Cullen took ahold of Elaina’s hand and put the back of it to his lips. “I wish I could have taken much of it back. I have love in my heart for you, and I’m willing to take you as my mate if you’ll have me.”
Elaina’s eyes brimmed with tears, and her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t have to turn and see Liam’s angry eyes. She knew how he must feel. How could she make him understand? But before she was able to answer Cullen, she had to be sure where Liam stood in regards to her.
Liam moved to leave and Elaina chased after him, catching him in the hallway. “Where are you going?”
“Leaving you with your mate. I can see he means something to you, and I can’t blame you.”
“Yes, I can’t deny that, but he’s not the mate I would choose, you fool. It’s you.” Elaina smiled when Liam stepped closer to her. “You marked me as your mate, did you not?”
“Yes, but it only means something if you want it to. I’ll have no mate with love in her heart for another.”
“The feelings I have for Cullen or Damon are not how I feel for you. I have loved you since we were teenagers. How could I not? If you’re willing to take a half-bear, half-wolf shifter as a mate, then I’m yours for the taking.”
Liam dragged his hands through Elaina’s hair, bringing her lips to his, and right before he took them with his, he muttered, “My heart has not beat until you came back to me. I would never have embarked on this journey with you unless I had love in my heart for you. To hell with what the werewolves have to say about our union. You’re my mate in body and soul. I’ll protect you and love you all the days of my life and can see you’ll be the female alpha of our pack.”
Elaina wrapped her arms around Liam as their lips meshed together and they were both lost in the kiss.
Epilogue
Elaina never answered Cullen’s question. It was quite apparent when she left, chasing after Liam, whom she had chosen, or that’s what Elaina thought since both Damon and Cullen were gone when they had returned to the great room.
The elders were secured in the dungeons well below ground. Elaina insisted that they not be put to death since it would make them no better than the elders. They were responsible for causing the war and murdering their parents, but time is a healer.
Elaina and Liam headed out early the following day with a good number of the men to help them completely clear the entranceways of the werewolves’ den, but Damon and Cullen were also on hand when they arrived, already on task.
The werewolves’ pups jumped around excitedly when they found out that Elaina was Liam’s mate and female alpha of the pack. Cullen remained distant. It was to be expected, although it did bother Elaina. She would never forget how the werebears had offered her shelter or helped her find a way out of her mating fever. Liam never asked her for any details of her time at the werebears’ village, and it was for the best for all of them. It was still unbelievable that Liam was indeed her mate, and that most of the werewolves accepted her, or seemed to.
Outside of Elaina and Liam’s happiness, Damon was attentive to Nala, who rebuffed his advances. Not even Elaina could convince her that Damon wasn’t all that bad and had changed his ways.
After the den was cleared of debris, Cullen left and while on a hunting trip, never returned to the area. Damon continued to live in the werebears’ village, and told Elaina that the children were flourishing at the human lodge, but he spent most of his time continuing to try and woo Nala.
The true relationship between Marla and Samson has never been established. Instead of moving back to his cabin, he now resides in the wolf den with the werewolves, which made Elaina happy since he was the only father figure she really had.
As for the Clan of the Werebear, it still remains strong, with Atar as the leader. The war is over and the violence is now at an end. The clan’s laws no longer bar mating with other shifters or humans, but as with all shifters of the area, they continue to live in seclusion and well away from the humans.
Elaina has never regretted her early beginnings. Although her journey was difficult, she has now found a perfect mate in Liam who she enjoys howling with on a full moon night. After all, being half werewolf has its perks.
About the Author
Animal lover Maddie Foxx spent her childhood in a dream world and it wasn't until at the age of 44 that she finally found an outlet by writing books, which she eventually published as an independent author.
She loves paranormal romance and is inspired to create new worlds and adventures for them whatever form they take.
Paranormal Romances also by this author
Paranormal Romances
Clan of the Werebear
Clan of the Werebear, The Complete Series
Shadow Creek Shifters
Katlyn, ménage shifter romance
Taken, ménage shifter romance
Tessa, Werewolf/Vampire romance
Clan of the Werebear, The Complete Series Page 24