22. Epilogue

Epilogue

I stood before the gathering, the faces of my clan members illuminated by the flickering torches lining the clearing. Their eyes were heavy with unspoken concerns, questions, and doubts. This moment was too important, and I had waited long enough to address it.

Clearing my throat, I took a step forward, commanding their attention. "I know," I began, my voice steady, though the tension in the air was palpable. "I know some of you have been questioning my role as Alpha."

A ripple of murmurs passed through the crowd, but I held up a hand, silencing them. "I understand your concerns. I understand that things have changed, that we face threats both within and outside of our Clan. And I know that many of you are worried. Worried that I haven’t been focused enough on the future of this clan."

I paused, allowing my words to sink in. Their eyes were locked on me now, their silence telling me they were waiting for an explanation. For reassurance.

"You have every right to question me," I continued, meeting their gazes head-on. "I’ve made decisions that have been hard, choices that have brought challenges to us all. But I have never, never stopped caring for this clan, and I never will. We are family, and I will protect you with everything I have."

The tension began to ease as I spoke, and I could see some of the worry melting from their faces. Now was the time. I took a breath, preparing myself for the news that would change everything.

"Tonight," I said, my voice loud and clear, "I have something to share with you all. Something that will shape the future of this clan."

"Luna and I," I continued, my chest swelling with pride, "are expecting a baby boy."

The reaction was immediate. Gasps echoed through the clearing, and then a wave of joyful murmurs followed. I held up a hand to quiet them, needing to finish what I had started. "This child," I said, my voice filled with pride, "will be the future heir of our clan."

A roar of approval erupted from the crowd. The tension that had once gripped them dissolved into cheers and applause, their joy unmistakable. Some of the older members stepped forward, bowing their heads in respect, while others raised their fists in the air, chanting my name.

"Alpha! Alpha! Alpha!" The sound of their voices thundered through the night, reaffirming their loyalty, their trust in me.

I raised my hands, calling for silence once more. "This child will carry on our legacy, our strength. But more importantly, they will carry the blood of both Luna and me. Our future will be stronger because of it. But until then," I continued, my tone becoming serious, "we must remain vigilant. We have enemies who would seek to destroy us, to take away everything we’ve built. But I promise you this—"

I looked into the eyes of each member, my voice strong, unwavering. "As long as I am Alpha, I will not let that happen. I will defend this clan with my life, and I know you will stand with me."

The crowd erupted in another round of cheers, their voices filled with conviction. One of the elders, a man with graying hair and sharp eyes, stepped forward. "We’ve followed you for years, Alpha," he said, his voice carrying the wisdom of his age. "And we will continue to follow you, now and always. This child is a blessing, and your leadership is what keeps us strong."

The others nodded in agreement, their faces filled with loyalty and pride.

"Thank you," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "For trusting me, for standing by me. Together, we will make sure this clan thrives. For the child. For our future."

As they continued to celebrate, I allowed myself a moment to breathe, feeling the weight of their acceptance settle in. I had given them hope, something to look forward to. And now, as they chanted my name, I knew I had solidified my place as their Alpha once more.

When I got home, I saw Luna standing by the balcony. I stood there, watching her, letting the moment sink in.

"Luna," I called softly, as she moved gracefully towards me, her hand gently resting on her growing belly. "It still feels unreal, doesn’t it? Everything we went through. And now, this."

"You’ve brought me a life I never thought was possible," I continued, stepping closer. "After everything. After Marcosias, the battles, the fights. We’re finally here. Together."

"It feels like the weight of the world is lifting," she whispered, a glimmer of hope in her voice. "Everything’s different now."

"You’ve made it all worth it," I said as I reached for her, gently pulling her into my arms. "And now, we're starting a new chapter. Our son. Our future."

"It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of." Her eyes softened as she looked up at me.

I kissed her forehead, feeling a peace that I hadn’t felt in years.

"I never thought I’d be here, Luna. With you, carrying our son, the heir to the clan."

Luna was carrying my son—a child that would inherit not just my lineage as Alpha of the oldest werewolf clan, but also the powerful blood of a seer. He would be the first of his kind, a combination of forces that had never existed before.

Luna smiled softly, leaning into my embrace.

“Our son will be strong, just like his father.” She turned in my arms to face me, her green eyes sparkling with warmth and love. “And he’ll be wise. Like his mother,” I added, brushing a soft kiss across her lips.

I held Luna, staring out over the estate, thinking back on the last few months.

"It’s been a whirlwind, hasn’t it?" I said to Luna, as I stroked her hair.

"Miranda, Robert and I, we’ve been fighting to save the company from everything Marcosias tried to destroy."

I paused, shaking my head slightly in disbelief. "Miranda, though. She’s really surprised me. The way she’s thrown herself into the work, her dedication. It’s like I’m seeing a new side of her, a version of my daughter I didn’t even know existed."

Luna smiled softly, watching me as I continued. "And Jake. He’s always been there, solid as ever, like the backbone of everything we’ve done. Without him, we wouldn’t have pulled it off. And Robert too. He really helped with the company."

I ran a hand through my hair, thinking about all we’d accomplished.

