Epilogue

Two months later

"My feet hurt." I had only been on them for the past twenty minutes but at seven months pregnant, I was a little too big to be walking around comfortably. Luka chuckled, the sound brushing my skin, sending shivers through me. I shoved them away to give him an unimpressed look. "It's not funny. They hurt." I looked around at the various Alphas that were in the rather obnoxiously decorated hall. I thought the entire room looked gaudy.

"I'll give you a foot rub in our room but I've already had Michael and Kiel find you a chair." Luka's words brushed my ear as he bent down closer to me. I went the rest of the way, giving him a chaste kiss. He was far too thoughtful. He cupped my face and kissed my forehead. "Go on and rest your feet." He gave me a gentle push towards the wall where I could see Ezekiel and Mike sitting beside a chaise lounge. The party-goers gave the two large black wolves a wide berth.

I waddled, yes waddled, there was no more walking for me, towards them. I had my shoulders shifted back and one hand on my lower back and the other at the front of my belly. The twins were heavy. Doc Howard said that the Alpha Gathering would be the last time he would let me leave the territory. He wanted me on eighty-five percent bed rest and fifteen percent light activity when I got back. I knew I wouldn't have been so upset by it because I honestly preferred to minimize my moving around anyway but I hated being told what to do.

I could feel Luka's eyes on me and my wolf and I were relaxed with the thought that he wouldn't let anything happen to me. Although the power I had radiating off of me had several of the others Alphas, both male and female, keep their distance from me, even as pregnant as I was the power was a deterrent. It made me feel a bit smug as I finally reached the chaise and almost fell onto it. My back was sore, my feet were killing me, and my ankles were swollen.

Those that said pregnancy was a wonderful experience were fucking liars. Pregnancy was horrible. My girls I loved to pieces but the process of growing them, was fucking terrible. My diet had to be altered to prevent gestational diabetes and I had to take a lot more prenatal supplements than a single gestation pregnancy. My feet, ankles, knees, and hips ached a lot if I stood on my feet too long. I had heartburn constantly, I had to cut out a bunch of foods in an attempt to get it to stop being so regular.

Ezekiel jumped onto the lounge with me, looking at me expectantly. I nodded and he lay down, resting his head across my lap, leaning his head against the bump. Despite their lessening space they both gave him a kick. Babies. His voice was almost loving as he nuzzled closer to my stomach. I ran my finger through his fur, scratching at his scalp. He let out a groan as Michael shifted closer to me. He was in wolf form for the first time in months. He was making the transition between being wild and normality. I now knew he had retreated into his wolf because of the grief of losing his mate and child but he was starting to work through it.

He wasn't the only one working things out. Luka and I were in couple's counselling due to the fact our previous relationship had been so toxic I was pretty sure it could have been classed as a radioactive dump. May was quite helpful in teaching us how to communicate effectively. There were still times when I couldn't express my feelings to him or tell him my problems. I had continued my letters but I would read them to him so he could understand my emotional state. I had simply wanted him to read them on his own but May had explained to me that it would help me learn to express myself to him if I read them to him.

She was a natural counsellor. I was actually surprised at how much Amber had been able to teach her and she was constantly ordering new textbooks on different communication techniques. She wasn't a certified counsellor like the mundies had but she was just as good. We didn't need a certificate to be able to use the techniques. The job suited her and helped her pull out of the somber state she had been in after Lily's death.

I would have liked to say that our problems had been fixed but they weren't. We were trying though. There were times the hurt and anger hit me so hard I would actively seek out a fight with him. I would try and taunt him into an argument, looking for a reason to be angry. I wanted him to prove my insecurities right and to lash out and hurt me again. It wasn't healthy, not by a long shot but it was normal to feel that way.

Luka was working on himself as well, he lashed back out at me less, it still happened but generally he would sit there and take every instance of my verbal abuse and after I had run out of steam he would calmly explain to me how my words hurt him and while he deserved the anger he did not deserve to be verbally abused. I usually ended up crying, curled up in the rocking chair in the den because I felt like shit. In my anger I was trying to shove him away, trying to find justification in holding onto it and afterwards it was really hard to apologize because shame choked me.

