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Cleo sighs dramatically but allows Yelena to lead her from the room. I sit on the edge of Gage's bed.

"How are you feeling?" I ask.

He ducks his head. "Better. Thank you. For everything. For wanting me."

I squeeze his shoulder. "There's no place we'd rather you be than right here with us."

Gage blinks back tears and nods.

"Try to get some more rest," I say. "Tomorrow is a new day."

I get up and walk to Cleo’s room, where Yelena is tucking our little princess back into her bed. I lean down to kiss her forehead.

“Good night, sweet girl.”

She yawns, already drifting off. “Love you, Daddy.”

“Love you more,” I whisper, turning out the light.

Yelena is waiting in the hall, leaning against the wall with a contented smile on her face.

"Our family just got a little bigger," she says.

I pull her into my arms. "I know. I wouldn't change a thing, though," I murmur into her hair. "Every struggle brought us closer together. As long as I have you and our family, I have the world.”

Chapter Thirty

Yelena

~One Year Later~

The fire crackles and pops, sending sparks swirling up into the night sky. The full moon shines down on us, bathing us in silvery light. The whole pack is out here tonight. The music is blasting, the children are all running around underfoot. Couples are starting to pair off, canoodling on the dance floor and in the dark corners.

I take a sip of my hot chocolate and sigh in contentment.

This time last year, I would never have imagined that this could be my life. Cleo and I back on the pack’s land. Me being mated to Austin. Being the Luna of the Nightwing Pack. Adopting Gage.

It’s been a crazy year, but I wouldn’t change a thing for the world.

My eyes find Austin across the fire. He’s smiling, carefree in a way that I haven’t seen in so long. His eyes meet mine, and his smile softens, full of love and promise.

I shiver. This bonfire is so different from the ones we’ve had in the past. My mind flits to the memories of when Austin and I struggled. The way he would avoid me, and I would hide in the shadows.

Those days are long past and while they’re painful to think about, it’s incredible to realize the growth and love that we’ve shared once we embraced our Fate. We’re together, and we’re happy.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop getting the butterflies around this man. We’ve come through the darkness forever, guided by the moon, and now we’re finally in a good place.

For the first time in possibly ever, I feel at peace. Cleo comes over and places her hand on my arm, and then grins, reaching down to tickle my belly.

I laugh and capture her arms before pulling her into my embrace. “What are you doing, you silly girl?” I tease, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Saying hello!” she giggles.

“Well, hello!” I respond, holding her close. She squirms and squints her eyes at me.

“Not to you, Mama. To the new flames!”

I blink and look at her in confusion. She sighs with the exasperation of a child twice her age and grabs my hand, forcing me to touch my belly.