Page 35 of Forced Wolf Bride

Epilogue - Quinn

"Quinn!" I turn as I hear Saffy calling my name excitedly. I wave with my free hand as she approaches, adjusting the bundle in my arms.

"You made it," I greet her with a smile. She immediately leans down to coo over my five-month-old daughter, Savannah.

"Oh my goodness, just look at you!" Saffy chatters to Savannah, who beams back at my friend, her blond curls bouncing in the breeze.

Saffy finally looks up at me apologetically. "Sorry, I'm late. I had to wait for the cakes to be delivered. Thank god I got Zack to give me a lift in, or I'd never have been able to carry them all. Look at this place!"

She gestures to the brand-new pavilion Diego has built at the sports ground. It's a large, intricately carved wood and steel structure big enough to hold events like this community fair. It will also be a hub for the newly launched pack tournaments later in the spring. At the moment, it's decked in beautiful early autumn flowers and lanterns. The arena is packed with stalls, food stands, and a square for musicians and dancing.

"Where is Zack? I think Diego was looking for him," I say, handing Savannah to Saffy as I can tell they're both desperate for a cuddle. My daughter is the happiest baby and seems to love everyone. Saffy beams as she bounces Savannah, making her shriek with laughter.

"He took the cakes over to the stand," she says, gesturing to her right. "Over there."

We both turn to see Zack stacking the cake boxes and talking to someone. "Who's that?" I ask, watching a woman with long blond hair take one of the boxes from him.

"Oh, that's Tanya. She's one of the tech teachers at the new Colton College. She's really nice.”

"From Silverstar pack?" I ask as we watch Zack laughing at something Tanya’s said. Zack never stands around laughing, so Saffy and I exchange a knowing smirk.

"Sort of," Saffy says conspiratorially. "Apparently, her parents were banished years ago when she was a pup. She's just moved back because of the college. It's all a bit awkward, but she's so nice."

My eyes widen. "Goodness, that is a bit weird. You've met her, then?"

Saffy nods. "I've signed up for her class. I've always loved tech, and I'm good at it. Time to do something more than work at the store."

I embrace her. "This is amazing, Saffy," I say sincerely. "It's so perfect for you."

And it really is. Having known Saffy for a while now, it's clear she's meant for more than working in the store. She just needs to come out of her shell a bit.

I look at Zack talking to the newcomer. Perhaps he's even talking to her about Saffy. It's clear he only wants the best for his sister.

There's a sudden influx of more people into the pavilion, and I see Gina, Lucca, and their daughter Rose making their way through the crowd.

"This place is incredible," Lucca says as we all greet each other. "Did Diego tell you we're putting in a team for the tournament? I can't wait."

Gina rolls her eyes and laughs. "They've already started training. It's all they're talking about at the moment."

Lucca is clearly enthusiastic about the thought of inter-pack competition, and I sympathize with Gina. Diego is full of plans for next year's sporting calendar. Both packs have gone a bit sports-mad. I won't complain, though. It's a far cry from how things were between the packs last year.

I'm pulled from my thoughts by the loudspeaker. I'd been looking for Diego, and now I see him standing on the main stage.

"Everyone, thank you for coming," he begins to a whoop of cheers from the crowd. "Especially all those who came early to set up, and my beautiful mate Quinn, who's headed up this whole fair."

I blush as everyone around me starts clapping. I'm not used to the attention, but Savannah, who's back in my arms, seems to lap up the fuss and begins clapping adorably. My heart is full of emotion as I look around at all I have now.

On the stage, Diego adds, "Though Quinn doesn't actually know about all the arrangements."

I look up in confusion and see him staring right at me, his face a picture of mischief. I look at Gina and Saffy, and they both look conspiratorially at each other. I'm so confused.

"It occurred to me that you didn't get the welcome to this pack you deserve." Someone in the crowd heckles Diego good-naturedly, and he laughs. "Okay, okay, that's an understatement. So, it's time I put that right. Can you come up here, Quinn?"

Suddenly, Gina pulls out a beautiful bouquet of flowers while Saffy carefully places an autumnal flower crown on my head. "What on earth is going on?" I ask with a laugh.

Gina opens her arms for Savannah, and I hand her over just before she hands me the bouquet. "Oh, you’re just getting all the lovely fuss you deserve." She shoos me toward the stage.

I pass through the smiling faces until I reach the steps, and Diego leans down to help me up. Once there, I realize he's also invited one of the high witches onto the stage.

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