Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ARIA

The polished hardwood floor of the Omega Guardians building feels cool beneath my bare feet as I stand in the center of the room. A gentle hum of conversation washes over me, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the soft clink of glasses. My orange creamsicle scent mingles with the various fragrances of my pack and friends, creating a complex bouquet of emotions. Joy, sadness, anticipation, and nostalgia hang in the air, as tangible as the warmth of bodies pressed close in celebration.

It’s a celebration of life—of the life Aunt Sara lived, the new life I’m about to begin with my pack, and the lives of every single saved omega in this building.

I watch my pack move around the room, noticing a new fluidity in their interactions. Malachi’s steady presence anchors the group, his deep voice a soothing rumble as he chats with Willow. Zane prowls the edges of the gathering, ever vigilant, but his usual intensity is softened by occasional smiles. Quinn flits between groups, his excited chatter punctuated by wild hand gestures, while Dash’s infectious laughter rings out above the din. Our bond, forged through trials and tribulations, has cemented into something unbreakable.

“Earth to Aria.” Cayenne’s voice breaks through my reverie, her familiar cinnamon and fire scent wrapping around me. “You okay there, bestie? You look like you’re a million miles away.”

I turn to her, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, just… taking it all in. I can’t believe you and Ginger are really moving here. It feels like the end of an era.”

Ginger appears at Cayenne’s side, her bright green eyes sparkling with mischief. “Believe it, honey. Puritan City won’t know what hit it. We’re about to spice things up, beta style.”

Cayenne laughs, the sound warm and rich. “You bet we are, but don’t think for a second that means we’re leaving you behind, Aria. You’re stuck with us for life, pack or no pack.”

I feel a lump form in my throat, overwhelmed by the love and acceptance radiating from my friends. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say, pulling them both into a tight hug.

As we chat, I can’t help but marvel at how far we’ve all come. Cayenne and Ginger, once my lifelines in a world of uncertainty, are now embarking on their own adventures, and me, once a scared omega on the run, is now standing strong with my pack. The journey flashes before my eyes—late nights planning escapes, tearful phone calls, and moments of fear and triumph shared over cheap wine and cheaper takeout.

I catch sight of Malachi watching us from across the room. His eyes meet mine, and a wave of pride and affection washes over me through our bond. He gives me a slight nod as if to say, “You’ve got this.”

I realize that I do. This isn’t an ending, but a beginning—a new chapter in a story that’s far from over.

The sound of a glass clinking draws everyone’s attention. Quinn stands on a chair, his boyish face flushed with excitement. “Alright, everyone! Gather round. It’s time for a toast!”

The room quiets as people move closer, their expectant faces turned toward Quinn. I feel my pack draw near, their presence a comforting warmth at my back.

Quinn raises his glass high. “To Aunt Sara,” he begins, his voice thick with emotion, “who showed us that family isn’t just about blood, love, and choice. To the Omega Guardians, for giving us a home and a purpose. And to Aria…” He turns to me, his eyes shining. “Our fearless leader, who taught us what true strength looks like.”

A chorus of, “To Aria!” echoes through the room, and I feel my cheeks flush with warmth. Malachi’s hand finds mine, squeezing gently.

“But most of all,” Quinn continues, his voice rising with passion, “to every omega who’s ever been told they are weak, worthless, or alone. You are none of those things. You are strong and valuable. You are family.”

The room erupts in cheers and applause. As glasses clink and people embrace, I feel a surge of emotion so powerful it nearly brings me to my knees. This is what we’ve fought for. This is what we’ve built.

The party progresses, filled with laughter, tears, and countless hugs. I float between conversations, cherishing each moment. Malachi and Willow huddle in a corner, their voices low and serious as they discuss future collaborations between Pack Clarke and Omega Guardians.

I catch snippets about expanded safe houses and legal reform, and my heart swells with pride at how far our mission has come.

After Noah’s arrest, the mayor was next, ending his tyranny against me and our pack. He dropped everything, but mostly because of his new digs—prison.

Quinn’s excited voice rises above the chatter as he shares his plans for expanding the salon with Ginger. “Picture this,” he says, waving his hands dramatically, “a full omega wellness center. Not just hair, but massage, aromatherapy, the works. A safe space where omegas can truly relax and be pampered.”

Zane and Dash have collected a small crowd, and they are regaling them with stories of our recent adventures. Dash’s animated retelling has everyone in stitches, while Zane interjects with deadpan comments that only make the stories funnier. The sound of their laughter, so free and unguarded, makes my chest ache with happiness.

As I make my way across the room, I spot Willow engaged in an intense conversation with a woman I don’t immediately recognize. The stranger’s dark, mysterious eyes and the faint scent of herbs clinging to her clothes trigger a memory. My heart rate picks up as I approach them, curiosity and a touch of apprehension mingling in my gut.

“Willow, who’s your friend?” I ask, trying to keep my voice casual.

Willow turns, a slightly nervous smile on her face. “Aria, this is Maeve. She owns Nightshade Remedies.”

The name hits me like a jolt of electricity. Maeve, the shopkeeper who provided me with heat suppressants when I was desperate, the one who extracted a promise of a future favor. Her enigmatic smile sends a shiver down my spine.

“It’s good to see you again, Aria,” Maeve says, her voice as smooth as honey but with an underlying edge. “I trust the suppressants served you well?”