I couldn't look at him and tell him I was sorry because I understood how shitty I was being. Michael was right because I was difficult to deal with at times. I would find Luka and choke the apology out through tears. He would simply pull me into his arms and tell me he forgave me and ask me if I could forgive him. Even if I never said it out loud I would nod. Each fight and each forgiveness chipped away at the anger I felt towards him. Each time the yelling got less aggressive and mean and I was cautiously hoping that there would be one day when I could forgive him completely. I wanted to and that was something I had been told was key. When the anger grew less I would be able to, to let everything go and embrace forgiveness fully.

I felt shitty quite often because I hadn't reached that point yet. I wanted our relationship to be okay and to be good but it was difficult working through my emotions. I was getting there but progress was slow and there were set backs. I just hoped I hit a better place before the twins were born, I didn't want them born into a world where their mother hurled abuse at their father because of past actions or their father retaliated just as harshly on occasion. I didn't want them born into a warzone between Luka and I.

You okay? Luka's voice brushing the inside of my mind made me shiver, shaking me out of my thoughts. I glanced around, my eyes finding him easily. He was looking at me, his grey eyes, that had turned slightly darker with his balance he found with his wolf, were questioning.

I'm alright. Michael and Ezekiel are good deterrents. They were, not everyone trusted wilds. I shifted, slightly uncomfortable as Amelia's elbow started pressing into my bladder. They were really losing room.

That's good but are you feeling alright? The crowd isn't bothering you? The concern was prevalent and I gave him a small smile.

You're here. Just stay where I can see you and I'll be okay. The crowd did make me anxious but as long as I knew where Luka was, I was okay. As long as I was aware of his presence the anxiety was less.

I'll stay in sight. He nodded at me and I could feel his slight satisfaction at my words. He liked that I needed him to be around, that I needed the protection he gave me. I rolled my eyes and went back to scratching Ezekiel's head as I looked around. There were quite a few Alpha Males in attendance but I could only count a few Alpha Females. I spotted one, she was tall with straight black hair and a dark look on her face.

She was memorable because she was in attendance with a gorgeous red-haired female. Their entrance had caused quite the stir. Some of the Old Way Alpha Males had thought they were in a committed relationship and had a bitch fit of major proportions that made me simultaneously laugh and rage. I managed to find out the redhead was her Beta and that it was the black haired one's first year as Alpha. Not to mention she had put in a request to the Hunters Council to change her pack name that Jovan himself had approved.

Pack Tacita was no more and Pack Veritas had taken it's place.

To be honest, I wasn't even surprised how how willingly everyone talked. Shifters weren't all that different from mundies when it came to gossip. Rumors and flat out lies were passed around based on who liked who and who disliked someone else. The Alphas and packs could be just as petulant and pissy as high schooler. Grudges could run deep, much like the mountains packs dislike for the Old Ways.

I had learned many things in the few short hours I had been at the Gathering. I knew who hated who, what person had mated to someone and who disliked the pairing. It was like watching a soap opera. It was entertaining and some of the stories and rumors I heard made me laugh almost hysterically. Although I knew Luka and I were a hot topic of conversation. An unknown female of great power mating to an Alpha of no power, who had returned to the Gathering with significant power was certainly intriguing for the massive group of Alphas and Betas that had attended.

That wasn't even mentioning the fact that a good twenty-seven of the Alpha males or their sons had rejected me. Watching their faces pale as they realized who I was made the laughter even worse. Luka couldn't really see my abject amusement in it but he simply wanted to hurt them because they hurt me. I explained that it was humorous because they handled the rejections like a snivelling child and were out classed and out powered by the 'weak' female they had rejected.

"Excuse me?" At the deep voice Michael and Ezekiel growled in warning and my head jerked to the side. A rather handsome, brown haired male in a well tailored suit looked almost nervous as he hovered about ten feet away. "But you are mated to Alpha Sterling, right?" He asked it hesitantly, his gaze on the two wilds who were staring at him with their teeth bared. Ezekiel moved off the chaise to stand beside Michael and they made a quite daunting pair and with their stance and hackles, it was a clear warning to stay back.

I let my dominance roll off me a bit more, hiding a smirk at how he flinched slightly at it. "I am." I stared at his throat, watching his adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed before I flicked my gaze up. "Why do you ask?" I kept my tone polite but indifferent and he shuffled sightly.

