Brutal Couple

Epilogue

In five Years

"Phoenix, you've done well," Ben Simpkin stated.

Phoenix smiled as he turned to face his father-in-law. Although it had taken five years, he believed that was to be expected. He was present for all of the required family dinners, get-togethers, Christmases, birthdays, and whatever other occasions they seemed to think of because Ben had accepted him into the family. He could always be involved in some sort of event. Rebecca was concerned he would detest it, but Phoenix adored each and every one of them.

45 years of scrounging, living on a cold, deserted road, and having nothing to look forward to. He had discovered that living in a pack was exactly what he desired. But none of that was important. Ben's endorsement made him happy, but this was all for Rebecca, his wife.

Between the two of them, they frequently celebrated her birthday in private. He had made the decision to incorporate the entire pack and throw her a surprise party for this year, which was their official fifth anniversary of being together but actually ten years. He had demanded their son's assistance as well. Like the other kids, Paul was racing around the town square.

Bella was in his arms as he turned to see his wife. He wasn't sure if other people could see that she was already carrying their third child. Throughout the previous two years, they had been quite busy.

They finished building his house with the aid of the pack, furnished it, and Rebecca moved in. Her parents insisted that they get married, so they did. Soon after their wedding, they learned she was pregnant, which completely altered his world. The most exhilarating and terrifying thing that had ever happened to him was becoming a father. He didn't want to hurt any children, but he had a terrible feeling that he would end up doing just that.

As usual, Rebecca came to his aid. The alpha gig wasn't without its challenges. He had her standing by his side. his life's passion.

He had seriously messed up ten years prior. He had begun to make up for his error five years prior, and he now thought that she was content because he spent every day atoning for his actions.

Rebecca gave him a quick glance and grinned. It was a nondescript smile.

I'm sorry, he said.

He moved through the crowds as he made his way across the town, nodding at each person as he went until he eventually arrived in front of his wife.

She extended her hand and stroked their daughter's cheek. "You weren't required to do this,"

Yeah, I did, you know. I had to do this after what you did for me.

It was Rebecca's job to learn his birthdate. They had been celebrating his birthday on the day he joined the pack for four years, but she had made some calls, gathered their top pack hunters, and discovered his true birthdate. She planned a surprise birthday for him, but she never told him about it.

He encircled her with his free arm and pulled her close. "I only want the best for my wife, my soul mate, and my life's love."

She groaned. I'll never get weary of hearing that, you know. She touched his cheek with a cupped hand. "I'm grateful,"

"Thanks, but no."

He understood why she was expressing gratitude. For coming back, for saving them, and for stopping by that day. Yet he thanked her for giving him a chance and demonstrating to him that life was not all about being alone.

The End.