Caeden wore a proud smirk. “That’s my boy.”
Bentley shook his head. “We better get the others and see why the hell the house is on fire.”
I frowned down at Beau. I was scared to follow the guys in case we were walking into a dangerous situation. I couldn’t fight with Beau in my arms, but staying here by myself wasn’t a safe option either.
With a pop, Beau shifted back into his human form.
“Y’all lead the way.”
The guys shifted into their wolf form and I followed behind them.
When we reached the back of the house we found all the wolves we’d left behind outside. No one seemed hurt, but there were more mutant bodies lying on the ground. A door to what looked an underground cellar—much like the one we’d traveled through—was open and that’s where the mutants had come from and where the fire was burning.
I looked around to see if anyone was still fighting, but all the mutants were dead and it looked every member of our pack was safe. Thank God for that. I didn’t think my conscious could handle any more deaths of our friends and family.
A cry escaped my throat—a cry of relief. We had our son back and the threat of a war with humans was over. We could all move on and live normal lives—well, as normal of a life as you can live when you’re a shifter.
Nolan’s tiger formed stalked forward and I knew he was communicating with Caeden. The wolves all listened intently to whatever Caeden was saying. I could tell when they learned that Travis was dead, because if it was possible for wolves to dance, that was definitely what they were doing.
Caeden shifted back to his human form and grabbed my face between his hands. Before I could blink he kissed me soundly. The wolves howled in happiness. He pulled back, smoothing his thumb over my lip. “Let’s go home, she-wolf.”
Twenty Three.
Sophie
“And this is your room,” I cooed to Beau as I opened the door to his nursery.
“Sophie, he’s barely two weeks old, I don’t think he needs a whole tour of the house,” Caeden chuckled behind me.
“Shut up,” I grumbled. “If I want to give our son a tour of our house, I will.”
We’d only been home long enough to shower and dress and I’d reluctantly had to relinquish Beau to Caeden to do that. But now he was all mine and I was never letting him go. I’d heard people say that holding a baby all the time would make them clingy, but I didn’t care. I’d almost lost Beau, and if I didn’t look at him at least once every five minutes then I was convinced he wasn’t real.
Caeden and I had given him a bath and I’d dressed him in a cute blue sleeper with monkeys on it. I’d also wrapped him in a pretty white blanket so he currently looked like a little burrito. I found myself constantly staring at him, trying to memorize his features.
I sat in the big white chair with him in my arms, and Caeden squeezed in beside me.
“Do you know the legend Travis was talking about? The one about the Prince?”
Caeden nodded. “Only, it was never in the Book of Legends. He lied about that. It was just a story parents told their children. It was called The Wolf Prince. My mom used to tell it to me and Bryce to help us sleep when we were little.”
“But it’s true,” I stated. “Beau can shift.”
“That he can,” Caeden shook his head, staring off into space. “You know, they always said that the most powerful wolves always have a full moon on their birthday that they transform. That happened to both of us, then we’re mates, and Alphas…maybe those three factors coming together resulted in Beau,” he shrugged, reaching out to hold the baby’s hand. Beau’s clenched fist looked incredibly tiny resting in Caeden’s open palm. “I know it’s a long shot, but it’s the only thing I can think of,” he shrugged again.
“The story…what did it say about him?” I questioned.
“Man, it’s been a long time since I heard that story. I’m not sure if I really remember. Basically, like Travis said, the wolf prince is stronger and more powerful than the typical shifter. But what he didn’t say, is that the wolf prince is extremely compassionate. He’s supposed to bring peace to all shifters…to unite us all together.”
My brows furrowed together in confusion. “But…I didn’t know there was any animosity between different types of shifters. I mean, you’re friends with Nolan and he’s a tiger, so…” I trailed off.
“Sophie, where we are there aren’t that many groups of shifters. You have us, what was the Grimm pack, and Nolan’s family,” he ticked each off on his fingers. “Most are up north and to the west. It’s easier for them to blend in. And while there’s not a lot of hostility like what we’ve had to deal with from Travis, there is a rift. I guess little man is so supposed to repair that,” he flicked a finger against Beau’s nose. “But it is just a story. Who knows what we can expect? For now, I say we take everything one day at a time. We’ll cross those bridges when we get to them.”
“When did you get so smart?” I laughed, beaming up at him.
“Since always,” he smirked, kissing me. I had missed moments like these—moments when we were just normal Caeden and Sophie and we didn’t have to stress about Travis.
It was hard to believe, that after more than year and watching our friends die, it was over. Travis was dead and he was never coming back.
We’d stuck around to watch the house burn down and when it had completely crumbled to ash, I’d felt so…relieved. I was finally at peace. We didn’t have to constantly look over our shoulders, wondering when Travis would make an appearance. He was really and truly gone, and we had nothing to worry about anymore. It all seemed so surreal. It had been a long exhausting journey to get to this point though. People had died and our lives had forever been altered, but it really had come to an end. I’d never forget the ones we’d lost though. We’d been lucky not to lose anyone this time, but we hadn’t been as lucky in the past. I missed Logan something fierce, but without his sacrifice I’d have died and I would’ve never had the chance to hold my son. Gazing down at Beau, I knew it was all worth it, and I’d go through everything again and again for him. He was worth everything. And in the end, we had avenged Logan’s death and the deaths of the others who were no less important. Even Leslee Grimm, Travis’ mother, had gotten the justice she deserved.
