Epilogue- Tayla

It'd been nearly a year since I arrived back at the Celoria pack castle. Recently, Asher and I got married. I had invited my friends from Silvermoon to join us for the wedding.

Their visit has been wonderful.

Now, a mere two weeks since our union, I woke up to an empty bed, feeling sore all over my body. I brushed it off, though—I was probably sore from overworking myself yesterday at the orphanage home. There was so much to do lately.

Making my way to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and took my bath. As I waited for my friends from Silvermoon to arrive yet again for another visit, I walked downstairs to the dining room. I was eager to spend many more moments with them. We had planned to celebrate the upcoming full moon together.

But as I sat down in the dining chair, I couldn't shake the feeling of exhaustion that washed over me.

I frowned slightly at the lavish spread of food, turning to Nora. “Isn't it a bit too much?” I asked. How would I be able to finish all of this?

“Alpha Asher asked us to prepare all of this for you,” she responded.

I shrugged my shoulders before letting out a tired sigh. Taking the spoon, I scooped some of the mushroom soup into my mouth.

Just then, the door opened, and I saw my friends walk in, their faces beaming with bright smiles. My eyes lit up with excitement, and I hurried to them, giving each of them a warm-hearted hug. God, they made me happy.

After eating breakfast together and chatting, we all stood up and headed outside to the garden. They had caught me up on things happening in Silvermoon and how the pack was on its way to being fully restored. Alpha Adrian and his Luna were able to kill all the Lycans, causing havoc and bringing peace back to the pack. This made me very happy.

As I sat down on the bench with my friends, I couldn't help but daydream about the future and having little cubs around the castle. It would be so much fun to hear their laughter and joy every day. I pushed aside the thought and focused on the present.

We spent days together doing girly things, and soon enough, the night of the full moon arrived. I stood in front of the mirror dressed in a stunning red floor-length gown. Despite the fatigue I was feeling, I still wanted to attend the celebration. Asher had urged me to stay at home and rest, but I was determined to join my friends for the festivities.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, I turned my head to see Asher walk in dressed in a long black coat and matching suit. He approached me, his face etched with concern and he leaned closer, planting a kiss on my neck.

“Are you still in pain? Shall I call for the pack doctor to examine your body?” He bombarded me with a series of questions.

I forced a smile on my face as I turned around to face him. “I slept well this evening. I'm alright,” I lied, trying to assure him. “What about you? How are you feeling?”

“My health doesn't matter; I should be worried for you. If you know you won't be able to attend the celebration, I can go alone while your friends watch over you,” he suggested.

I tried my best not to laugh as I saw how concerned he looked right now. “Your health matters a lot, too, you know. You are the Alpha of this pack, and the weight of everything rests on your shoulders. You need rest as much as I do.”

Turning around, I saw the moon slowly emerging from the clouds.

“We’re running late,” I said. “We should head out now.”

“Alright,” he planted another kiss on my forehead before squeezing my waist. He led me out of the room. As we walked downstairs, I felt my breath shorten, and I clutched his hand for support.

He guided me to the living room area, where my friends were discussing amongst themselves. Upon noticing our arrival, they stood up from their chairs before bowing their heads to Asher. Then, we proceeded outside to where the carriage was parked.

The moment I stepped outside the castle, the cold air of Celoria pack slammed onto my skin. I shivered at the cold and hugged my shoulders. My teeth clattered as I continued walking, determined to attend the celebration.

Asher let go of me to open the carriage door, and I felt my body sway, and I stumbled over my footsteps and nearly collapsed on the carriage as my body went limp.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying on a soft mattress. Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching, I felt the presence of Asher around. He sat beside me on the bed, and I slowly peeled my eyes open.

My body ached all over, and my throat felt parched.

I opened my mouth to speak, running my wet tongue across my cracked lips.

“What's wrong with me? Why do I feel so sore?” I asked, bringing my hand up to rub my forehead. I was surprised at how scorching hot it felt.

Asher's smile grew wider, bringing his hand to place on my stomach and I frowned slightly. “About that…”

What's funny about me being unwell?

“You are pregnant,” he proclaimed.

I felt my body freeze like a statue on the bed. I could hear my heart thumping against my chest like I'd explode soon.

What? I was pregnant? The news left me stunned and speechless.

“What did I just hear?” I asked.

“You are going to be a mother soon,” he smiled.

I continued to lay on the bed with my mind struggling to process the words.

Asher looked at me with concern. “If you are not ready to start a family—”

“Not ready,” I scoffed, a hint of excitement forming on my face. “I am overjoyed, Asher.”

“You will be an amazing mother,” he said.

At the mention of mother, a small smile crept to my face. I didn't get to see my mother as she died during childbirth. My father was the one to raise me, and I always vowed to be an amazing mother. I would be there for my children, always.

He leaned closer, placing a kiss on my forehead.

“Where are my friends?” I asked eagerly. “I need to share this good news with them.”

“I’ve already shared the news with them, and right now, I sent the guards to announce that we are expecting a child soon,” he explained, happiness spilling from his eyes.

I felt so happy and grateful to be a mother. Throughout the night, Asher never left my side. He was always there to tend to my needs. He brought me food and drink and massaged my sore feet.

Even after being summoned to the courthouse, he insisted on staying by my side, but I urged him to go.

By evening, I was feeling much better thanks to the treatment the pack's doctor had given me.

