34. Chapter Thirty-Four Epilogue

Chapter Thirty-Four: Epilogue

A n'Kar

The Integration Zone hums with life as I make my way through the familiar streets. The streets haven't changed. I have. Now I feel part of the community, no longer an outsider.

Stepping into the Wolven Warriors HQ, the scent of a feast hits me. The den on the main floor buzzes with activity, centered around the massive dining table.

"There he is!" Bold's voice booms across the room. He's bouncing his daughter, Willow, on his knee. "We were about to send out a search party."

His mate, Jasmine, rolls her eyes affectionately. "Ignore him, An'kar. He's just hangry."

I chuckle, scratching Willow's wolven ears as I pass. "Don't worry, little one. Your dad's just upset because he knows I can still outrun him."

Bold snorts. "In your dreams, old man. "

Before I can retort, Tally appears, beaming. "You're just in time! Come on, everyone's waiting!"

As we settle around the table, I'm struck by how much has changed. Courage and Candy are trying to coax their daughter Serenity into eating her vegetables. Torch and Chrissy, his latest female friend, can't stop stealing glances at each other. Even tech guru Stealth is smiling, deep in conversation with Lash.

This is our family now. The thought warms me from the inside out.

Tally taps her glass, calling for attention. "First, I want to thank everyone for coming. You've all become such an important part of our lives." Her voice catches, and I squeeze her hand reassuringly. "When I first met An'kar, I never imagined this is where we'd end up. But I wouldn't change a thing."

She takes a deep breath. "Perhaps you're wondering why I've invited you to enjoy this feast with us. I have two announcements. Even An'Kar doesn't know about them."

I'd feel blindsided and would be a bit worried if Tally wasn't beaming with happiness.

"First, I've been awarded a major research grant to study the effects of climate change on alpine ecosystems!"

The room erupts in cheers. Pride swells in my chest as our friends congratulate her. She'd told me that over twenty qualified people applied for the grant and warned me—and herself—not to get my hopes up. She must be beside herself with happiness. I wonder how long she's kept this secret.

"That's amazing, Tally!" Jasmine exclaims. "Your work is so important."

Courage nods solemnly. "It's about time they recognized your brilliance."

"Tell us more about the research," Candy urges, leaning forward with interest .

As Tally explains her project, her eyes shining with excitement, I'm struck anew by her passion and intelligence. She's going to change the world, one study at a time.

"And secondly," Tally continues, her gaze locking with mine. "An'kar and I… we're going to have a pup!"

For a moment, the world stops. Then joy explodes through me like fireworks. I sweep Tally into my arms, oblivious to the eruption of excitement around us.

"A pup," I murmur, awestruck, then lean close to sniff her neck, filling myself with her scent. "We're really going to be parents?"

Tally laughs, tears shimmering in her eyes. "We really are. Can you believe it?"

As I pull back, I'm struck by the utter silence in the room. Our friends are watching us, their eyes shining with genuine happiness. There's no teasing, no jokes—just pure, unbridled joy on our behalf.

Bold is the first to break the silence, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Congratulations, brother. You two are going to be amazing parents."

Jasmine wipes away a tear. "Oh, Tally, An'kar… I'm so happy for you both."

One by one, our friends surround us with hugs and well wishes. Even little Willow and Serenity get in on the action, patting Tally's stomach with wonder.

As the celebration continues, Tally pulls me aside. "I know we said we wouldn't talk about it tonight, but… I just want you to know I'm okay. About my dad not being here."

I tense slightly. Anton's continued silence, his refusal to even attempt reconciliation, has been a sore spot for the woman I love. "Are you sure you're okay with him not being here for your huge announcement? I know you'd hoped… "

She shakes her head. "I did hope, for a long time. But An'kar, look around. This is our family. These people who love us, who are celebrating our joy as if it were their own. We don't need anything else."

As I look out over the room—Bold entertaining the kids with silly faces, Courage and Candy slow dancing in the corner to one of the ballads from her latest album, Jasmine and Chrissy already planning a baby shower—I know she's right.

"Correct as always, sur'nam ," I murmur, pulling her close. "This is everything we need. Everything I ever dreamed of and more."

Tally's hand drifts to her belly, and I'm overwhelmed by a sense of limitless possibility. Our little family is growing. Now one more precious heartbeat is added to the mix. And no matter what the future holds, I know one thing for certain: We'll face it together, surrounded by the love and support of our chosen family.

Always and forever.