"Look, my father doesn't know I came over here but I needed to ask you a question." He looked over his shoulder as if trying to spot someone and I raised and eyebrow. This was mildly entertaining. "My youngest sister, Ainsley, was given to your pack. I just wanted to know how she is doing." I bared my teeth and growled, my dominance ripping free from the restraints I held it in. Michael and Ezekiel both cowered under it but still baring their teeth and growling at the male. He was struggling to keep his head up and to not bare his neck in submission. He may have been of Alpha Blood but without the power of the position, dominance would cause submission instead of a challenge.

"You have no right to her anymore." I spat the words out, my eyes narrowing at him. Ainsley would never be touched by Fors again. Her life was better off without her family, without the reminders of the abuse.

"She's my little sister an-"

"If she was your family you would have protected her better." The accusation was heavy and I watched how he flinched under it. I felt satisfied that he did because he deserved to be accused of it. It was his job as her brother to protect her and he had failed.

"I just wan-"

"You can want whatever you want but it doesn't mean I will pander to it." I ground my teeth together and narrowed my eyes further.

"Just let her know Aiden was aski-"

"Were you one of the ones that hit her?" I couldn't help but ask him. If he was I wouldn't hesitate to make sure he left with a scar. Michael and Ezekiel would be more than happy to oblige my request. I wasn't stupid enough to get into a physical altercation. The twin were more important than revenge.

"Wha-"

"Were you one of the ones who helped restrict her food and kept her isolated? Who told her she was ugly and unloved?" I allowed all the disdain and hate I had for the Marti family spill into my voice. I wanted him to hear how much I disliked him and his family. I wanted him to know how much they disgusted me.

"No, I ca-"

"You stood by. You allowed it to happen and that makes you just as bad as the person doing the abuse." I lifted my head slightly, my jaw setting into a familiar stubborn position and he hung his head. He glanced up at me slowly. He took a step closer and Michael and Ezekiel snarled dangerously, warning him to back off. He dropped to his knees and I blinked in surprise at the rather vulnerable action.

"I'm on my knees and I will beg you. She is my baby sister. I just want to know if she is happy. If she is safe. Please just give me something. I love my sister, I tried to help. Who do you think gave my father the idea of sending her to Fortis? I wanted her to be safe. That's all I wished for." His head bowed and I felt a bit taken aback. He had perpetuated the abuse by not stopping it but he was literally on his knees, begging me.

I reined the power back before waving my hand at Michael and Ezekiel, stopping their growls. "She's my friend and I will protect her as if she were my blood. You understand this, right?" I asked it carefully and slowly. He needed to understand that pursuing me about her would not end well, nor would seeking her out.

"Yes." He lifted his head, his expression hopeful.

"She's happy and she's safe. She has a mate and is in counselling to deal with the abuse she suffered and her serious self-esteem issues. She rarely thinks of Fors and you need to understand I will not be telling her you asked about her. To her, this conversation never happened because I will not ruin her progress for her brother's pride." I watched as he gave a small nod. The movement seemed almost sad and a hard look came into his eyes.

"Her mate, he takes care of her?" There was an edge to his voice that made me wonder if I said no if he wouldn't be stupid enough to find Sombro to teach him a lesson. The thought was nice but I didn't want any other Martis on Fortis territory.

"Completely and totally worships the ground she walks on." If that wasn't the truth, then the entire earth was a lie. Sombro made sure Ainsley came first for everything. He placed her needs before his own and it was rather adorable because he turned into a bumbling fool around her. Especially when she would return the favour to him, her face glowing bright red as she did it. They were kind of completely adorable with each other to the point where I felt weird with how happy their relationship made me.

"That's all I wanted for her." He gave me an almost wavering smile and I gave a sharp nod.

"Don't seek me out, don't seek her out. If she wants a relationship she will come to you." It was all I would say on the subject. I didn't want to be hounded and I didn't want Ainsley to be hounded. I turned away from him, the subject closed. Ezekiel returned to his spot on the chaise and I returned to scratching his head.

"Is everything alright here?" Luka's tone was civil but I could hear the faint warning it held. Marti had overstepped his bounds in seeking out the pregnant mate of another Alpha Male. Alpha Males were very protective over their pregnant females, which was probably why many weren't allowed at the Gathering. Some other Alpha Males tended to be absolute bastards and threaten the pregnant females. I didn't worry because I had Michael and Ezekiel and I wasn't incapable of tearing out a throat. Besides, Luka was with me.

