by Trisha Linde
I gasped. I felt something loosen in my chest that I hadn’t even been aware was tight. A piece of my soul, long tethered, now unfurled, letting me float free at long last.
The curse was broken.
Did that mean that my life was now officially mine? That I could live and die a human life, free of any restrictions?
I settled into my chair, but I knew it was more than that. I was settling into my own place in this world. I reached out and took hold of Noel’s hand. The three of us were free, and I knew nothing could stop us now.
Epilogue
Ella
“Hey, can I come in?” The new family looked so at peace, I hated to interrupt them.
But I likewise felt a deep yearning to be a part of it.
“Ella! Come meet Ivan,” Noel said, waving me over. He still looked weak, but I couldn’t deny that he was glowing. “Do you want to hold him?”
Baby Ivan was wrapped tight, but had managed to free one arm from the swaddle. I touched the tips of his fingers gently, and he waved his hand around until it found my finger and latched on. I felt the disbelieving smile tug at my lips.
“He’s so beautiful,” I said and sat in the free chair by the bedside so I could accept the little bundle being passed my way. With this tiny creature nestled close against me, I could almost imagine…
But no. I couldn’t allow my brain to go down that path. Only heartbreak would be found there.
Instead, I turned to sarcasm and snark, my favorite bedfellows. “How the hell did you guys make something so beautiful? It’s a good thing he doesn’t look a thing like either of you. Remind me again what your mailman looks like?” I gave a wink, and they laughed. I was lying, though. Ivan was the perfect blend of the two men.
I felt another pang of longing but swallowed it down.
Noel and Wolf took the opportunity to lean into each other. I imagined their time alone would be in short supply for the foreseeable future, so I didn’t mind watching Ivan for them for a few minutes.
“You’re so lucky,” I whispered to Ivan, too quiet for anyone else to hear. “You couldn’t ask for better daddies. They love you so much.” I wondered what kind of future Ivan might have, being the product of fated love. Did that mean that he would grow up to be smarter, stronger, faster? Or maybe just more appreciative for what he had?
Maybe he could teach me a thing or two.
I tried my best to appreciate all that I had in life. I was a healthy alpha woman, with an amazing family and a bright future.
Why, then, did I feel like I was living someone else’s life?
The truth was, I’d never felt like Ella. It wasn’t just that the name didn’t fit, but I was wearing her skin like a costume. Every morning, I woke up, slid on her smile, and convinced myself that it was just one more day. That tomorrow would be different.
Except it never was. And I only knew of one way to change it.
There was an email sitting in my inbox. I hadn’t answered it yet, but as I sat here with Ivan in my arms, I made a decision.
“Hey, so I’m going away for a bit,” I said. I was surprised that my voice didn’t waver. I thought that I should be nervous about the decision, but now that it was made, I felt nothing but relief.
“What?” Noel said, surprised. “Where are you going? Is this for a client?”
“No, no. Nothing like that.” I made up a lie on the spot. “That professor I was talking with, about your fated love story. He invited me to Europe to do some research. Turns out I’ve got a real passion for the mythical.” I shrugged, waiting for them to call me on my lie.
But Noel just smiled at me. “That sounds outstanding! Reggie and I will hold down the fort until you get back. Will you be gone long?”
“I shouldn’t expect so. I’ll keep in contact.” I smiled and nodded, but part of me didn’t know if I would ever come back. Vale Valley was supposed to be a place where people could find love, but I couldn’t even love myself, so maybe this wasn’t the place for me.
“I’d better get going,” I said, carefully handing Ivan back to Noel. “Leave you two—three—to some quiet time. I’m sure you’ll have your share of visitors.”
“You have no idea,” Wolf said. “Your nana was here this morning. And she threatened to come back later tonight with some food. She said the hospital wasn’t feeding Noel enough.” He rolled his eyes, but I could tell he loved it. Nana had found a soft spot in Wolf’s hard exterior.
I allowed my eyes to trail quickly over them before standing stiffly and heading for the door. “Have a good summer. I’ll email you later.”
I’d always been secretly jealous of Noel, and now I found it almost painful to be around him. He had everything I dreamed of. But maybe my dreams weren’t as unattainable as I’d always believed.
Maybe I could have it all.
Maybe if I could find myself, then Vale Valley could finally share its magic with me too.
To Be Continued…
More Vale Valley Stories to Read
Season 1
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 1
Mated Under The Mistletoe by Connor Crowe
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 2
Twice as Joyful by Lorelei M Hart
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 3
Three Roses by Alice Shaw
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 4
A Swan For Christmas by M.M. Wilde
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 5
Five Gold Rings by Xander Collins
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 6
His Christmas Lullaby by Leyla Hunt
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 7
A Holiday Magic Mixup by Quinn Michaels
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 8
Breakable Faith by Michael Mandrake
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 9
Omega, It's Cold Outside by Coyote Starr
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 10
O Little Town of Vale Valley by Summer Chase
Vale Valley Season 1 Book 11
The Drummer's Heartbeat by Giovanna Reaves
Season 2
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 1
That Magical Moment by Connor Crowe
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 2
Their Koala Omega by Lorelei M. Hart
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 3
Waiting in the Wings by Coyote Starr
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 4
Picture Purrfect by Jena Wade
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 5
Love Takes Flight by Leyla Hunt
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 6
Omega's Surrender by Aria Grace & Lorelei M. Hart
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 7
Cupid Must Be Crazy by Xander Collins
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 8
A Hatchling for Valentine's by M.M. Wilde
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 9
Omega, je t'aime by Summer Chase
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 10
Renewed Faith by Michael Mandrake
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 11
The Back-Up Date by Summer Chase and Trisha Linde
Vale Valley Season 2 Book 12
Bewitching Love by Giovanna Reaves
Season 3
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 1
Omega & the Beast by Lorelei M. Hart
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 2
Omega’s Summer Nights by Summer Chase
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 3
A Swan's Love Song by M.M. Wilde
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 4
The Cat and The Hound by Jena Wade
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 5
His Summer Honey by Leyla Hunt
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 6
Percy’s Song by JM Wolf
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 7
One More than Planned by Chris McHart
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 8
The Omega Mix-up by Trisha Linde
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 9
Omega, Deer by Aria Grace &
Lorelei M. Hart
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 10
When Two Omegas Dance by Amy Bellows
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 11
Unforgettable Faith by Michael Mandrake
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 12
Blind Faith by Brooklyn Roberts
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 13
Forging a Family by J.D. Light
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 14
Dreaming of His Omega by Kallie Frost
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 15
Fixer-Upper by EE Silver
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 16
The Spell Checker by Colbie Dunbar
Vale Valley Season 3 Book 17
Matter of His Heart by Giovanna Reaves
Season 4
getbook.at/ValeValleySeasonFour
About the Author
Trisha Linde is the epitome of an introvert, only emerging in the light of day when the snacks have been depleted. If you happen to find her online, then consider yourself lucky.
Facebook is your best bet. Click -->here<-- to see if she’s making an awkward attempt to be social.
She sometimes writes with Summer Chase and Lorelei M. Hart. Click -->here← to check out her other titles.
When she gets older, she will likely invite strangers over for dinner, and you can bet your ass there will be sequins.