Epilogue

Epilogue

JADE

Nine Months Later

M y belly was heavy with pregnancy as I lay in my nest. I was alone in the room, having been lethargic and tired lately to hang out with the rest of my alpha pack downstairs. After my heat, we found out I was pregnant two weeks later, and the joy on my alphas' faces was infectious. It would be their first baby ever. We chose not to find out the gender, but now I was regretting it as I lay there despondently, paintbrush in my hand. We weren't as prepared as we should be.

I was due next week, and I couldn't wait.

The sun shined into the room, doing nothing to brighten my mood and all the aches I felt. My alphas were worried about me, took care of every food craving I had, and made my aches easier to deal with calming purr sessions from each alpha. My favorite was my nightly massages from Nick and bath times with Caleb.

"Jade? Are you awake?" asked Caleb, walking into the room. He looked fresh in his black suit, his long hair tied back.

"Yes."

"Why aren't you getting ready for our date?" he asked, kneeling outside my cushioned nest. He had a concerned look on his face. Normally I would get excited when we went out as a pack on our many dates.

"I'm just feeling a little more tired than usual," I said, trying to get up, but he grasped my hand right away, helping me up. My belly was heavy, and all my joints ached to death.

"Should we cancel?" he asked, peering into my face and giving me a peck on the lips. His hand rubbed my belly as I leaned against him.

"No way," I said. I knew if I canceled, I would feel sad for the rest of the night, and all the alphas were getting ready. I stood on my tiptoes to give him a real kiss on the lips. "Stop worrying, Caleb. You're always worrying about me, babe."

"Because I love you," he said, his eyes softening. "Our baby looks ready to come out."

"Not for another week," I groaned, placing my hand over his as he rubbed my belly. I felt my stomach tense, and I paused for moment, wincing.

"You okay, babe?"

"It's not the real contraction," I said. "Nothing to worry about."

When the contraction passed, I breathed a sigh of relief. If these were Braxton-Hick's contractions, I couldn't imagine what the real one would feel like.

For our evening date, I wore a sparkling plum-colored gown showing off my pregnant belly. It was a light dress that didn't cling too tight to my body. I looked into the tiny compact mirror while I sat in the back of the van with Nick to my left and Dravin to my right.

"You look beautiful," said Nick, rubbing my forearm.

I rubbed off some of the eye makeup. I didn't know what I was thinking applying so much eyeliner. My hair was done in a high ponytail, making me look regal. This would be our last night out before the baby arrived, so I wanted to look my very best.

"He's right, baby. You look stunning as always," said Dravin, whose eyes were on me the moment I came downstairs to join them.

"Aww, thank you," I said, closing my mirror and stuffing it into the designer purse by Glo-mega Nick bought me. I looked up, seeing that we were driving towards the ocean. "Where are we going? I thought we were going to a restaurant. I would have dressed more casually."

"It's a surprise, honey," called Bruce from the front seat.

"You guys are always surprising me," I said, smiling.

"Our favorite thing to do," said Dravin, his eyes on my lips. "May I kiss those pretty lips of yours?"

I nodded, and he dove right in, pressing his lips against mine. His hand carefully curled around my neck, not messing up my hair. I absorbed his scent and cologne for the night, drugging me as I breathed in deeply. I loved my alpha's scents even more after becoming pregnant. Most smells repelled me, but I craved to be cuddled, held, and kissed by my pack. When I pulled away, I was breathless with desire.

"I need to fix my lipstick now," I said, pulling my purple lipstick out from my purse.

"Damn, sorry, baby."

"It's okay," I said, applying a new coat.

"We're here," said Caleb.

Looking up, I saw what looked like a wharf. As we stepped out, I gasped when I saw a large yacht sitting in the ocean before us. It was docked with the captain in front, looking at us expectantly.

"Oh my god, what did you do, Caleb?" I asked, astonished. I had never been on a yacht before, and it looked too luxurious. The white sails flew in the wind, a stunning sight to behold. It was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows.

