Page 38 of Alpha Bride

She moves over slightly, and I climb into the narrow bed with her, pulling her against me as she begins to tell me about what Malik told her when they were locked in the shield. As thetruth about her family unravels and her tears fall, I hold her tighter, whispering the reassurance that she has a family who loves her—a whole pack that supports her, and an island that owes her everything.

Epilogue - Emily

Holding the tiny bundle in my arms wrapped in a blanket, I marvel at his strength as he wriggles, making the sweetest little snuffle noises. His dark hair sets off his mesmerizing light blue eyes, and I can’t help but chuckle. “You’re going to have your work cut out here,” I say, looking at Ava. “He’s already a heartbreaker.”

The proud new mum looks at her son, pure love shining in her eyes. “He will be a perfect gentleman,” she protests, taking him back for a feeding. “But yes, he is so handsome, there will inevitably be some broken hearts.”

We both laugh as she settles him down, and we look out over the meadow from the patio. It’s so quiet up here, but down on the grass, an interpack games tournament is well underway, with Ava’s daughter Harper about to blow the whistle to kick things off.

“She looks happy,” I remark as the little girl bounces around next to her father.

Ava nods. “She is. Family is everything,” she replies wistfully, then looking at my rounded stomach, she chuckles, “As you’re finding out.”

I beam, because it’s true. We can’t wait for our baby to arrive. The change in Tristen has been complete. We left the clinic that night holding hands in front of everyone, the closeness of our relationship no longer hidden. The biggest sign of Tristen’s change of heart has been the way he has welcomed the witches into his pack properly. No longer living on the fringes or merely tolerating them for the use of their defenses, the pack is now helping the witches rebuild their coven property while offering proper housing in the meantime, and a placewithin the medical center so that not only shifters get the care they need.

Ironically, the mixing of shifter medicine with the witches’ healing powers is already proving far superior for everyone—something that Callum’s pack had already discovered, but Tristen had been too stubborn to listen before.

Tristen has even been holding regular meetings with Marian to better integrate the community. I asked him if he’s still afraid of Marian, and he replied that, to be fair, he will always be afraid of her. But now he deeply respects her as a leader, too. I think everyone’s a little afraid of Marian.

In the distance, I hear Harper blow the whistle, and cheering erupts as the first contest begins. Owen, Ava’s new baby, barely makes a sound as we turn to watch from our vantage point on the patio.

The first round is wrestling, and as I watch Tristen step bare-chested into the ring, my heart begins to race. He’s up against Aiden, and as the two brothers circle each other, it’s clear this is a dance they’ve done many times before. The fight escalates as only it can between brothers until Callum has to split them up.

Tristen is declared the winner of the round, but Aiden seems to take it in good spirits, at least. As the next contenders step up, Tristen heads my way, still shirtless. I hear Ava stifle a laugh next to me. “Your face, Emily.” She pretends to gasp. “It’s like I can read your mind, and it’s all filthy.”

I can feel my face burning with embarrassment, but she’s not wrong. Perhaps it’s the pregnancy hormones, but I can’t keep my eyes off of him—the way his muscles ripple in the sunlight, the way his eyes lock with mine, and I can tell he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

He smirks as he walks up. “Are you ladies enjoying the view?”

I open my mouth to rebuff, but Ava simply levels him with a stare and smiles. “Yes, we are,” she replies, pointing to Callum wrestling one of his betas shirtless. “Just look at the view.”

We laugh as Ava shushes us so as not to wake Byron. Tristen drapes a slightly sweaty arm around me, pulling me toward him, and I instinctively lean in. “Did Aiden mind losing the first round?” I ask, knowing how competitive the brothers are.

“He always hates losing, but he’s got bigger things on his mind,” Tristen says cryptically.

“Like what?” asks Ava, concerned. Malik was never found, and the rumor persists that the most likely place he’s hiding is in the mountains, in Aiden’s territory. Countless search patrols haven’t yielded anything, but so much of the territory is still uncharted or inaccessible…unless you can shift into a dragon.

“After everything that’s happened, Nolan reached out to Aiden and offered a treaty to firm up our port security, stop future rogues, and the like,” he says thoughtfully.

“Strange he reached out to Aiden when he has the smallest port?” I think out loud, and Tristen nods.

“Well, it would be, but Aiden’s also the only alpha who is still unmated,” he says, letting us catch up with what he’s saying. When my eyes go wide with understanding, he nods. “It’s a mate’s treaty. Nolan is suggesting an interpack mating.”

“Oh wow,” Ava exclaims, and I understand her shock. The thought of Aiden being mates with anyone seems unlikely. Ihave never met a shifter who enjoys flirting more; it’s almost his entire personality when a female is around.

“What did Aiden say?” I ask.

Tristen shrugs, “We’re sitting down to talk to Nolan about it next week. He didn’t actually dismiss it as quickly as I thought he would. I think he’s actually considering it.”

The impact of Malik’s constant attacks and overall threat has affected us all. The games continue, but my mind is elsewhere, pondering the future of our packs. Our alliances are shifting, but although they’re stronger, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. Malik may be on the run, but is he really gone for good?

“Well, it will have to be someone pretty amazing to keep his attention for more than two minutes,” Ava says lightly. “He deserves to be happy, though; I hope it works.”

Tristen squeezes me a little tighter. “Well, it certainly worked out for me. I think it might actually do him some good.”

I turn to look at him and see the honest truth reflected back at me. Our unborn baby moves slightly in my stomach, a reminder of all that we have. If Aiden is willing to enter into an alliance to further strengthen our island, then I’ll welcome anything to keep our families safer.

As the afternoon wears on, Harper blows the last whistle, signaling the end of the tournament. We make our way down to the field to help clean up. Tristen helps the other men clear the bigger items from the meadow while Ava and I help the others clear away the BBQ tables. Harper looks exhausted after keeping all the men in check with her referee duties and sits with Byron, entertaining him with a rattle. Looking at the two, I can’t help but wonder if Tristen and I will have a big family and fill our home with children the way Callum and Ava are.

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