Page 37 of Rebel for Claws (Rebellious Mates #4)

Alaric's hand found hers as they walked toward the front entrance. "She's determined to document every milestone for the Lunar Council's historical records."

The front door opened before they reached it, revealing Malcolm's grinning face. "About time you two got back. Lena's been pacing the living room, muttering about astrological alignments and naming ceremonies."

"And Logan's been glaring at anyone who gets too close to the twins," Kieran added, appearing behind his younger brother with Maya at his side. "Apparently his protective instincts extend to all prophecy children now."

Vivian laughed as they entered the foyer, the sound echoing off the marble floors and grand staircase. "Well, considering mine and Alaric's twins represent the future of our entire territory, I'd say his caution is warranted."

"Future Alpha and future magical queen," Maya observed with scientific fascination. "The genetic combinations alone are unprecedented."

Leave it to Maya to turn our children into research subjects. Though I suppose she's not wrong about their significance.

They moved into the grand living room where a fire crackled in the massive stone fireplace, casting flickering shadows across the assembled group.

Zoe sat cross-legged on the Persian rug with Vivian's son in her arms, his dark hair catching the firelight as his blue eyes tracked movement around the room with unusual alertness for a one-month-old.

"Look at those eyes," Zoe murmured, her voice filled with wonder. "He's already studying everyone like he's planning tactical maneuvers."

"Just like his father," Elena observed from her position on the leather sofa where she held Vivian's daughter. "Though this little one has her mother's intensity. Those violet eyes are already showing hints of gold when she gets frustrated."

Ancient magic stirring even in infancy. The bloodline is stronger than we ever imagined.

Alaric moved to stand behind the sofa, and he gazed down at his daughter. "She's going to be formidable."

"They both are," Damon added from his position near the fireplace, his usual stoic expression softened by genuine affection. "The territory's never seen anything like what these children represent."

Lena approached from the windows where she'd been arranging ceremonial items on a small table, her violet eyes sparkling with anticipation. "The moon is reaching optimal position. We should begin the naming ceremony before the cosmic alignments shift."

Vivian settled onto the sofa beside Elena, accepting her daughter into her arms with practiced ease. The weight of her daughter—solid and warm and perfect—never failed to overwhelm her with protective love.

"Everett Silvercrest," Vivian announced formally, her voice carrying across the room as Logan handed the baby boy to Alaric. "Named for his strength and wild spirit, just like his father."

Alaric's throat worked with emotion as he cradled his son, the powerful Alpha reduced to tender wonder by the tiny being in his arms. "And Everly Silvercrest—hope incarnate with her mother's fierce independence."

"Hope and strength," Malcolm observed thoughtfully. "Perfect names for the children who'll inherit the world we've built."

The world we fought and bled and nearly died to create. And now it's theirs to shape.

As the evening progressed with toasts and stories and gentle celebration, Vivian found herself overwhelmed by the magnitude of what they'd accomplished. Every person in this room had risked everything to fulfill the Lunar Prophecy—not through destruction, but through transformation.

We didn't just change laws or defeat tyrants. We fundamentally rewrote what it means to be part of this shifter society.

Eventually, their guests began to depart with promises to visit soon and offers to help with the children whenever needed. Vivian and Alaric carried the twins upstairs to the nursery, where tall windows revealed the full moon rising majestically in the December sky.

"One month ago, I thought I knew what happiness felt like," Vivian whispered as they stood beside the ornate cribs, watching their children settle into sleep. "But this?—"

Alaric's arms came around her from behind, pulling her back against his solid chest as his lips found the sensitive spot below her ear. "This is everything we never dared to dream possible."

A mate who sees me as an equal partner. Children who'll grow up free from the fear and oppression that defined our lives. A territory united rather than divided.

She turned in his embrace, her hands fisting in his white dress shirt as she gazed up into his storm-grey eyes. "The next generation won't even understand what we fought against. To them, this unity will just be normal."

"As it should be," Alaric murmured. "They'll inherit peace instead of war, hope instead of fear."

And they'll never know a world where their very existence was considered an abomination.

His mouth claimed hers with the passionate intensity that had never diminished, and Vivian melted into the kiss with grateful abandon. This man—her Alpha, her mate, her partner in reshaping their world—still made her feel like the most cherished thing in existence.

When they finally broke apart, Vivian pressed her forehead against his. "I love you, Alaric Silvercrest. For everything you are, everything you've given me, and everything we've built together."

"And I love you beyond measure," he replied, his thumbs tracing her cheekbones. "My fierce mate, my equal, my salvation."

We did it. We actually fulfilled the prophecy and created the world we dreamed of. And this is only the beginning of our beautiful life.