Epilogue - Justin

Six months have passed since the chaos that rocked Stardust Hollow to its core. The scars of that night still linger in the charred remains of our once vibrant community, but today, we've gathered at the animal shelter to conclude an effort to rebuild part of what we lost.

I watch as the residents of Stardust Hollow work tirelessly to restore the shelter to its former glory. There's Callie, her determination unwavering as she leads the efforts with a strength I've come to admire. As for me, I'm right in the thick of it, lending a hand wherever I'm needed.

Sarah and Leah headed the fundraising efforts, and they've already raised enough money for a brand-new building. With their connections, we've been able to get a loan, and now, we're putting the final touches on the project.

It's been an adventure, using my property to house all the animals that were displaced, but I'm ready to see the end of this process. We were able to track down most of the ones that had escaped, and the animals that call this shelter home are counting on us to give them a second chance, just as we've been given a second chance ourselves.

"Martha, would you please tell your son that the animals are going to be just fine in their new home?" Callie nudges my mother's arm as they watch me feeding the dogs in their kennels. "I'm not sure he's going to let them go at all once that building is complete."

My sister Trina bats her eyelashes at me. "No matter how much he tries to hide it, my baby brother is a softie at heart."

My mother chuckles, and her eyes twinkle with affection as she watches me. "Oh, I know, dear. Justin has always had a soft spot for animals. But I have no doubt that once the shelter is up and running, he'll make sure those animals find loving homes. You'll get your house back eventually, dear."

Trina flashes a mischievous grin. "Remember when he brought home that injured squirrel and insisted on nursing it back to health? He practically treated it like royalty."

"That squirrel turned out to be quite the diva," I admit. "Very demanding. Reminds me of someone."

Callie laughs as I wink at her, and the sound is music to my ears. I love her laugh.

"You're a good influence on him, dear," my mother beams at her. "You've brought him around to people a bit more, too. I hope you know that ever since Justin introduced you to us, it's like you've become a part of our family."

"Yeah, we can't seem to get rid of her," Trina jokes, earning a playful swat from Callie.

But beneath the teasing, I can see the genuine bond that has formed between Callie and my family. It warms my heart to know that she's welcomed with open arms, that she's found a place where she belongs.

As the day wears on and the sun begins to dip below the horizon, I can't help but feel a sense of pride swell within me. Despite the challenges we've faced, we're still standing, stronger and more united than ever before.

As I look around at the faces of my fellow residents, I know that together, we can overcome anything. And as we continue to work side by side, restoring hope and healing the wounds of the past, I'm filled with a sense of optimism for the future.

Because here in Stardust Hollow, we're not just rebuilding buildings; we're rebuilding lives. And with each brick we lay and each nail we hammer, we're building a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and for generations to come.

The day's efforts have been rewarding, but there's one more task I have in mind before I can truly call it a night.

Turning to Callie, I catch her eye and offer her a smile. "Ready for our evening run?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

Callie returns my smile. "Absolutely!"

With a nod, I lead the way to my truck, our dogs trailing right behind us, ready to go for a ride. It's a short drive home, but once we get there, we don't head for the house. We head for the woods.

It's become a habit now, the five of us running through the forest together. Champ has grown almost to his full size. His training is going great, and I'm proud of how far he's come.

We shift and take off behind them, and as we run, I steal glances at Callie. With each stride, I'm reminded of the strength and resilience she embodies, and my heart swells with love and admiration.

It's here, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the companionship of our faithful dogs, that I know the time is right. Slowing my pace, I veer off the path, and Callie notices, following suit. I dodge between trees, trying to throw her off, but she stays close, her footsteps quick and sure.

As I approach the clearing, I change back to human form and turn to wait for her.

She pauses a few feet from me, her brow furrowing as she tries to figure out what I'm up to, but she follows my lead and shifts as well.

"What's going on?" she asks, breathing hard from the run.

"Callie," I begin, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you."

She looks at me, cocking her head to the side. "What is it, Justin?"

Taking a deep breath, I rush to fill the space between us, dropping to my knees when I reach her.

"You're the strongest, most beautiful woman I've ever met," I say, taking her hand in mine. "You've shown me what it means to love unconditionally, to stand by someone no matter what. And I can't imagine my life without you."

Her breath catches in her throat.

"Will you marry me, Callie? Will you be my partner in life, through all the ups and downs that come our way?"

Tears gather in Callie's eyes as she gazes down at me, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. "Justin," she whispers, her voice barely above a breath. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

With a joyful laugh, she throws her arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. I hold her close, feeling the warmth of her love surround me like a protective cocoon.

"I love you, Callie," I say, my lips brushing against her hair. "I always will."

"I love you, too," she replies, her voice wavering with emotion. "More than I ever thought possible."

Her body heat seeps into me, and when she wiggles her hips, I can't resist the urge to grind against her. We're both naked from the shift, and it's exhilarating to know that she's just as eager for this as I am.

She's like a drug. An addiction I can't get enough of.

"Race you home?" I challenge.

She laughs, and I can't help but feel my dick twitch at the sound of it. "You're on,” she says.