"Yes, Alpha Sterling." He nodded and got to his feet, he disappeared back into the crowd and a flash of irritation flew through me.

"I had it handled." I had. I wasn't in any danger and I didn't like him butting in. I appreciated that he had kept close but not that he felt the need to intrude.

"I know you did, which is why I didn't interfere until you were done." That stopped my growing irritation in its tracks and replaced it with a rather glowing appreciation.

"Making sure he was sufficiently chased off?" My tone turned lightly teasing as I looked up at him but Luka's mood remained serious. He was looking around the people and his eyes were slightly narrowed.

"No, making sure he wouldn't continue to bother you. I let him know that unless you requested his presence again, he would not be allowed near you because you were clearly done speaking to him." he glanced down at me with a flash of a smile before it disappeared. His behaviour was slightly worrying to me. Heidi kicked at me unexpectedly and I rubbed at my tummy. Luka's eyes flicked to my belly and he gave a soft smile before the severe expression returned.

I reached out and touched the back of his hand to draw his attention back to me. "You're really tense, is everything okay?"

"I'm watching for your grandfather. He and your uncle just arrived to go to the meeting room." And that explained the behaviour. I didn't like Luka hovering but I didn't trust my grandfather and I liked that Luka was making sure the male wouldn't come close to me. I had to admit his need to keep me safe was as sexy as it was irritating. There was just something hot about a male willing to kill for me. It was fucked up, no doubt about it, but I didn't mind it and honestly blamed Luka for starting it. The Hunter in the office had sparked that little twisted part of me into existence. "I'll be right back." His voice shook me out of my thoughts and he was looking intently at something over the crowd.

"Okay. Stay in sight." I couldn't help but say it. My insecurities wouldn't let me keep the words in as he walked away from me.

I won't go anywhere you can't see. I promise. His voice was soothing and I couldn't help but smile slightly at his words. Luka was showing me that he was very good at keeping his promises. That was all I really needed, was to be reassured that his promises wouldn't be broken.

"Well aren't you looking decidedly... bigger." Azrael's voice was teasing and I smiled brightly as I caught sight of him. He stopped beside Michael and his smile was wide as he looked at my belly but there was a tinge of longing to his gaze that tempered his happiness.

"It has been two months and there are two babies in here." I patted my tummy, smoothing my maternity shirt over it. There was no way that anyone would have forced me into a dress for this stupid party. Stretch pants and stretchy shirts were my friends and I wasn't going to go through the self-esteem ruining process of picking out a dress to fit over my large baby bump. I wasn't a vain person but one couldn't help it when they were just over thirty pounds heavier than they were normally. I was supposed to gain about ten more pounds by the time of my due date. Between thirty-five and forty-five pounds was considered optimum and Doc Howard said I was gaining weight exactly at the rate I needed.

"Well, you're looking beautiful regardless." Azrael grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it with a charming smile. "You have a glow."

"That's called exertion. Makes my face all red." My mouth twitched as he laughed loudly. His amusement was clear as the sound boomed around us. Several Alpha Males glanced towards us, their slicked back hair, tailored suits, and wafting disdain let me know they were Old Way males. They more than likely didn't like the fact that a female was at the Gathering. I smiled at the thought of making them upset.

"Luka is more than lucky." He winked at me and I gave him an overly sweet smile.

"Yah, that I decided to let him keep his balls." My words caused him to laugh once more and I smiled at him, scratching at Ezekiel's scar. He let out a groan of satisfaction and the twins kicked at his head. I smiled down at the bump and patted it gently.

"Any particular reason your're laughing like a hyena, Azrael?" Luka's voice was calm and he looked at his friend with stark amusement as Azrael wheezed. His face was red and tears streamed from his eyes as he gripped the arm of the chaise to keep from falling. "Shey?" His gaze turned to me.

"I told him you were lucky that I decided to let you keep your balls." I gave Luka the same sweet smile that I had given Azrael and Azrael's wheezing grew louder. Luke's mouth tugged upwards before he reached over and shoved at the Mountain Alpha.