"Together, we did it. We fought back from the brink of bankruptcy, and now, the company’s stronger than ever." I glanced at Luna, pride swelling in my chest. "I couldn’t be prouder of Miranda. She’s become so much more than I ever imagined."

“You’ve given me everything,” I whispered, pulling Luna closer. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

She smiled, her hand resting on her stomach. “You’ve given me everything, too, Orion. A family, a future, and love. What more could I ever want?”

Looking deep into her eyes, I couldn’t resist her soft lips, as I pressed mine against them.

“Oh, you two. Get a room,” Miranda teased.

Luna and Miranda burst into laughter.

I watched Luna and Miranda together, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "You know, seeing you two like this ..." I paused, trying to find the right words. "It means more to me than I can put into words."

I took a deep breath, my voice soft but full of emotion.

"You both are the two most important women in my life." I shook my head, feeling peace settle over me. "For the first time in years, I feel ... complete."

“Well, Dad …” Miranda began, her tone light, but I could sense the excitement bubbling beneath the surface. “I’m happy to be with you two. It seems we have a wedding ritual to plan.”

My heart skipped a beat at her words. The idea of a wedding ritual—of officially making Luna my partner in every way—was something I hadn’t let myself dwell on yet. But hearing Miranda say it so casually, so naturally, made it feel real. It made the future feel tangible.

Miranda’s gaze flickered to Luna, and I noticed the knowing glint in her eyes. Without missing a beat, she turned back to me and added, “Dad, if you’ll excuse us,” before wrapping her arm around Luna and tugging her away with a playful smirk.

I watched them walk off together, Luna glancing back at me with a shy smile, and I couldn’t help but chuckle under my breath. Miranda had always been perceptive, but this - this was her way of showing her approval. She didn’t need to say much—her actions spoke volumes.

As they disappeared down the hallway, I felt the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"A wedding to plan," I whispered under my breath, letting the thought settle in. The idea of Luna being mine forever, of her officially becoming part of this family, filled me with pride.

"Things are falling into place," I murmured, feeling the overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over me. My daughter. My mate. My family. Soon, everything will be stronger than ever.

The day of our wedding ritual came sooner than I expected.

I glanced over at Luna, my voice low but filled with emotion. "Can you believe it’s already here? Our wedding ritual. I never thought this day would come." I squeezed her hand, feeling the warmth of her palm against mine.

“I’m so excited and nervous,” Luna chuckled.

“You don’t have to be. I’m here with you. The whole clan, they’ve all gathered for us.”

The full moon bathed the clearing in its silver glow as Luna and I stood before the entire clan, their faces illuminated by the soft light of the torches lining the sacred grounds.

The elders gathered, their voices a deep hum, as they began the ancient rite that would bind us as mates before the clan, a ritual older than any of us, steeped in tradition and power.

When it came time for me to speak, I took a deep breath, my voice steady as I addressed her, and the clan.

“Luna, from the moment we met, I knew there was something more—something deeper connecting us. You’ve been my strength, my partner, and the reason I fight. Today, under the light of the full moon, in front of our clan, I vow to be yours forever.”

I paused, squeezing her hand gently. “No matter what challenges we face, no matter how dark the days may be, I promise to protect you, to love you with every fiber of my being, and to stand by your side as your mate, your alpha, and your husband.”

Luna’s eyes glistened, and for a moment, I could feel the collective energy of the clan surrounding us, their belief in us tangible.

She took a deep breath, her voice steady, but filled with passion.

"You’ve been my protector, my strength, but more than that, you’ve been my partner. You’ve shown me what it means to truly belong, to be loved unconditionally. And today, I vow to stand by your side as your mate and your equal. I promise to protect you, just as fiercely as you have protected me. To support you in every challenge we face, and to love you with every part of me—through every storm, every battle, and every joy. Together, we will build a future for our family, for this clan, and I vow to honor the bond we share, as your mate, and your wife."

As the elders called for the final act, I turned to Luna, holding the silver blade in my hand. She met my gaze, her eyes filled with unwavering trust. We nodded to each other, knowing what came next.

“Are you ready?” I asked softly, my voice carrying the weight of the moment.

Luna nodded, her voice steady. “With you, always.”

Together, we each made a small cut on our palms, the sting barely registered as the significance of what we were doing took over. Slowly, we pressed our hands together, our mingling blood a symbol of our unity.

“Our bond, our promise, sealed by blood,” I whispered, feeling the warmth of her touch and the strength of our connection.

Luna looked into my eyes. “From this moment, we are one.”

The elders’ voices rose in unison, their ancient chants filling the air around us.

“The ceremony is complete. Kiss your mate.”

Suddenly, the entire clan erupted in celebration, their collective howl echoing through the night. I could feel the power of their approval, the acknowledgment of our bond. I turned to Luna, my heart full.

I leaned in, my forehead pressing gently to hers. “You’re mine, now and forever, Luna.”

Her eyes locked with mine, filled with the same fierce determination and love. “And you’re mine, Orion.”

As the crowd cheered around us, I knew that this was only the beginning of our journey, but with Luna by my side, I was ready for anything. We were no longer just two individuals, we were one, united in love, and bonded by destiny.