Page 42 of Howling Holidays

"Logan, you were just a child. And now, as an adult, you've devoted your life to protecting Everwood and your pack. That's an incredible way to honor their memory," she says earnestly, her hand still holding mine.

I look into her eyes, seeing the sincerity and understanding that fills them, and feel a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the fire. Emily is right – I can't change the past, but I can make sure that my parents' sacrifices aren't in vain by continuing to fight for the safety and unity of our town.

"Thank you, Emily," I whisper, squeezing her hand in gratitude. "You have no idea how much it means to me to be able to share this with you."

"Thank you for sharing that with me, Logan," she whispers, her voice full of warmth and gratitude. "You've been through so much, but you've come out stronger than ever. And now you've freed not only your pack but also the rogue shifter from their suffering."

I nod, feeling a sense of peace wash over me as I realize that my actions have truly made a difference – not only for my pack and the town but also for the countless generations to come.

“Something the rogue shifter said has stuck with me though,” I continue.

“What is it?” Emily replies curiously.

“The only way to prevent evil from happening again is to maintain unity among the shifters, witches, and townspeople. Separation only tears us apart.”

"Unity," Emily whispers, tracing patterns on the soft rug beneath us with my fingertips. "That's what the curse was trying to teach us all along, wasn't it? To come together and protect each other, despite our differences."

“Exactly," I murmur, my hand finding hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We can't let fear and prejudice divide us. We all have a part to play in keeping Everwood safe and united. And that’s what I want to do here. Lead the way for unity with all the town factions. I know there are still some lingering doubts among the townsfolk but I’m hoping in time we can prove to be worthy of their trust. Especially with you by my side.”

“I like that idea very much,” she returns with a smile. “You’re a brave and kind leader, Logan. I’m honored to be by your side and support you. So how do we go about maintaining unity?”

"Maybe it starts with being open and honest about who we are, and what we can bring to the table," I suggest, feeling a surge of hope for the future of our town. "Together, we can be stronger than any threat that comes our way."

"Exactly," Emily smiles, her eyes alight with excitement. "And I can't wait to be a part of that, Logan. To help make Everwood a better place, alongside you." She pauses, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I've decided I'm going to move to Everwood. I want to be here, with you."

“Wait, really?” I had hoped Emily would choose to stay here with me, but still, she has a whole life back in Boston. I can’t just ask her to abandon it no matter how much I want her to. My heart swells at her words, the bond between us growing stronger by the second. I can't believe my luck, that this incredible, brave woman is not only my fated mate but has also chosen to be here with me despite all the challenges we’ve faced.

“Yes, really. I mean my grandmother left me her house, and I feel like I was led here to you for this reason. To break the curse, bring unity to the town, and find love.” She replies with a smile.

“Won’t you miss your life back in Boston though?” I ask out of concern.

“I love my job and I will miss that, but I can find something like it here in Everwood. I was thinking I could work for the town newspaper or the library maybe? Besides that, I have a few friends, but life is nothing like here in Everwood. I feel truly at home here, like I’ve finally found where I belong. For once, I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

I wrap my arm around Emily and pull her close to me.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am you’re staying,” I say planting a kiss on her forehead. “Of course I hoped you would, but still. I’m thankful to have you by my side.”

“I’m thankful to be here. Logan, your heart is so big," she says, nuzzling in closer to me. "You've shouldered so much responsibility, and yet you still have room to care for everyone. I want to be here to help you."

"Emily," I reply, my eyes searching hers with a tenderness that stirs something deep within me. "You've shown me that I don't have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders alone. Together, we can make a difference. And together, we'll ensure that Everwood remains a place of love and unity."

Our gazes lock, and in that moment, I know that we are bound by more than just fate or destiny. We are bound by a shared purpose, a common goal to protect and nurture the town and its inhabitants.

"From now on," I vow, my heart swelling with determination, "we'll stand united – for Everwood, for our friends and family, and for each other."

As we sit there by the fire, our hands entwined, I realize that maybe, for the first time in years, I can finally start to find some peace and closure. With Emily by my side and the curse broken, the weight of the past seems just a little bit lighter, and the future suddenly appears brighter and full of promise.

"Promise me something, Logan," she murmurs softly, her eyes locked onto mine.

"Anything."

"Promise me that this is just the beginning for us."

"Emily," I vow, my heart swelling with love and gratitude, "I promise you that now and forever, we are bound by a love that can never be broken. No matter where life takes us, I will always be by your side."

As I speak those words, the world around us seems to fade away, leaving only Emily and me, our hearts beating as one. In her eyes, I see the depth of our connection – a bond forged in love and strengthened by adversity. And as we sit here, wrapped in each other's arms in front of the cozy firelight, I know without a doubt that together, we can conquer anything life throws our way.

Our lips meet in a searing kiss, full of passion and intensity. We cling to one another, our bodies pressed tightly together as the fire's warmth envelopes us. The world around us seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us and the undeniable connection that pulls us together.

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