"We're going to spend the evening on that," said Caleb, holding my left hand while Dravin held onto my right.

"This is so crazy," I said, gazing at the water. "And romantic!"

Bruce chuckled at my words, and Caleb kissed me on the cheek.

"Shall we go?" said Caleb.

We made our way to the deck, with the captain welcoming us on board. I saw many people onboard and gasped when I saw my friends and family there. I looked at Caleb excitedly, and he winked at me. He organized all this for me last minute, and to think he gave me the option to cancel…I couldn't imagine if I had canceled. My mom rushed over to me, hugging me with a twinkle in her eye.

She had been supportive throughout my pregnancy, coming to our place multiple times a week to cook and help out. If not for my mother and Keera, I would have felt alone during my pregnancy.

After I mated with the pack of my dreams, I could swear my relationship with my mom had gotten better. I was no longer living the life she ordained, and finding myself had strengthened my confidence. I was able to open up more, and so did she.

"Hey, Mom," I said, matching her smile. "I can't believe we're on this yacht. What are you doing here?"

"Your alphas invited me and your fathers," she said.

"Wow."

"Your alphas are doing an amazing job," she said. "Come say hi to your fathers."

I hugged each of my dads and caught up with them for the first twenty minutes of the trip. Then I spoke to Keera next. Her alpha Jatix's arm was around her.

"Where is the rest of your pack?" I asked her.

"Shawn gets seasick, and the rest of them are working," said Keera, looking up at Jatix with adoration. He gave her a one-sided smile and kissed her on the lips. I smiled at how cute they were together.

"You look ready to pop," Keera said, her eyes wide when she noticed my belly.

"I feel like I am," I said.

"Why won't you find out what the baby is?" asked Keera, who was flabbergasted about my decision not to know.

"We just want to be surprised, that's all," I shrugged.

I felt my belly tense up suddenly, and I placed a hand on my belly as I looked out to the water. I took a couple of short breaths waiting for the sharp pain to pass. As the sun began to set, it cast a warm golden glow across the vast expanse of the ocean. The gentle waves crashing against the hull of the ship was a sight to behold.

"You really shouldn't be out here on the ocean," said Keera as she watched me. "You're out here having contractions."

"It's not the real contractions," I said, gulping with fear that she could be right. As an ex-nurse, this was the dumbest mistake I could make. We were out in the middle of the ocean, but the chances of me having a baby within a three-hour span was unlikely.

But also possible.

"Ladies," said Vanessa, my sister-in-law, strolling up to us with a drink in her hand. We hugged, and Vanessa was careful not to squish my belly. "You're so big!"

My brother Jack and his pack were socializing with my alpha pack. It made my heart warm to see that.

"Thanks," I said sarcastically, and she laughed. "How's my brother treating you?"

"He's wonderful," said Vanessa dreamily, sipping her drink. "He makes sure I'm not being pushed around by the Royal Pack whenever I visit them for my son, Gabe."

"How about Alex, is he less of an ass?" I asked.

"I love Alex," she said in a low voice. "Don't let him hear that. We got into an argument this morning."

"Oh gosh," I said, shaking my head.

"Jade," said Caleb from behind me.

"Yes?" I asked, turning around.

He cleared his throat and looked around at everyone. I was confused. Dravin, Nick, and Bruce stood around him, looking at me with love in their eyes.

What was going on?

"My dearest Jade," Caleb's voice was rough but filled with love. My heart began thumping in my chest. "From the moment I met you, you've become a light in my heart. A light of hope, laughter, and love. I couldn't imagine spending my life with an omega who isn't you."

He took a step closer, and his kiss on my hand sent a warmth radiating down my body. He went down on one knee.

"Oh my god," I whispered, my hand to my mouth. I couldn't have imagined that he would propose today like this.

He reached into his pocket, retrieving a small velvet box. Then one by one, the rest of his pack went down on their knees, each presenting a single rose.

