“Yes, baby. He’s your daddy,” I say softly, brushing her hair back. “And he loves you very much.”

Penny blinks, processing the information before a smile breaks across her face. “My daddy!” she squeals, and she reaches her little arms out for Damien.

Damien’s breath catches in his throat, and I can see the tears welling up in his eyes as he kneels down in front of her. “Hey, kiddo. I’m your daddy.”

Penny giggles and throws her arms around his neck, and Damien pulls her close, holding her like she’s the most precious thing in the world. And in that moment, I know everything will be okay.

We’re a family now.

And nothing will ever change that.

Epilogue - Damien

Six months later, and I’m still trying to get used to how different everything feels. And how everything feels right at the same time. It’s hard to believe that after all the chaos, after all the demons and battles, we finally have some peace. Even if it’s just temporary.

Jade’s standing across the room, talking to Alec and a few others from the East Hills pack. Her eyes are bright with laughter as she tosses her brown hair over her shoulder. The sight of her, looking so vibrant and alive, still hits me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. She’s been through hell, but here she is, standing tall and confident.

Catching me staring, she raises an eyebrow and gives me that look. The one that says, “Are you going to come over here and join the conversation or just keep ogling me from across the room?”

I smirk and lift my beer in a mock toast before taking a swig. Alec’s official alpha ceremony is in full swing, and the packs are celebrating like there’s no tomorrow. It’s well-deserved. The guy’s been holding things together for them since Patrick’s death, and now, with him officially stepping into the role, East Hills is finally finding its feet again.

“Looking at her like that’s going to get you in trouble, you know,” Alec’s voice rumbles next to me, startling me out of my thoughts.

I glance at him, shrugging. “Trouble’s part of the package.”

Alec chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re not wrong about that.”

The party is loud and crowded, but it’s not the kind of chaos that makes your skin crawl. It’s the good kind—shifters laughing, sharing drinks, kids running around underfoot. The tension that’s been hanging over us for months has finally lifted, even if Jade is convinced this quiet won’t last.

She’s probably right.

There’s something different about her, though. Not in a bad way, just… different. She’s not the same woman I grew up with. Hell, she’s not even the same woman I fell in love with months ago. The battles, the demons, the magic—they’ve all shaped her into someone stronger and more resilient. But there’s a softness to her, too. One that wasn’t there before.

Her powers are still in flux. I know it bothers her, even if she won’t admit it outright. She’s getting some of them back, piece by piece, like puzzle pieces slowly falling into place, but she’s not sure how much of her magic is coming back—or if all of it ever will.

She’s come to terms with it, though, or at least she’s trying to. She’s been using her healing powers more—small things, like mending cuts and bruises—plus her psychic abilities to keep an eye out for danger.

I can’t blame her for being cautious. There hasn’t been any sign of more demons since that night, but Jade’s convinced there’s more coming. She’s sure there’s a portal out there somewhere, just waiting to let hell loose again. And knowing her? She’s not going to stop until she finds it.

Alec’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “She’s doing better, huh?”

I follow his gaze to where Jade’s now teasing Leah about something. “Yeah. She’s strong.”

“Stronger than any of us realized,” Alec says quietly. He’s got that big-brother protective look on his face, the one he wears when he’s thinking too hard about Jade’s well-being. Can’t say I blame him. She’s been through enough for ten lifetimes, and she’s still standing.

“She always was,” I reply. “We just had to let her show it.”

Alec grunts, but there’s a hint of pride in his expression. “I’m glad she has you.”

That hits differently, and I glance over at him, surprised. Alec’s not usually one to hand out compliments, especially when it comes to me and his sister.

Before I can say anything, though, Jade’s voice rings out. “What are you two whispering about over there? Planning some secret alpha business?”

I grin, leaning back against the wall as she saunters over. “Nothing you need to worry about, witch.”

She rolls her eyes and steps up next to me, slipping her arm around my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It is now. Six months ago, I would’ve second-guessed every touch, every move. But now? We’re in sync. We’ve found a rhythm, even if the world around us is still unpredictable.

“Secret alpha business it is, then, huh?” she teases, looking between Alec and me.