Epilogue

ONE YEAR LATER…

Octavia

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over our lush green garden, its vibrant colors mirroring the joy that fills my heart. I lean against the railing of our suite balcony, watching my mate as he cradles our newborn son, Sebastian, in his strong arms. There’s something undeniably magical about the way Wyatt holds Sebastian, as if he’s protecting the world’s most precious treasure. It’s a sight I could never tire of, a scene I hope to etch into my memory forever.

Wyatt’s laughter rings out, deep and rich, as he chats animatedly with Dalton, his Beta and my close friend. For a moment, I’m lost in the sound, the deep timber of it soothing my soul. It’s been a year since the Luna Ceremony, a year filled with unexpected joy, love, and the lingering shadows of the past. The pain of losing my parents to those rogue wolves still haunts my nights, a ghost that refuses to fade, but during the day, Wyatt fills my life with light, and our son is the brightest star in our universe.

I watch as Wyatt gently tucks Sebastian closer to his chest, his emerald eyes sparkling with affection. It’s as if he knows that I’m watching, and when he looks up, our gazes lock. There’s a moment of stillness — a heartbeat in time where the world around us fades away. He smiles, a slow, genuine smile that sends warmth flooding through me, and mouths the words ‘I love you.’ My heart swells, and instinctively, I lift my hand to wave back, mimicking the motion of Sebastian’s little wave.

Wyatt smirks — a playful, charming smirk that has made me melt since the day we met. He knows just how to get to me, and I can’t help but return that smirk with a grin of my own. I feel the weight of my past lift, even if just for a moment. With Wyatt by my side, I know I have the strength to face anything, even the ghosts of my memories.

“Octavia!” Wyatt calls, his voice a mix of excitement and impatience. “Come down, baby girl! You have to see this!”

I take a deep breath, glancing back at the serenity of our suite before stepping away from the railing. The garden beckons, alive with the colors of the last blooming flowers of Fall and the cheerful chirping of birds. I move toward the staircase, feeling the gentle breeze against my skin, the scent of fresh cut cedar logs filling the air.

As I descend the stairs, I can’t shake the feeling of pure bliss that envelops me. I’ve dreamed of this moment — of having a family, of feeling safe and loved. And now, with Wyatt and Sebastian, I have everything I’ve ever wanted.

Reaching the bottom, I step into the garden, where the sun filters through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. Wyatt stands there, holding Sebastian, both of them looking like a scene from a beautiful painting. I can’t help but feel a rush of gratitude for this moment, for the life we’ve built together.

“What’s all the fuss about?” I tease, walking closer, my heart racing with excitement.

Wyatt crouches slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I think you’ll want to see what I’ve been working on.”

“What is it?” I ask, curiosity bubbling within me.

He gestures dramatically toward a corner of the garden. “Over there! I’ve created something special just for you and Sebastian.”

I follow his gaze, my heart racing as I walk toward the designated area. As I approach, I can’t believe my eyes. Wyatt has transformed a small patch of the garden into a whimsical play area. There’s a tiny wooden swing, painted in a soft blue pastel, and a small sandbox filled with colorful toys. A little sign reads, “Sebastian’s Play Zone,” and I can’t help but burst into laughter.

“Wyatt! This is incredible!” I exclaim, turning back to him, my eyes wide with wonder. “You did all this?”

He nods, a proud grin plastered on his face. “I wanted our son to have a special place to grow and play. I know he’s just a baby now, but I figured we could start early.”

I rush over to him, careful not to harm the baby, flinging my arms around his neck, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Wyatt chuckles, wrapping his arms around me and Sebastian. “I just want to make you both happy.”

In that moment, I feel an overwhelming surge of love and appreciation for this man. Wyatt has transformed from a playboy Alpha, into a devoted father and partner. He’s made it his mission to create a new life for us, one filled with laughter and love. It’s hard not to be in awe of his dedication.

As I pull back, I notice Sebastian’s little eyes widening, his tiny fists reaching out toward the swing. “Look at him! He’s already excited!” I laugh, my heart fluttering at the sight of our son’s eagerness.

Wyatt gently places Sebastian in the swing, ensuring he’s secure, and begins to push him lightly. “Just wait until he’s older. He’ll love this place,” Wyatt says with a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

I watch as Sebastian giggles, his laughter ringing out like a sweet melody that warms my heart. “He’s going to be a little adventurer, just like his father,” I muse.

Wyatt chuckles, his gaze drifting to the sky. “And you, my mate. He’ll have both of us in him. A perfect balance of mischief and kindness.”

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t inherit my clumsiness,” I reply, feigning a serious tone, but I can’t hide my smile.

Wyatt shakes his head, his laughter infectious. “No, that title is all yours, baby girl. I have a reputation to uphold!”

We share a moment of laughter, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the lightness in the air. The past year has been a journey filled with trials, but moments like this remind me of how far we’ve come.

After a while, Wyatt gently lifts Sebastian out of the swing and cradles him against his chest once more. “Shall we take a stroll, my Luna?” he asks, his voice low and inviting.

I nod, stepping under Wyatt's raised arm so he can tuck me into his side as we begin to walk through the garden. The flowers sway gently in the breeze, and I admire the way the sunlight dances through the leaves, creating a magical atmosphere around us.

“It’s so peaceful here,” I say, glancing up at him. “I can hardly believe it’s ours.”

“It’s ours because we fought for it,” Wyatt replies, his expression turning serious. “And because we believed in each other.”

I nod, the weight of his words sinking in. Our journey hasn’t been easy; we’ve faced challenges that would have broken lesser bonds. But we’ve emerged stronger, our love a fortress against the darkness that once threatened to consume us.

As we stroll, I glance at the flowers, their petals vibrant and alive. “Do you think Sebastian will love this place as much as we do?” I ask.

“Absolutely,” Wyatt replies, a soft smile playing on his lips. “It’s where he’ll learn to explore, to grow. It’s where he’ll learn about love and family. He will be Alpha someday and carry on the Saltman legacy.”

I look at him, my heart swelling with pride. This man, who once wandered lost in the shadows, now stands as a beacon of hope for our family. He’s transformed in ways I never thought possible, and I can’t help but feel inspired by his journey.

As we walk, I feel the presence of the past lurking just beyond the edges of my mind. The memories of that fateful night when my parents were taken from me are still there, a scar that refuses to heal. But with Wyatt beside me, I know I can face those shadows.

“Octavia?” Wyatt’s voice pulls me back to the present.

“Hmm?” I respond, looking up at him.

“Are you okay? You seem a little distant now,” he says, concern etched across his face.

I take a deep breath, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Just… thinking about everything. About the past. But mostly about how grateful I am for you and Sebastian.”

Wyatt squeezes my shoulder that he has his arm wrapped around tightly. “The past is just that — behind us. We have a future to build, and I intend for it to be filled with happiness. You and Sebastian are my everything.”

His words wrap around me like a cozy blanket, warming me from the inside out. “I love you, Wyatt. I really do,” I whisper, the sincerity in my voice unmistakable.

“I love you too, Octavia. More than you can imagine,” he whispers back, his gaze intense and genuine.

As we continue our stroll, I can’t help but feel that we’re on the brink of something beautiful. With each step, I feel the burdens of the past lifting, replaced by the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and the joyous chaos of family life.

In this moment, under the warm sun and surrounded by the beauty of our garden and the last whispers of autumn, I know that together, we can conquer anything. We are a family, and this is just the beginning of our story.