly. "Clive confirmed it a bit ago."

Emily lets out a shaky breath, glancing at George as he places a protective hand on her back. "I can't believe it. After all this time..."

"You're safe now," I say softly. "We all are."

George clears his throat, looking a bit uncomfortable. "There's something else you should know, Emily. About Nigel West."

Emily tenses at the name, and I feel a flicker of the old fear in my own gut. But George's next words banish it completely.

"My dad... well, let's just say he had a ‘chat' with Nigel. He won't be bothering you or anyone else ever again."

The relief on Emily's face is evident. "Do I want to know the details?"

George shakes his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Trust me, you don't. Just know that you're safe from him and your old pack. They won't come looking for you."

Emily bursts into tears, overwhelmed by the news. I go to her and wrap my arms around her as she sobs into my chest.

As Emily calms down, wiping her eyes with a napkin Max hands her, she looks around at all of us. "I don't know how to thank you all. You've given me my life back."

"You don't need to thank us," Jack says gently. "We're just glad you're safe and happy."

The conversation turns to lighter topics after that, and I sit back down to finish my food surrounded by the people I love.

This is my family. My pack. And for the first time in my life, I feel completely, utterly safe and loved.

When Emily and George leave before darkness falls with promises to visit again soon, I sit at the picnic table near the shop and sigh contentedly. The evening is clear, the end to a perfect summer.

Jack joins me first, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. Then Sam, settling on my other side, his warmth a comforting presence. Finally, Max, who opts to sit at our feet, leaning back against my legs.

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company and the peace the countryside brings.

"I never thought I could have this," I say softly, breaking the silence.

"Have what, princess?" Jack asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.

"This," I gesture vaguely. "A home. A family. Safety. For so long, I was just focused on survival. On staying hidden. I never dared to dream of anything more."

Sam takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. "You deserve all of this and more, Lily. We're the lucky ones, getting to love you."

Max turns, resting his chin on my knee. "He's right, you know. You've made our lives complete."

I feel tears prick at my eyes, overwhelmed by their love and support. "I love you all so much," I whisper.

"And we love you," Jack says, his voice filled with emotion. "Always and forever."

As we sit there, wrapped up in each other under the twilight sky, I think about how far we've come.

The Omega Trials are gone, and their reign of terror is finally at an end. Emily is safe and happy. The flower shop is thriving, and Max's writing is taking off. Sam continues to be the town hero, while Jack works tirelessly to make Keeley's gardens gorgeous and loved.

And me? I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, surrounded by the love of my three amazing alphas.

Life is good. More than good - it's perfect.

"By the way," I say, leaning over to kiss Max on the top of his head. "It was your mum all along."

"What was?" he asks with a frown up at me.

"Your ‘secret admirer!'" I burst out laughing as Jack and Sam snort with amusement.

"What?" Max thunders.

"Yep. She was playing matchmaker."

"You have got to be kidding me," he mutters, scrubbing his face with his hand.

"That's so fucking funny," Sam says between laughs.

"But typical Cherie," Jack adds.

"And you knew!" I accuse him.

"Well, sort of. I had a suspicion when you said about the cherries. But it wasn't my secret to tell. I guess Cherie has good taste in omegas, after all."

"Are you joking?" Max says, kneeling at my feet and taking my hands. "She has the best taste. I will have to thank her."

"Dedicate your first book to her."

"Oh, way ahead of you, peaches." He holds his hands up. "To meddling mothers who actually fucking know what they're talking about. Who knew?"

"Perfect!" I clap my hands in delight. "She will love it."

We share smiles and settle back down to watch the sun set over the farmhouse.

We have a lifetime of love and happiness ahead of us, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Because with my pack by my side, I know we can face anything.

Together.