Without another word, I break free, and we take off running with our dogs at our heels. I stay close on her tail, but she's fast. Faster than me, and that's not a feat easily achieved.

I push myself, driving my legs as hard as I can to beat her, but her endurance is unparalleled, and I quickly lose ground. She pulls away from me, her brown hair streaming behind her as she darts through the trees.

By the time we reach my house, we're both out of breath. Callie slams her hands against my chest, her breasts pressed against me. We're panting, and fuck, does this make me harder.

"Did I win?" she asks, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright.

"You won," I confirm. "But you'll have to work hard if you want your prize."

The air crackles around us, and a tingle runs down my spine. Fuck, I want her.

"Come inside," I order.

Her lips curl into a seductive smile. "Don't have to tell me twice."

Callie turns and runs toward the house, and my heart jumps into my throat. She's like a goddamn bolt of lightning, zipping through the yard, her bare ass bouncing with each step. I follow right behind her, desperate to keep her in my sights, and she stops in the doorway, waiting for me with her arms stretched out toward me, her palms facing upward.

She's welcoming me, asking me to take her.

My chest is heaving and my cock is throbbing with desire, but all I can do is stare at her. I've loved her for so long, and now she's all mine.

I take her hand and pull her to the bedroom, and the moment we cross the threshold, she launches herself at me. I fall backward, and she lands on top of me, straddling my waist. Her lips find mine, and the taste of her sends a surge of electricity racing through my body.

Her mouth is hot and urgent, her tongue tangling with mine. She's not holding anything back, and that makes me even harder.

I need her. I need her now.

Breaking away, I flip her over and pin her wrists above her head. "Who's in charge now?" I tease, pressing a kiss to her lips.

"You are," she replies, her voice a husky whisper. "Always."

Fuck, this woman.

With a low growl, I release her wrists and bury my face in her neck, inhaling her sweet scent. She's mine, and I'm never letting her go.

I run my hands over her body, her skin soft and warm beneath my touch. She wriggles, her hips grinding against me as my cock presses between her thighs, throbbing and aching.

I lower my head, kissing along her neck until my lips brush against her nipple. I take her breast in my mouth, sucking and nibbling until she's whimpering and bucking her hips against me. She reaches between us, grabbing my cock and stroking me.

"Fuck," I groan, my eyes rolling back in my head.

Callie's hand is firm and confident, and I'm helpless under her spell.

I slide my hand between her legs, spreading her pussy and slipping my finger inside. She's already so wet, and when I withdraw my hand, my fingertips glisten.

"Damn, baby," I growl. "You're so fucking wet."

"For you, Justin," she breathes. "Only for you."

Her words send a shiver through me, and the beast within roars. I move between her legs, aligning the head of my cock with her entrance. She's slick and warm, and I can't wait to sink myself inside her. I thrust forward, burying myself in her pussy. She cries out, her head thrown back.

Her inner muscles contract and squeeze, milking my cock like a vice. I fuck her, pumping in and out of her tight channel, and her fingers dig into my shoulders. I grab her thigh, lifting her leg and angling her so I can get even deeper. She shudders, and I know I've found her favorite spot.

"Oh, God, Justin," she moans.

My name on her lips is like a drug. I want to hear her scream it.

"Faster," she pleads. "Fuck me faster."

I obey her request, slamming into her as hard as I can, the headboard smacking against the wall. Her tits bounce with each thrust, her eyes glassy with desire. She's gripping the sheets, her fingers curled tightly, her nails digging into the fabric.

I'm close, and I can feel her reaching the edge.

"Are you going to come for me, Callie?" I whisper in her ear, punctuating my words with a rough snap of my hips.

"Yesss," she hisses. "Fuck, Justin. I'm going to come."

"Me too," I grunt, feeling my balls tighten.

I slow down, taking control and enjoying the sensation of her pussy, wet and warm, wrapped around my cock. She's a sight to behold, and her ecstasy is my own.

"Don't stop," she begs, her nails biting into my skin. "I'm so fucking close."

I slam into her, hitting the spot that drives her wild, and her eyes go wide.

"Oh my God," she cries, her hips bucking wildly.

"Come on, baby," I urge, my voice hoarse. "Come for me. Come for your alpha."

And as if a switch has been flipped, her entire body goes rigid and her pussy clenches around my cock. Her lips part and her eyes shut.

The sound of her voice, her pleasure, and the sight of her lost in ecstasy pushes me over the edge. I roar as my orgasm surges through me. My cum spills inside her, and she gasps, her eyes flying open.

She trembles, her body quaking with pleasure, and I don't know how, but my cock doesn't even soften. It's like she's sucking it into her, she's squeezing it so hard.

"Jesus Christ, Callie," I gasp, still reeling from the intensity.

"I know, right?" she answers, her voice a husky whisper.

I'm not sure I can go another round, but damn if I'm not willing to try. I'll give this woman anything she wants, and right now, what she wants is an encore.

"I love you, Callie," I breathe.

"I love you, too, Justin," she replies. "So much."

*****

THE END