I nod, hyperaware of my pack’s presence nearby. The memory of that desperate night floods back—the fear, urgency, and relief when Maeve offered help, but also the weight of the promise I made. “They did, thank you. I… I remember our arrangement. The favor I owe you.”

Maeve’s smile widens, revealing teeth that seem just a touch too sharp. Her eyes glitter with an intelligence that’s both fascinating and terrifying. “All in good time, dear. For now, enjoy your celebration. We’ll talk soon.”

As Maeve melts into the crowd, her herb and mystery scent lingering, I turn to Willow, questions burning on my tongue. “What was that about? How do you know her?”

Willow sighs, her expression troubled. She glances around before leaning in close, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maeve’s been a valuable ally in our fight against omega trafficking. Her… connections have provided crucial information, but Aria, be careful. Maeve’s help always comes with a price.”

The warning sends a chill through me. I open my mouth to ask more, but before I can, Malachi’s voice cuts through the chatter, calling for a toast. The moment slips away, but Maeve’s presence and Willow’s warning linger in the back of my mind.

“Attention, everyone!” Malachi’s voice resonates through the room, deep and commanding. The room falls silent, all eyes turning to him. “I’d like to propose a toast.”

As glasses are raised, I feel a sudden swell of emotion. This moment, this gathering of people I love, represents everything I’ve gained and overcome. The weight of it all threatens to overwhelm me.

“To new beginnings,” Malachi says, his eyes meeting mine. The intensity of his gaze, filled with love and pride, makes my breath catch. “And to the family we’ve built together.”

“To family,” the room echoes, the words ringing with sincerity and warmth.

Unable to contain myself, I step forward. “Can I say something?”

All eyes turn to me, and I take a deep breath, drawing strength from my pack’s presence. Their scents surround me—cedarwood, leather, cotton, and citrus—a silent reminder of their unwavering support.

“A year ago, I was alone and afraid, running from a past I couldn’t escape,” I begin, my voice shaky but growing stronger with each word. “But then I found all of you. Cayenne, Ginger, you were my first real friends, my sisters in all but blood. You taught me what it means to have someone in your corner, no matter what. Willow, my sparring partner. Thank you for becoming so much more than a friend, but a sister.”

I turn to my pack, feeling our bond pulse with love and pride. “And you four… You showed me that being an omega isn’t a weakness, but a strength. You’ve loved me, protected me, and helped me grow in ways I never thought possible.”

Tears flow freely now, not just mine, but others’ as well. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that with all of you by my side, we can face anything, so here’s to the family we’ve chosen, the battles we’ve fought, and the adventures yet to come.”

The room erupts in cheers and applause. As I’m enveloped in a group hug, I feel a sense of completeness I’ve never known before. The warmth of their bodies, the mingling of our scents, and the steady beats of their hearts against mine is home in its purest form.

The party winds down, and soon it’s time for Cayenne and Ginger to leave. The goodbyes are emotional, filled with promises to stay in touch and plans for future visits. The scents of salt and citrus fill the air as tears are shed.

“You’ve got this, Aria,” Cayenne whispers as we hug, her arms tight around me. “You’re the strongest person I know. Don’t forget that, okay?”

“We’re so proud of you,” Ginger adds, her eyes shining with tears and pride. “You’ve come so far, and we can’t wait to see where you go next.”

As we watch them drive away, the taillights of their car disappearing into the night, I feel a complex mix of emotions —sadness at the departure of my oldest friends, excitement for their new adventure, and a deep, abiding joy in the family I’ve found with my pack.

I turn to face Malachi, Zane, Quinn, and Dash, their presence a comforting constant in my ever-changing world. The moonlight casts shadows across their faces, highlighting the strength and love in their eyes. “So,” I say, a smile on my lips, “what’s next for Pack Clarke?”

Malachi grins, a hint of mischief in his eyes that sends a thrill down my spine. “The world’s not ready for what Pack Clarke’s about to unleash. You in, baby girl?”

Zane’s intense gaze sweeps over me, a promise of protection and passion. “This pack doesn’t break. We’re forged in fire, and we’ll burn even brighter together.”

Quinn bounces on his toes, practically vibrating with excitement. “Just say the word, Aria. I have gadgets, gizmos, and a genius brain at your disposal.”

Dash throws an arm around my shoulders, his citrusy scent wrapping around me like a warm blanket. “Time to show the world what happens when you mess with Pack Clarke’s omega. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.”

Looking at my alphas, my mates, I feel a thrill of anticipation. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together. The memory of Maeve’s cryptic words flashes through my mind, a reminder that there are still unknown challenges ahead, but with my pack by my side, I’m ready for anything.

“Bring on the chaos,” I reply, my heart full and ready for whatever the future holds. “This omega has a pack of alphas and a point to prove.”

As we head back inside, arm in arm, I know that this isn’t an ending, but a new beginning. The warmth of their bodies against mine, the mingling of our scents, and the steady rhythm of our steps create a symphony of belonging, and I can’t wait to see where it leads us.

The future may be uncertain, filled with challenges and enemies still lurking in the shadows, but here, surrounded by the love and strength of my pack, I’ve never felt more ready to take them on.

Let them come.

Pack Clarke is ready for anything.