Epilogue

Ayear had passed since we handed Snake to families who wanted revenge. We hadn't witnessed his heart stopping, but we stayed long enough to know he'd never stand up and leave that place, much less hurt or kidnap anyone.

After a month of Ole living with me, he'd come out of his shell, smiling more and willing to explore the premises. I'd sold my big house, and we picked a smaller one together, one that we made our home. We didn't need staff to help much, just a housekeeper visiting from time to time when we were away.

Ole insisted on helping me track down scum, but I agreed to take him only when there was no way he could get hurt. Every fiber of my being screamed mine and protect, but I refused to lock him in a cage, even if it was made of gold.

He trained intensely with weapons and we practiced martial arts together, the workouts leading to sex on the grass in our garden or the mats in the gym room. As much as it pained me to put him in any danger, having him next to me gave me the will to help more omegas like him, and catch more Alphas abusing their power. Ole had the natural gift of calming the omegas we saved, soothing them and making them feel safe in his presence much more than me or even Yola ever could. We'd created a solid team and Ole was now a crucial part of it.

Today marked a year from the night we'd met and six months since we exchanged a mating bite. I'd spent the day preparing a meal worth the love of my life, using the vegetables that Ole had grown in our garden. He could buy anything he wanted, but he'd chosen to do it, saying he might as well turn his farming skills into something for his own advantage.

I set the table and returned to the kitchen to take the roast out of the oven. Ole's favorite cheesecake was already cooling in the fridge. He'd been gone just a few hours, but my entire being was missing him as if he'd taken a part of me with him. Which was exactly the case. He was my world, and he owned my heart. But if he insisted on going somewhere alone, no matter how much I worried, I let him go, then waited like a dog for him to return to me. And he always did.

The door burst open, and the wind brought the scent of summer, the freshly bloomed wisteria, and Ole. My Oleander.

I fucked him often enough for him to carry my smell, even if he'd been gone for hours. He was mine, and I was his.

Ole jumped into my arms so quickly I was glad of my fast reflexes. He loved keeping me on my toes. I cupped his pert ass in my hands and kissed the smile on his lips. Carrying him outside, I welcomed the quiet and privacy of our garden that held memories of our impromptu picnics and star gazing. Ole's hair was lighter from his time in the sun, his complexion healthy, his smile reaching his eyes.

I loved seeing him so happy. I loved him.

"What took you so long?" I teased and squeezed his ass.

He woodpeckered kisses all over my face, then slid to the ground. "I have a surprise for you." He bit his lip and handed me a small box from one of the shopping bags he'd set on the patio. "Happy anniversary." He rocked back on his heels, watching me handle the package as if it was a bomb about to go off.

I held my breath unfurling the ribbon. Please let it not be matching rings or it would ruin the proposal I've been planning for months.

Nope.

Inside lay an ultrasound print. I looked at him, then back at the picture.

Could it be?My fingers shook, and I nearly dropped it.

"Whoa! Are you okay? You've gone pale." Ole's gaze filled with worry. "Hey, baby."

His hands on my face grounded me, and I took a ragged breath.

"Is this what I think it is?" My voice came out small as I took Ole's hand in mine.

"I've just been to the doctor to confirm." His smile was tentative.

I chuckled, my emotions all over the place. "I thought you went lingerie shopping."

"A little white lie."

"So are you…" I didn't want to say it in case this wasn't the moment when the last of all my dreams came true.

"I'm pregnant. We're having twins."

My heart jumped with joy and I took Ole into my arms and twirled him like he wasn't made of pure muscle.

We kissed deep and slow until Ole giggled and pushed me away. Still holding his hand, I kneeled right there, on the patio, surrounded by the flowers we planted ourselves.

"I can't beat your anniversary gift, but I hope you'll accept mine." I retrieved the ring box from my pocket and presented it to the one person who made my life worth living.

The beaming smile and the tears streaming down Ole's face as he kneeled to kiss me became a memory I would cherish for the rest of my life.

THE END

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