"You're embarrassing yourself." Luka crossed his arms over his chest, I appreciated how his muscles bulged against his button up shirt. He had chosen a more casual attire to match mine. In a sea of glamourous dresses and fancy suits, Luka and I stood out like sore thumbs and I liked it.

Azrael managed to get his laughter under control before he stood to his full height. "Those fuckers can think what they want. I don't care, fucking Old Way fucks." He let his power flutter out full force, causing the Alpha's in question that were glancing at us to look away. I could have done the same but I didn't wish for Anto or my grandfather to realize I was at the Gathering. Mainly for the fact that I felt a bit uneasy with him here and knowing that if he had half the chance he and my uncle would jump me, trying to force a submission from me to reclaim the Lazera Alpha Claim's power. My wolf growled low in my head at the thought and Luka looked at me sharply, picking up my wolf's aggression and my slight unease.

"Are you okay?" He crouched in front of me and his grey eyes were soft with concern but there was a savage edge to his posture. If I said what was causing me to feel uneasy he would more than likely find my grandfather and uncle and remove them from the Gathering permanently. I smiled slightly, heat slowly simmering through my veins at the thought.

"It's okay." I leaned forward as best as I could with my belly and puckered my lips. Luke frowned slightly, unconvinced but leaned the rest of the way and pressed his lips to mine. I leaned into the kiss as best as I could before I pulled away. I patted his cheek before covering his face with my hand and shoving him away. "Get out of my face." I kept my tone teasing and he chuckled but stood up again. Azrael slapped him on the back, the action jolting Luka forward slightly. Michael and Ezekiel bared their teeth in warning and Azrael lifted his hands in mock surrender.

"Easy, boys." Luka's tone was faintly reprimanding but he knew they weren't happy being at the Gathering. "We need to head to the meeting room." His eyes showed his meaning. He would be out of sight if I didn't come with him. Alpha Females usually didn't attend but I wasn't going to let Luka out of my sight. A small part of me was still terrified he wouldn't be there to protect me if anything went wrong.

I patted Ezekiel's head and gave him a subtle nudge. He quickly jumped off the chaise and I held out my hands for Luka. "Help me up." It would take me several minutes to wiggle my way to my feet from the position I had flopped into if I had to do it myself. He gasped my hands and helped my to my feet. Once I was standing his hands fell to my belly, his strong fingers stroking the bump where our children lay. There were sleepy stirrings from the twins, a half hearted kick from Heidi and nothing from Amelia. "They're sleepy." I placed my hand over his and he leaned forward, his face pressing into my hair. He inhaled and I rolled my eyes as Azrael winked at me. Despite the eye roll I leaned into Luka, my eyes closing. I subtly inhaled, taking in his slightly evergreen and musk scent.

"We should go." Luka nuzzled into me slightly before I could feel him pressing his lips to the side of my head. I opened my eyes and let out a sigh. Azrael looked almost amused but his gaze held a tinge of longing to it. I was becoming aware of how much he wanted a mate and how much he wanted a family.

"That's a good idea. You two are are going to give these Old Way bastards a complex. Might show their females how they should be treated." He said it louder and stared pointedly at a group of Old Way Alphas, his utter disdain evident in his voice. "Oh wait, they aren't allowed to come to the Alpha Gathering, my bad." His eyes were narrowed and I could feel Luka silently chuckling into my hair. I gave a broad grin that I tried to hide it by turning closer to Luka.

"Do you have a problem, Thorn?" It was a rather sneering voice and I watched as Azrael puffed, up his teeth bared slightly in anger at the verbal invitation to a challenge.

"You know what, Damascus? I fucking do." He rolled his shoulders as he stalked towards the group where the male was. "You better start running before I decide to really kick your ass."

"You can't do anything." The snippy Alpha speaking was bigger than Luka but Azrael had probably a good sixty pounds and eight inches of height and watching the large Mounain Alpha move towards the group of slightly smaller Alpha Males was almost hilarious.

"Funny, you said that last year and I still kicked your ass into the infirmary." There was a thread of glee to Azrael's voice and even though I couldn't see the other Alpha's expression I was more than aware he probably looked like he just shit himself.

"The Councilmen-"

"Aren't going to do shit!" Azrael gave a loud snarl and I watched as the group of Old Way Alphas backed up as a group before turning and heading through the crowd."Yah, you better run, you little cowards!" Azrael crossed his arms over his chest and as he turned his head to the side, I could see a smug smirk on his mouth.

