by River Ramsey
As I watch Mace gaze down at our daughter, bundled up in his arms, while a nurse places our son in James’ arms, my heart feels like it’s going to burst. A laugh escapes me, and even though my body feels weak, my spirit is stronger than it ever has been.
“They’re perfect,” I whisper, looking down at our daughter as Mace sits down next to me. She has blood red eyes, hinting at her vampire heritage, while our son’s are a pale blue, speaking of the magic within his veins.
They’re so different, and yet so similar. They look so tiny and fragile in my alphas’ arms, but as Christopher and Rowan gather around us, I know they’re the most loved and protected children this kingdom has ever seen.
“You did so good,” Mace says, gazing at me adoringly. “They’re beautiful, Dani.”
“They are,” James says, his voice hoarse with emotion. It takes a lot to get either of them choked up, but seeing them like this makes me love them all the more.
“Go on,” Rowan says, giving Christopher a nudge. “Give her the good news and make this the best day ever.”
I look at them in confusion. I can’t imagine anything that would make this moment even more perfect, but Christopher’s gaze softens and the next words out of his mouth prove me wrong.
“I found it,” he murmurs. “The Ellri confirmed it. The cure is real.” He glances at James. “Convincing the vampires to take it will be another matter, but for those who are willing, subsistence on far less blood is possible. Willing donors will be enough. We’ll be able to release the humans.”
“And so we will,” James says proudly, looking down at me. “Our children are going to grow up in a very different world.”
I smile back at him. “We should probably give them names,” I tease.
“You’re the one who did all the hard work,” says Mace. “We’ve already discussed it amongst ourselves, and that decision should be yours.”
“That’s a gallant way of saying none of you wants the responsibility,” I huff.
Rowan’s grin is a dead giveaway. “Omegas are better at these things.”
I roll my eyes, but as I look down at my babies, the answer springs to my mind easily enough, like it was always meant to be. “Rose,” I murmur, stroking a dark curl on our daughter’s head. I smile at my blue-eyed son. “And Xander.”
“Perfect,” Christopher says, leaning in to kiss my forehead. “Fitting for a Prince and Princess.”
It seems surreal even now, but as I bathe in the warmth of my alphas’ love and the promise of our new family, I realize that’s exactly what life has become. A beautiful dream.
Epilogue
TWO YEARS LATER
As I stand on the top of the hill watching the twins run around the field surrounding the castle with their big brother, Aspen, I can’t help but smile. They’re getting so big, and every day, it seems like they’re learning something new.
Just yesterday, we woke up to the surprise of Xander having conjured a small snowstorm in the kitchen, and Rose is already showing the makings of a true vampire Queen. She’s as intense and fierce as James, and protects her brothers like she’s the oldest, despite her small stature.
“They’re growing like weeds, aren’t they?” Albien asks from his seat at the garden table I left recently.
I look back, smiling at him and the infant in his arms. He and Jenna are new parents, and I don’t think either of them have stopped grinning since. It’s nice that they’ve found time to visit, now that both our realms are settled into a comfortable, normal rhythm.
When the cure was first revealed, there was resistance, but over the last two years, it’s become mandatory. The humans were released, and while many continue to offer blood on a volunteer basis through carefully managed centers, others have chosen to relocate to Eternus lands for a fresh start.
I can’t say I blame them, but I’m determined to make sure that by the time Xander and Rose take the throne, these lands are a safe place for everyone—human, vampire and hybrid alike.
“Don’t remind me,” I sigh, sitting back down next to him.
“How’s your harem?” Albien asks dryly.
I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. “Ask them yourself,” I tease, watching as Rowan’s massive wolf runs after the children, making sure they don’t venture too far out of bounds. James and Christopher are sitting on the other end of the hill, keeping supervision while they discuss matters of the kingdom.
I look around, wondering where Mace got off to when I see him walking toward us with two glasses of lemonade in his hands. “Here you are,” he says, setting the drinks down in front of me and Albien.
“How gallant,” my brother says wryly.
“You are an omega, after all,” Mace taunts. Despite their rocky past, Albien has forgiven him and they’ve actually become close on our mutual visits. Mace’s official pardon means that he’s able to go with me between Eternus and our realm without incident, but the members of the Pentarch still aren’t happy about it.
Icing on the cake, really.
“How are you feeling, love?” Mace asks, leaning down to kiss me. His hand rests on my stomach and my face grows warm as I realize he’s unintentionally outed the secret I hadn’t gotten around to telling Albien yet.
My brother looks between us carefully, his sharp eyes missing nothing. “Why wouldn’t she be… wait, again?”
I can’t help but laugh at the incredulity in his tone. “It’s been two years,” I remind him, gazing up at Mace. “We talked about it and the timing felt right.”
“Whose?” Albien asks in disbelief.
“All of ours,” Mace answers, sitting down next to me, his hand wrapped around mine. “But according to Christopher, it’s twins again. One with Rowan’s energy and one with mine.”
“You’re certainly going to have your hands full,” Albien says, shaking his head. He gives me a knowing smile. “But I’m happy for you, sister.”
“Thanks,” I tell him, smiling. “I’m happy, too.”
It’s a gross understatement, but as the others come up the hill to join us for lunch and I find myself surrounded by more family than I ever dreamed I’d have, I realize there aren’t any words to describe it better. Happily ever after will have to do.
The End.
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About the Author
River Ramsey is a queer fantasy and paranormal author living with their partner and cats. They enjoy penning tales of adventure, magical mayhem and happily-ever-afters!