Epilogue

One Year Later

Genesis

Genesis frowned at her computer screen, trying and failing to force the words into submission. Had she always used so many em dashes in her writing? And had she always had to search for synonyms for everyday words this frequently? Before she’d started this project, Genesis had thought she had a pretty extensive vocabulary, but this manuscript seemed determined to prove her wrong.

“Whose idea was it to write a frigging book?” she asked her empty office, glaring at her keyboard as if she could stare the right words into existence. “What the hell was I thinking?”

“You were thinking that my mate is brilliant and has already written a Polk Award-winning series of articles, so it would be well within her wheelhouse to say yes to one of the several prestigious publishers who reached out with offers to pay her to turn her work into a bestselling book.”

Genesis jumped, spinning around in her chair to find Orlando standing in the doorway, watching her with a steaming mug in one hand. She would never get used to how stealthy he was. He swore he didn’t do it on purpose, but Genesis wasn’t certain that was true.

“I’m starting to agree with Luke. Maybe we should put a bell on you.” She gave Orlando a halfhearted glare. It was incredibly difficult to feign anger when he was standing there looking so sexy in his tailored suit. “If that’s not coffee, I don’t want it.”

“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 milligrams per day,” Orlando replied in that smooth honey voice that still made her panties wet. “And we’re supposed to be erring on the safer side and limiting you to a single cup a day, which you have first thing in the morning. As you insisted, despite Dr. Birch’s assurances that you’re doing great, not to mention the battery of tests that back up his assessment. You said that you’ve been wanting to cut back on caffeine for a while and your alphas agreed to assist you in sticking to your goals.”

Genesis glared at the cup of red raspberry leaf tea Orlando set in front of her. “That was past Genesis. I was younger and more foolishly optimistic then. Mama needs her caffeine now.”

Orlando squatted at her feet, bringing his face level with her belly, which was growing more massive each day. His warm bergamot, cinnamon, and cardamom scent wrapped around her like a soft blanket, soothing and seductive at the same time. Genesis’s core clenched.

“Does mama need caffeine, little one? Or does she need to take a break and get some fresh air?” Orlando rubbed her stomach fondly. Genesis felt the baby move almost immediately beneath his touch—an amazing sensation she would never get used to. “That’s what I thought, too. I’ll tell her.”

Genesis tried not to melt. She hadn’t realized how much more she’d love her mates once she’d seen them loving their children. Watching her alphas become fathers reinforced that she’d made the perfect choice when she said yes to Pack Rossi. She couldn’t imagine how much these feelings would intensify when the baby was actually born.

“Baby thinks mama needs a break from the computer,” Orlando said, standing and leaning down to plant a lingering kiss on her lips. “Since I know that our baby happens to be quite brilliant, maybe even the smartest fetus ever, I have to agree. That’s a vote of two to one, so it looks like we’re going for a stroll.”

Genesis groaned. “I have to finish the conclusion before I can go back through the manuscript and fill in any gaps. I don’t need a break, I need caffeine!”

“You spend far too much time hunched over a keyboard, Tesoro. Movement stimulates the brain. You’ll write better after a break.” Ignoring her protests, Orlando pulled her to her feet and into a hug—or the closest approximation of a hug they could manage around Genesis’s huge belly. “You could also use the dictation feature on your phone so that you didn’t have to sit here all the time.”

Genesis leaned against him, relishing his scent and closeness. She already felt more clearheaded and motivated to write. Of all her alphas, Orlando was best at calming Genesis when she was frazzled.

“That’s not how writing works,” Genesis said stubbornly. “The magic happens somewhere between my brain and my fingers. It’s not the same using my mouth.”

Orlando’s gaze dropped to her lips. Genesis shivered, though the look he was giving her was scorching hot. Her core clenched again.

“I would argue that a great deal of magic happens when we use your mouth,” Orlando murmured, his melted caramel voice going straight to her pussy. “Maybe you need a different kind of break.”

“Are we taking a blow job break?” Luke drawled. Genesis didn’t have to look at him to know he was smirking. “Is that why you’re home so early?”

She glanced away from Orlando to find her favorite cowboy leaning against the doorjamb. He carried a small basket covered with a cloth napkin. Genesis brightened, reaching for it eagerly.

“I’m home early because this is what phased retirement looks like. Are you lurking around hoping to happen upon impromptu fellatio?” Orlando retorted, arching an elegant eyebrow.

Luke ignored him, kissing Genesis, then her belly, all while holding the basket out of her reach. “Buttercup and Butterball always appreciate a sweet treat around this time. It helps keep the writing juices flowing.”

“Juices? Are we having a fuck break?”

Genesis snorted as they all turned to find her other mate now occupying the doorway Luke had recently vacated. Gabriel grinned her favorite boyish grin, strolling over to kiss her and rub her stomach affectionately. Genesis purred. She loved when they were all together, their skin touching and scents intermingling. It relaxed her like nothing else could.

“Do both of you skulk around all day waiting for an opportunity to have your way with our omega?” Orlando demanded, rolling his eyes. Then he grinned. “I can’t say that I blame you, honestly.”

Genesis punched him lightly on the arm. “You’re all insatiable, but Gabriel usually comes in and talks me through whatever I’m wrestling with—artist to artist.”

Gabriel’s smile brightened even more, and Genesis felt a swell of joy in her chest that might’ve been his or hers or everyone’s. “I was thinking about your trouble writing the conclusion and I think the problem is that you want to wrap it up with a nice little bow.”

Genesis chewed her lip thoughtfully, her brain already whirring with ideas. “Say more.”

Luke moved behind her, encircling her in his strong embrace. He used one arm to cradle her stomach, taking some of the baby’s weight. Genesis sighed happily, then let out a little squeal when he used his other hand to balance the basket on her belly. She uncovered it, thrilled to find that Marco had made her childhood favorite: lemon bars. Her dads had sent him Genesis’s mother’s old recipe, along with a few others the chef was saving to surprise her with at the right moment. Genesis took a huge bite, doing a little dance when the tart sweetness hit her tastebuds. She gestured for Gabriel to continue as she munched.

“Just because it’s the end of the book, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story, Carino. Life isn’t that neat and tidy, you know?” Gabriel raked his silver-streaked hair out of his eyes, a habit of his when he was excited, which was almost all the time these days. It gave him constant sexy bedhead. “These three women—your mother, Evie, and Serenity—their stories continue. Literally for Serenity, of course, but Evie and Josephine live on too. Through your work, through my art, through us, through other omegas inspired by their stories.”

Genesis nodded thoughtfully, swallowing another bite of lemon bar. “So, instead of an ending, my conclusion is more open.”

“It’s an opportunity. A new beginning full of possibility,” Gabriel said, eyes shining. “And hope. So much hope.”

The pack bond hummed with love and Genesis knew it came from all four of them. It burned in her alphas’ eyes and in her heart and in the baby growing inside her. It filled her with peace and gratitude and, yes, so much hope.

And this was only the beginning.