The door to Beau’s nursery opened and we looked up to find Nolan standing there.
“Hi,” he said, clearing his throat awkwardly.
“Hey,” I smiled. “What do you need?”
“I thought I should let you guys know that everyone is here,” he scratched his jaw.
“Everyone?” Caeden questioned.
“Everyone,” Nolan nodded. “They want to see the baby, and Lucinda brought cake. Let me tell you, it took all my strength not to steal that delicious looking cake and hide in my room stuffing my face.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Tell them we’ll be right down.”
Nolan nodded, leaving the door open behind him.
I looked down at Beau, sleeping peacefully in my arms, then up at my husband. I was so full of love I thought I might burst. “I want you to know, that you’re worth it, Caeden.” His eyes fluttered closed at my words and a sigh escaped his lips. “I know you think that if I’d never met you, my life would’ve been happier, but you’re wrong. You make my life worth living. The both of you,” I placed a kiss on the baby’s head. “I never want you to doubt how I feel. Not for a minute.” I leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips.
“I love you, Soph,” he whispered, his eyes swimming with the love he’d just declared. Having someone look at you like that—with such pure love—it was the best feeling in the world. I wished everyone could find their mate, that one person they belonged with more than anyone else, so that they could experience a special kind of love. The love you read about in fairytales and hope you’ll find, but so rarely do. But I’d found it, and we’d had to fight for it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It made us appreciate each other e
ven more.
He pressed his lips to mine, kissing me deeply.
Beau began to squirm in my arms and we were forced to break apart. We looked down at him and his eyes were open, his nose wiggling.
“Did you not like Daddy kissing Mommy?” Caeden chuckled. “You better get used to it. I love her and plan on giving her lots of kisses.”
Beau wiggled again, making a face that wrinkled his forehead.
“Look at that, he’s already a mommy’s boy and doesn’t want me to talk about you. I see how it is son.”
I smiled at Caeden and then Beau. My little family was finally complete. And our big extended family was waiting for us downstairs.
“Well, Beau,” I tickled his cheek, “I guess it’s time for you to meet the rest of your family.”
Caeden helped me up from the chair and then worried over me as I walked down the steps with Beau in my arms.
“Honestly, Caeden, I’m not going to drop him. You don’t need to walk like that in front of me,” I grumbled.
“Sorry,” his cheeks flushed and he turned around.
We found everyone waiting for us in the family room. I ran straight into Gram’s arms, bursting into tears.
Beau made a quiet sound of protest at nearly being squished to death and I felt like the worst mom ever. Hopefully I’d get the hang of this whole parenting thing soon. Obviously I wasn’t one of those people who had a kid and seemed to automatically know the right thing to do all the time.
“Let me see that precious baby boy,” Gram cooed, reaching her arms out for Beau.
I didn’t want to release the baby, but I figured I better get used to it. Everyone wanted to meet the baby.
I handed Beau to Gram and smiled as she beamed at the baby. “He’s perfect, Sophie,” she whispered.
“I know,” I smiled proudly. I knew I was like all parents, thinking their kid was the cutest and smartest baby to ever grace the face of the earth, but I didn’t care. I’d almost lost Beau, and that made him even more special.
Despite the fact that Beau was only a newborn, I already found myself worrying about his future. I wondered what kind of responsibility he’d have to face with his special ability to shift already. But like Caeden said, we’d cross that bridge when we came to it.
For now, I was going to live every day with a smile on my face, because the war was over before it even started, I had the best baby and husband in the whole world, and I had my family to keep me strong. I couldn’t ask for anything else.
“What are you thinking?” Caeden whispered in my ear, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
“I was just thinking about how thankful I am, for everything.” I closed my eyes, letting his warmth envelope me in comfort. “Travis is gone so we don’t have to worry about him anymore, and we have these awesome people surrounding us. Our life is pretty amazing,” I smiled as his lips brushed my jaw.
“You bet it is, and its barely even started.”
Epilogue. Six Years Later.
Sophie
“Beau!” I yelled. “Do not shoot Nerf gun bullets at your little brother! It’s not nice! Now apologize!” I scolded my oldest son. He was going through a stage where all he did was torment his little brother. Poor Grant was only three and didn’t understand what was going on.
“Sorry, mommy,” Beau dropped his plastic gun to the ground and looked up at me with wide blue eyes.
“Say you’re sorry to Grant,” I repeated, “and then give him a hug.”
Beau sighed but did as I had asked. “Sorry, Grant.”
“Now hug,” I pointed a finger at my sons.
Beau wrapped his arms around Grant in a hug. Grant placed a loud kiss on Beau’s cheek.
“Ew! Mommy! Grant got spit on me!” Beau screamed, swiping his arm across his cheek.
