The Alpha prince’s true mate (Complete)

Epilogue

29 years later

“It’s time, my love.”

I awake to the softly whispered words and the echo of ticking clocks.

With a sense of peace and contentment rolling through me, I throw aside the covers and climb out of bed. For the first time in years, I wish I had a valet to see me properly groomed and dressed, but I’ll make do. It has been a long while since I’ve given such care to my appearance. I take a razor to my face and a brush to my hair.

I begin donning my finest attire. I want everything perfect for her. I always have. Even if now I am bent and wrinkled, I can still dress sharply.

I think I should be frightened or wary, but all I feel is calm. And gladness. I am going to be with my Linnie again.

I walk out of my bedchamber and down the stairs into the foyer. I glance into the parlor at the decorated tree and the boughs of evergreen hanging along the mantel. This residence is indeed a happy place, perhaps even happier than it has ever been.

All of my dear boys have fallen in love and married. Killian was the last. He required a little nudging, which I provided. Tia is a remarkable she-wolf, perfect for my heir. She’s given Killian a daughter and a son. They’ll soon be tearing through the residence, wondering what Father Christmas has brought them. Later in the morning, one of the servants will be placing two crates, each holding a rambunctious puppy, beneath the tree. My family will find joy today, even if it is mixed with a bit of sorrow.

I stride out into the dawn. Snow is gently falling, but I don’t regret leaving my coat behind. I am immune to the chill, traveling a familiar path, one that has always brought me solace.

In the distance, I see the towering oak, its branches spread wide. For a brief moment, in my mind, I see myself as a boy sitting up there, a mischievous girl beside me. Within my chest, my heart thumps more forcefully than it ever has before. I stumble, right myself, and carry on.

I reach the graveside with its solitary marker. Without hesitation, I drop to my knees, lower myself to the ground, pressing one side of my face to the cold earth, my fingers touching the icy marble. “I’m here, Linnie. I’m here, my love.”

Closing my eyes, I wait for what is to come.

I feel the tender touch on my cheek, gentle but firm, and the warmth spreads throughout my body. Opening my eyes, I see her crouched beside me, more vivid than she’s been since her death. Her blue eyes are sparkling, her smile bright. The gladness that sweeps through me would have brought me to my knees if I were standing. Pushing myself up so I am sitting, I cradle her cheek. Solid, warm, so real.

“You’re as beautiful as you were on the day we wed,” I say. “And I’m so old and wrinkled.”

“No, you’re not. In my eyes, you never aged.”

I notice my hand then. The once gnarled and bent fingers are straight, the wrinkles absent. Only now do I notice that my aching bones no longer ache. I am as I’d once been.

Linnie arises and extends her hand. I place mine in it and shove myself to my feet. She begins to lead me away.

We’ve taken perhaps a dozen steps, when I stop. I can no longer stand it. I’ve waited more than thirty-five years. She looks up at me with questioning eyes. I draw her close and lower my lips to hers.

The sweetness of it, the warmth of her mouth opening to me nearly undoes me. Memories assail me of every kiss we’ve ever shared. She still tastes of oranges. Smells of them as well. I’ve always loved that about her, but then I’ve loved everything about her.

Pulling back slightly, I rest my forehead against hers. “How is this possible? You feel so real, so solid.”

“You’re with me now. Truly with me.”

I’ve known, of course, yet still I gaze over my shoulder to see my earthly form lying prone over her grave. No remorse, no regrets, no sadness touches me. I turn back to her. “I’ve missed you, Linnie.”

“I never left you, Marsden.”

“I know, but we weren’t together like this.”

She cradles my cheek. “You should have remarried. Long ago.”

Slowly I shake my head. “It was always you, Linnie. I know you worried about me being alone, but the years passed swiftly and I would wait through them all again for you. You alone bring me happiness.”

“And now we shall have an eternity of it,” she says softly.

Placing her hand in mine, we begin walking toward the copse of trees. Voices catch my attention and I glance back to see Killian and Tia, kneeling beside me.

“I shall miss our son and Tia. And the grandchildren.”

“We’ll check in on them from time to time. They’re going to have wonderful lives.”

I gaze down on her serene face. “How do you know? Another premonition?”

She smiles. “No, but you ensured they have a good foundation. You helped Killian learn to love. The residence is filled with warmth and joy again.”

“And ticking clocks. That will no doubt drive Killian mad.”

“At first perhaps, but he’ll grow accustomed to it.”

She is probably right. She tends to be right about everything. I don’t want to watch my children grieving especially as there is no reason for sadness. At long last, I am with the she-wolf I love.

“What awaits us now?” I ask.

“I don’t know, my love. I’ve been waiting for you before moving on. Shall we go exploring?”

Slipping my arm around her waist, I turn and begin escorting her toward the trees, toward eternity. Never again will we be apart.

“I love you, Linnie,” I whisper.

“As well you should, my Prince.”

Laughing, I gather her up in my arms, anxious to share with her the adventures that await us.

*****

Killian St. John, the seventh Alpha prince of his line, claimed not to believe in ghosts, spirits, or hauntings. So it was an odd thing indeed for a man such as he to arrange for an orchestra to play in the balcony of the empty ballroom through the night in near darkness every Christmas Eve. No matter how chilly the weather, the doors to the ballroom were left open.

It was rumored, that on occasion, if one looked very closely with an open heart, one would see the faint silhouette of a couple waltzing in the moonlight that poured in through the windows and if one listened very carefully one would hear the tinkling of laughter followed by whispered words of love.