Deciding to get some fresh air, I went to the garden. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching, and I raised my head to see Nora standing there with a plate of snacks and Juice.

“Ms. Tayla, I brought you snacks,” she said.

“Nora,” I said, remembering that I hadn't told her about the pregnancy. “Sit. I have some news to share with you.”

She sat down beside me with a look of concern.

“Nora, I’m pregnant.”

Her eyes widened, shifting from my face to my stomach with a mixture of happiness and surprise.

She wrapped her arms around me with gusto hugging me tight.

“Ms. Tayla, I'm so happy for you!”

Just then, my friends approached, and I could see the joy in their eyes.

“We heard from Alpha Asher about the pregnancy,” Anastasia uttered with tears in her eyes.

“I'm so glad you all are here to experience this moment with me,” I said, my eyes filled with tears of joy.

“I will need your help since I have no experience in raising a child,” I admitted, feeling overwhelmed.

“Don't worry, we are here for you,” Penelope assured. “We won't be leaving anytime soon.”

Hearing the sound of the carriage approaching, I raised my head to see Asher stepping out of the carriage. He walked toward us. My friends excused me, allowing me some time to be alone with Asher.

When he neared me, he hugged me, placing a peck on my lips.

“What shall I do to make you happy? Shall I wrap you in my arms all night or take you somewhere away from the castle for a good time?” he asked with a smile.

“Being with you is enough for me,” I replied, feeling contented already.

Asher took the plate of grapes and cheese and fed me. Despite having a low appetite, I ate everything.

“Is everything alright at the courthouse?” I asked him.

“The Elders are delighted that you are expecting a baby,” he responded, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The weeks passed by with my appetite growing, and I began craving more food…and strange foods, too. With Alpha Asher always busy with court work, I spent most of my time in the company of my friends.

Nora grew closer each day, and I no longer saw her as my maid but as a close friend. She was always there for me, and sometimes, when I was feeling unwell, she'd used her magic to check if the baby was doing fine. Life in the pack was going smoothly and the people of Celoria were once again happy after many years of torture.

As months passed, my senses were heightened, and I found myself lashing out at everyone at any slight inconvenience. Asher attributed it to a protective instinct for my cub, but my mood swings were only getting worse with each passing day.

One morning, as I sat down with Asher for breakfast, I took a small sip from what I thought was coffee, only to realize it was tea after the taste. My anger flared up, and I splashed the tea on the maid who had served me.

“I asked for coffee, not tea!” I yelled, my hand clenching into a tight fist. Asher quickly intervened, getting up from his seat and pulling me into a hug.

“Remember the doctor said you should reduce the intake of coffee,” he said. And I calmed down.

As I watched the maid walk away, I felt instant regret for my actions. “I think I adsorbed all of you short temper”

My emotions were like a rollercoaster, and I couldn't predict what would happen next.

As weeks turned into months, my due date approached. Asher had prepared a cozy nursery room for me and the baby. The room was filled with toys and clothes, and I couldn't wait to meet our little cub.

One evening, as the moon shone brightly into the room, I was in agony and bit into the midwife’s arm.

“Ahh!”

It'd been three hours since my labor began, and the baby was reluctant to come out of me. I was in so much pain.

Asher was outside the room, pacing back and forth. But the midwives wouldn't let him in, and I heard a punch on the wall.

“Alpha Asher it's better you stay outside,” one of the midwives tried to calm him down.

“And watch her suffer?” he growled, his voice laced with worry.

“You need to push,” the midwives said to me.

I cried, feeling my body exhausted in so much pain.

“I can't!”

As I pushed one last time, I screamed, “Ahh!” my voice echoed down the hallways.

At the sound of our baby's cry, Asher burst into the room, eyes wild with concern and joy.

He rushed to my side, gently brushing sweat-dampened hair from my face. "Are you alright, my love?"

I nodded, breathless. "Yes. We're perfect."

The midwife placed our son in my arms. Tears of happiness streamed down my cheeks as I gazed at the miracle we'd created.

"It's a boy," she announced softly.

I turned to Asher, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Want to hold him?"

He cradled our son, a single tear escaping. "Sebastien," he whispered reverently.

"He's beautiful," I murmured. "He has your eyes."

Asher's gaze met mine, filled with love and wonder. "I love you both so much."

"I love you too," I breathed.

Outside, the full moon bathed the castle in ethereal silver light, its glow a testament to the magic of the night. Beyond the walls, our pack gathered, their excited whispers carried on the cool breeze as they awaited the first glimpse of their new prince.

Asher's arms encircled us, his strength a comforting presence as we gazed down at our son. In that moment, the challenges we had faced – the misunderstandings, the battles, the sacrifices – all faded away. They had led us here, to this perfect culmination of our love.

"He's beautiful," Asher murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. Our journey had been fraught with obstacles, but each one had only served to strengthen our bond.

As our son stirred in my arms, his tiny fist curling around my finger, I knew our story was far from over. The future stretched before us, filled with promise and possibility. There would be laughter and tears, growth and change. Our little prince would grow, our pack would flourish, and our love would deepen with each passing day.

In this perfect moment, time seemed to stand still. Our little family was complete, a circle of love unbroken and eternal. As I met Asher's gaze, I saw our entire world reflected in his eyes – past, present, and future intertwined.

With a contented sigh, I leaned into Asher's embrace. Whatever tomorrow might bring, we were ready. For in each other, we had found not just love, but home.