I sighed. This was what my life had become. Referee to two hard-headed little boys, and the newest edition, our little Lucy. She was only two months old and even cuter than her brothers. She was already her daddy’s little princess. I loved seeing Caeden with her. It made my heart do a little dance.
Ignoring Beau’s comment, I said, “Now boys, everyone’s going to be here in just a few minutes, so I want you to be on your best behavior.”
The boys both saluted me like they were little soldiers.
Caeden came out the back door with Lucy strapped to his chest in one of those holder things.
“Here, take her so I can start the grill,” Caeden said.
I lifted Lucy into my arms, kissing the top of her tiny head. She was dressed in a cute lavender outfit with a white headband. “Daddy dressed you all fancy,” I commented.
She let out a small giggle at that.
The back door opened again and our family began to pour outside. Bryce was in the lead and I couldn’t cover my snicker. “Your shirt says, ‘I make adorable babies,’” I shook my head.
“It’s because it’s true,” he smirked. He held his son in front of my face. “See, Roger is said adorable baby.” The poor baby was indeed wearing a onesie that said ‘Adorable Baby.’ Only Bryce.
Roger stuck his little tongue out at me. At six months old, Roger already acted exactly like his dad, and mostly looked like him too, except for the red hair he had inherited from Charlotte.
“Bryce! Stop waving the baby in the air like that, you’re going to make him sick!” Charlotte scolded Bryce. “I swear, you’re more of a pain in my butt than Roger.”
“Hey, at least you don’t have to change my diapers. I should get bonus points for that,” Bryce smirked.
I laughed as they headed to one of the tables by the pool.
Leo and Leila, Bentley and Chris’ twins, came barreling at my legs. At two years old, they were only a little younger than Grant, and absolutely adorable. They both had thick black hair like Bentley’s, but their mother’s pale green eyes. I could already tell that little Leo was going to be a heartbreaker one day.
“Baby?” Leila pointed up at Lucy in my arms.
“Yes, this is baby Lucy.” I squatted down so the twins could see the baby.
“Pwetty,” Leila patted the top of Lucy’s head. “She’s cuter then my dolls.”
“Leila! Leo! Come over here so I can put your swim clothes on you,” Christian hollered at the twins. Her stomach was already rounded with their next child—a boy they were naming Logan.
Leo was quick to run over to his mom, but Leila didn’t leave.
“Is she swimmin’ wif us?”
“No, sweetie,” I frowned.
“Oh.”
“Leila!” Chris called again.
Leila looked at Lucy one last time before running towards her mother.
Everyone else slowly trickled in. My parents, Caeden’s mom, Gram, and even my old soccer buddies came with their families. They were all out of college now and had moved back here, so I tried to see them often. Caeden and I had come up with the idea to grill burgers and hotdogs once a month during the summer and have everybody over. It was our chance to all get together and hangout.
Our life had been relatively calm in the last six years—if having three kids can be thought of us as calm.
Everything in the shifter world was quiet. There was no upheaval like what we had dealt with from Travis. Everything was…peaceful.
We still didn’t know what might be ahead for Beau. Neither of his siblings had been born already able to shift, and neither of my following pregnancies had been anything like my experience with Beau. Beau was special, I’d always known that, and maybe one day we’d learn just how special. Then again, maybe not. Either way, I was okay.
I grinned as I looked around at all my friends and family. My eyes lingered over Caeden, our boys, and then down at Lucy in my arms.
Life was perfect.
And they lived happily ever after...
Acknowledgements.
Writing this book was beyond emotional. Caeden and Sophie have been characters close to my heart for a very long time. I think a part of me thoug
ht their story would never end—and really it, won’t. They’ll live on forever in my heart and the hearts of all you readers that embraced and loved them.
Thankful doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel right now. Honored, seems more correct. I’m grateful that so many of you fell in love with my characters and their story—begging for more. It’s always sad to say goodbye to those characters we love so much, but I hope you’ve enjoyed this final installment in Caeden and Sophie’s journey and feel a satisfaction in where they ended up.
I guess I better get to the acknowledging part and stop being sappy.
I think the biggest thanks should go to my grandma, for always supporting my dream of being an author, and encouraging me when I felt like giving up. She also deserves a round of applause for dealing with my mood swings while writing this book. Let me tell you, ending a series and knowing you have to say goodbye to characters is extremely difficult. So thank you, for always being there. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Thank you, Emily W., for always being there when I need to talk. Whether it’s about the book I’m working on, or just life. You’re my BFFBL and I love you!
Harper James…you’re the best. That’s all there is to it. Who would’ve thought one email would create such an amazing friendship? I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t bug you every single day! Thank you for keeping me sane and always being there for me.
Kendall McCubbin, I just love you. Seriously, you’re awesome, and I’m honored to be your friend. I can’t thank you enough for beta reading this book and dealing with my constant messages. I know I was a crazy person with this book, at least I feel that way, and you definitely made me feel better and helped erase my worries.
Lastly, I have to thank YOU. Yes, YOU. The one reading this. This is all for you guys. You’re the reason I get to do what I love. Getting to connect with and hear from you guys always brings a smile to my face. I love y’all. I really do.
Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.
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