Epilogue

~One Year Later~

RYDER

I stood proudly outside the new distillery. I looked up at the sign with a smile, watching as pack members rolled a few empty barrels inside.

“Ready?” Adara asked as she walked up to me.

“Ready,” I smiled, placing a hand on the small of her back.

We walked inside as the pack gathered. We walked up to the middle of the staircase and I looked out over the crowd with pride.

“Black Trail Pack, we have come a long way in the last year. Through trials and struggles and almost a war, we made it out.

“We stand here today at the grand opening of Black Trail Whiskey. You have all worked hard over the last year and I am proud of what we have accomplished.”

I motioned to a couple of workers who tapped a barrel. “This is the first barrel we ever made, and I feel it’s only fitting to share it with all of you now. Congratulations, Black Trail.”

We all raised a glass and toasted to the future. I looked down at Adara, her eyes bright as she smiled up at me. We walked down the steps and joined the crowd.

“Congratulations, Alpha,” Mason smiled as he walked up to us, holding Kendra’s hand.

“Thank you, Mason,” I smiled, shaking his hand.

He turned to Adara with a twinkle in his eye. “How’s my girl?”

Adara looked down, rubbing her swollen belly. “Feeling a bit like a whale,” she muttered.

I kissed her head. “Nonsense. You look beautiful.”

Adara nudged me before waddling off to talk with members of the pack.

“When is she due again?” Kendra asked, looking at her daughter sideways.

“Two days ago . . . “ I mumbled.

“Yikes,” Mason said, scrunching his nose.

I nodded. “She’s not too happy.”

Kendra laughed. “It means your pup is a stubborn one. Adara was a week late.”

I gave a tight smile. “So that’s where it came from . . . “

I patted Mason’s shoulder before walking off to stand next to my mate. I placed a hand on her back. “Are you ready to head back?”

She nodded. “Yes, my feet are killing me.”

I smirked. “Maybe if you ask nicely, I’ll rub them for you.”

Adara laughed. “You’re going to rub them anyway.

I frowned, knowing she was right. I was powerless against her.

***

“Ryder . . .” Adara mumbled.

I rolled over, groaning. “What time is it?”

She huffed. “It’s two thirty . . . Ryder . . . Mmmmmmmmmm . . .”

I shot up in bed. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

She nodded her head, her eyes still closed. “It was just a contraction. I think I’ve gone into labor . . .”

I jumped out of bed. “Okay. Let me grab your bag, and your shoes and we’ll head down to the clinic.”

Adara chuckled. “Nevermind my shoes . . . Put on some pants.”

I looked down, laughing as I realized I was only wearing boxers. I got dressed quickly and we headed out the door slowly, having to stop every time a contraction hit.

After a few hours and several pushes, we held our beautiful boy. Adara held him close as he cuddled up to her chest.

I pushed the hair that was sticking to the sweat on her forehead away from her face, kissing her softly.

“He’s amazing, Adara. You’re amazing . . .”

She smiled up at me before looking back down at him. “He’s perfect, our little Colton.”

She handed him to me, resting for a moment as I cradled him in my arms.

“Hi there, little man,” I whispered, realizing this moment was the best one by far.

~The End~