My heart was literally about to explode.

"From the moment I laid eyes on you at the Ball, I knew you were mine," said Bruce, grasping my hand. "Even though our pack leader was an ass at times, I fought through it to be with you and to love you."

I giggled through my tears while Caleb grunted.

"I know," I whispered.

"Will you marry me, Jade?" he asked.

"Yes," I said, taking the rose he handed me.

Dravin was next down the line. "You ignited a fire in my soul. You've brought the light and love back into our lives. Into my life. I love you. Will you marry me, Jade?"

"Yes, of course," I said, my hands shaking as I took the rose from him.

Lastly, Nick gazed at me with a tinge of pink on his face.

"Through the short time we spent together, you've made me comfortable to be around you," said Nick, his voice holding a tremor from his nervousness. I smiled encouragingly. "You make me feel like a true alpha and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

"Yes," I answered, blushing as I took the rose from him as well.

"Will you allow us the honor of cherishing you, protecting you, and showering you with a love that knows no bounds?" said Caleb at last, opening the box displaying a ring with a brilliant diamond at its center, sparkling like a star in the sunset while smaller diamonds shimmered alongside it.

"Yes," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. My heart swelled with a mix of emotions as tears shimmered in my eyes. I looked into the eyes of each alpha, feeling their love envelop me. "Caleb, Bruce, Dravin, Nick - I would love nothing more than to marry you. A thousand times, yes!"

Caleb's hand trembled as he pulled the ring from the box. His gaze locked on mine as he slowly slid the ring onto my finger. His touch was tender yet possessive as he sealed his love for me.

One by one, the alphas rose, encircling me in their arms, creating an unbreakable bond I would never forget.

The night sky seemed to burst with joy as everyone, who had been silently witnessing this magical moment, erupted into applause and cheers, their voices harmonizing with the rhythm of the sea.

I gasped suddenly as another contraction seized me. I leaned against Dravin as the other alphas still surrounded me from the hug. My thighs dripped with liquid.

"Oh no," I groaned.

"Is it the baby?" asked Bruce.

"My water just broke," I said, gasping for air when the longest contraction of the night released me.

"Fuck," said Caleb.

As another contraction gripped me a second apart, I knew I was in trouble. I was feeling pressure between my legs. I screamed from the pain, and chaos erupted on the yacht. I couldn't stand up straight anymore as Dravin held onto me.

"Are we near land?" Nick shouted to the captain. "She's about to give birth!"

"No sir," the captain responded. "It will be at least another hour."

With each contraction, the pain intensified, gripping me with a vice-like grip that seemed to squeeze my body from the inside out. It felt like my muscles were being stretched beyond their limits, demanding every ounce of my strength and endurance. The waves of agony seemed never-ending, crashing against my body with unrelenting force.

Dravin laid me down, and I twisted onto my side, trying to find a comfortable position. Anything to help the pain as he urgently purred into me, and Nick purred onto my other side. They were trying to create a wave of peace in a storm of pain raging through me.

And there was no fucking medicine on here to numb it.

"Give her air!" shouted Keera, rushing to me.

I clenched my teeth, fighting back the urge to scream, afraid that the sound would somehow amplify the pain.

"What do you need, Keera?" Caleb asked as she positioned me with my knees up.

"A shoelace and blankets," she said urgently. "Hot water if possible. Jade, what's the pain from 1-10?"

"9," I groaned. My breaths came in short, rapid gasps as I desperately tried to find any semblance of relief.

"Help me lift her dress out of the way," Keera said, and Bruce quickly lifted my dress over my thighs. Even through my pain, I didn't want the whole ship watching me. Keera saw that in my eyes. "Let's move her below deck. Now! Before the baby crowns."

Everything was a blur as Nick and Dravin carefully held me in their arms, rushing down the steps of the ship. I felt nauseous and seasick from the wobbly ship on top of the pain from my contractions.