"Azrael literally kicked his ass into the infirmary last year. Saved the doctors a trip out to come get him." Luka sounded more than amused as he let me go, stepping away slightly. I missed the contact but I didn't say anything as he placed a hand on my lower back.

"Can't say he isn't anything but efficient." I looked at Luka and he bent his head down, brushing his nose along mine. It was an affectionate gesture that made my heart flutter slightly. It was weird letting myself feel those strange little emotions when my instinct was to simply refuse them completely. They were nice though.

"We should go." He pressed his hand a bit firmer into my back and I walked beside him around the edge of the crowd. Mike and Ezekiel followed right behind us. I was a bit slower than normal but Luka simply matched my pace without complaint. I appreciated it, I hated that I was a waddling whale but I appreciated Luka catering to the limitations of my growing body. I grasped my belly, trying to relieve some of the pulling that it did on my back. Luka gently dug his fingers into my lower back, massaging my tense muscles with firm movements.

I let out a faint groan of relief at the movements, my eyes fluttering slightly. "That's nice." I became aware I had a small smile on my face as my eyes were half lidded in pleasure. I had stopped walking and Luka stepped behind me, placing both hands in my waist, using his thumbs to rub my back. His lips brushed the side of my neck and I let out another groaned as his thumbs reached up to the middle of my spine, rubbing at my back.

"You like that?" The words slid across my ear and down my neck. It was a very intimate feeling and I enjoyed it because Luka and I hadn't really had a lot of intimate moments since he had gotten back.

"Mmmhmmm." I leaned back towards him and my eyes closed completely, shutting everything out and just feeling. His hand were warm and strong and he made me feel delicate, which was a task sometimes because for the past few months I didn't feel small.

"Shey?" At the voice my eyes snapped open and Luka's hands stilled on my back. Three growls cut through the air and I could feel Luka's stiffness from my position. "Oh my goddess, it is you. Wow." I turned my head towards the speaker. He was dressed in a suit like everyone else, his dirty blonde hair was styled elegantly and his green eyes were familiar but I couldn't place him. He looked almost nervous as he shifted his weight from side to side. "It's been a while." He said it softly and I blinked in confusion. Luka tightened his grip on my sides and I tapped his hand in reprimand. His grip immediately loosened before he stood straight and turned to face the other Alpha. The male's green eyes didn't stray from me and I could feel Luka's unease at it. "Nine years." I frowned, trying to place where I had been nine years ago when it hit me.

"Allan?" I stared at him in utter shock and he nodded. "Allan Bellagio? The green eyed fucking imp?" I couldn't believe it. Nine years had passed and I was just bumping into him now. I honestly thought I would never see him again.

"Well you were the only one who called me that but yes." He smiled at me brightly, the relief evident in his voice and eyes.

Luka shifted and I glanced at him before smiling brightly. "Allan, I would like you to meet Luka Sterling, Alpha of the Fortis pack and my mate." I gestured between them and Luka took the invitation, holding out his hand. I watched as Allan shook it firmly. They seemed to size each other up and I coughed lightly. "Luka, this is Allan Bellagio. He rejected me when I was seventeen." Luka looked at me slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly. Allan grimaced as Luka's hand tightened on his significantly, his expression hard.

"Let him go." I reached out and tapped his arm in a slight reprimand. He instantly released Allan's hand before he turned to continue to glower at the other male.

"I deserved that." Allan shook his hand out, stretching it slightly as if to check if it was broken.

A low rumble echoed Luka's chest. "You deserve-"

"Luka!" I gave him a look and he gave me one in return. I wasn't in the mood to deal with his manly posturing.

It's okay. I've dealt with his rejection. Therapy had done me well. I had worked through a lot of my residual anger and resentment from my rejections. Allan had been an easy one to forgive after I had the realization he had loved me too.

I don't like him. Luka was uncomfortable. I understood his instinct to protect me and to keep me from harm. Allan, to him and his wolf, was a person who had harmed me and he needed to be dealt with.

You don't have to and I would never ask it of you. I didn't presume to tell him to like anyone if he didn't. His feelings were justifiable in basis to his instincts. I wouldn't invalidate his feelings on the matter.