Please god, let this be over with quickly , I prayed.

This was my worst-case scenario, and I hoped I would make it out alive.

I was lying on a bed and screamed when another contraction squeezed me. Someone had removed my dress and underwear.

Keera peered between my legs. And her face turned white.

"What is it, Keera? Tell me!"

"The baby's breech," she said calmly. "Don't panic, Jade. We've birthed a million babies for omegas before. Trust every word I tell you to do, okay?"

"What in the hell?!" exclaimed Caleb.

"My wife knows what she's doing," said Jatix loudly from across the room. "Just listen to her."

A tremor of sheer panic rolled over me.

"Oh my god," I cried out as I felt the pain swelling again. More persistent. More urgent.

"Don't push," said Keera, placing her hand on my round belly her fingers tracing the baby's position. "I have to push the baby's feet back in."

I gritted my teeth and gripped my alphas' hands as she moved me in different positions, trying to manually adjust the baby's position. With every move, it felt like fire piercing down my belly to my privates.

"Argh!" I shouted.

"Jade, listen carefully," said Keera, looking at me eye to eye. An unspeakable bond of trust formed between us, and feminine energy radiated in the room. "I want you to push now. I can see the baby's head now."

Taking a deep breath, I pushed with all my might, screaming as the pain intensified. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Keera's skilled hands glided all around my belly, constantly manipulating the baby's position.

"Again," she ordered.

"I'm so scared," I whimpered.

"You are strong," said Caleb.

Caleb kissed my forehead, and I closed my eyes, pushing again, allowing the pain to sear through me.

"Push baby," said Dravin. "Squeeze my hand as tight as you want."

I clung to Keera's steady presence, drawing strength from the fact that she would lead me to a successful birth. Time seemed suspended, minutes stretching into eternity as I pushed and pushed.

Keera's hands skillfully guided the baby out, and I cried out when the pain stopped.

A fragile cry filled the air, and everyone in the room cheered as Keera held the baby in her arms.

"It's a girl," she said, smiling at me.

"Oh goodness," I sighed, smiling weakly. I was so happy it was a girl. I would dress us up in matching cute outfits.

I reclined against the pillows. My body drenched in exhaustion. I took deep breaths as Nick fanned me with a cardboard, and Caleb kissed me all over my face in relief from this dangerous birth.

My four alphas gazed upon our newborn girl in a cocoon of tenderness and awe. After Keera wiped the baby down, she carefully placed the baby against my chest, skin-to-skin. The alphas approached my side, forming a formidable shield against the world.

It was our moment.

Dravin gently brushed a strand of damp hair away from my brow, his touch feather-light. My heart swelled with love for my newborn and for my alphas who encircled me protectively.

I looked at Keera and smiled. A true friend through thick and thin.

"Thank you, Keera," I said. "I owe you one."

"And I'll remember it too," she said jokingly. "Congratulations, sister."

"God, she's so beautiful," I said, gazing down at my baby's tiny little face. So fragile and so perfect.

"She really is," muttered Bruce.

"Her name will be Olivia," I whispered.

"It's perfect," said Caleb, gently kissing the baby's hand. "It's official then. Our daughter Olivia Moonworth born to the Moonworth Pack, will be protected and cared for until we draw our last breath."

Each alpha leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against my forehead, sealing their vow to cherish and protect our precious child and me. And as I held our baby in my arms, surrounded by the unwavering love of my four alphas, I knew that our journey was meant to lead us to this very moment.

THE END

Bonus scene ! Read on for the wedding day scene, which ends with a steamy wedding night: Matched to The Pack: Bonus Scene

URL for Bonus Scene: https://BookHip.com/BNTQJPQ

Continue on to Book 6, Knotted by The Pack – This story will follow Tiana's daughter (Alana) on her journey to find true love with her pack and an unexpected pregnancy. If you haven't read Tiana's story yet, read Book 1 ( Stolen by The Pack ) .