As the smoke clears from my deadly battle with Taecyeon, Bang Chan falls.
"Bang Chan! No!"
He lies in my arms, the bloodied wolf's bane dagger buried deep in his side.
"It's okay. It's okay, I–"
As Bang Chan tries to sit up, he cries out in pain, curling in on himself as the agony of it burns his body. His charred skin sizzles beneath the blade, his screams brutal and deafening.
"Bang Chan...stay still, it's going to be okay. If you move, you'll only make it worse, and..."
He shakes his head, grimacing against his burning demise.
"And what? The outcome will be the same, won't it?"
"Don't talk like that."
He looks up at me, forcing a brave smile.
"Or what? You'll scold me?"
I laugh as my tears splash his bare chest.
"Always. Someone's got to put you in your place."
He seizes, clutching his side. Blood begins to leak out past the dagger, pouring between his fingers. I reach down and, with a forceful tug, tear a strip of fabric from my dress. I ball the fabric up and press it to his searing wound. But the fabric burns away as though touched by acid.
This isn't working. I don't know what to do.
"Bang Chan, tell me. You always have an answer. What do I do? How can I help you?"
He shakes his head, the pain too much for him to bear. He can't even speak. Helplessness begins to seep into me as I stare down at him. It wasn't so long ago that this situation was reversed and I was on the brink of death. My eyes widen in realization.
"Our bond."
He used our bond to help heal me. My fingers trail along his face, noticing the slickly sallow color of his skin. I close my eyes and focus on the bond. For just a moment, color rushes back to his cheeks, his eyes gaining more clarity. But then it's gone. I take Bang Chan's hand in mine.
"It's going to be okay, Bang Chan."
"(Y/N)..."
As his voice rasps out my name, I clutch his hands tighter, reaching into myself and finding my bond.
"Bang Chan, do you trust me?"
"With...with my life."
His voice comes out dry and weak. But it's enough.
"Thank you."
I close my eyes and press my forehead to his. I reach inside myself, pulling on our bond. I find it in the center of my heart, warm like an ember, ready to burn bright.
"I've got you"
I think of all the things I've shared with Bang Chan. The arguments, the laughs, the kisses in the dark. It all stakes the ember in my heart, until it grows hotter, brighter, and bursts forth. The warmth comes in waves, passing from my hand to his, each was upon the shore lapping away his pain. Bang Chan gasps, and the color returns to his face, the sweat drying.
"Whoa..."
He looks up at me with wonder in his eyes. He squeezes my hand, his voice clearer and stronger than before.
"(Y/N)...thank you."
I gasp in relief, stroking his cheek, so grateful for the brightness back in his sharp eyes. But his body still shakes. He looks down at his wounds with a grimace.
"This won't stop the bleeding, (Y/N). It won't stop the poison."
When his eyes catch mine again, there's grave clarity in him.
"I don't have a lot of time." he says with a sad smile.
"No...please don't leave me...I can't lose you. Not now."
"I'm sorry. I don't want to leave you."
Bang Chan looks up at me, his face pale and his brace smile weakening.
"It's okay, (Y/N). We did it. Just like you said. Taecyeon's defeated. The pack's united...it...it's finally over." He says trying to catch his breath.
"Bang Chan, your pack still needs you."
"No, they'll be okay. They have you."
I shake my head, not willing to believe this is real. But he cups my cheek with a cold, shaking hand.
"Bang Chan, don't like that. You–"
"(Y/N), please. Please let me say my peace."
His voice is getting softer now, even as he struggles against the coming dark. Tears begin to prick my eyes as I stare down into his pleading eyes.
"Please."
It takes all I have in me, but I manage a nod, and he smiles.
"The pack...they...they won't have a leader without me. They need someone to follow. Someone to help guide them."
"They need you, Bang Chan. Please hold on."
He shakes his head.
"Not an option anymore. Sorry. But you can do it. I know you can."
He smiles then, a brief light shining behind his eyes.
"Funny, the best thing I ever did...I did when I was a kid."
I fight through the tears, trying to keep my voice level as I respond.
"What do you mean?"
"Saving you. Helping you get away. It was the best thing I ever did..."
He closes his eyes then, drawing one last breath as he lets out his final words.
"I love you, (Y/N)..."
"I love you, too. Always."
His body goes still then, he links between the two of us fading, growing weaker, until finally, it vanishes. A grief like no other rips through my body, a pain so visceral, it threatens to kill me, too. I almost want it to. Shock courses through my body as I stare down at Bang Chan, lifeless and still in my arms. My eyes flick to the dagger, still lodged in his side, still burning him. Almost in a trance, I grip the hilt and, finally, tug it out of him.
"Gone. He's really gone."
And as the blood begins to flow freely from his side, so do the tears from my eyes.
"Bang Chan..."
Suddenly, a hand lands gently on my shoulder, and I glance back to see a familiar face.
"(Y/N)..."
"I.N? What are you doing here?"
"I followed my dads here. They told me to stay behind but...but I wanted to help."
"I.N, you shouldn't see this?"
"Bang Chan's hurt, isn't he?"
I can't find the words to respond. All I can do is nod. Just then, another hand lands on my shoulder, joining I.N in an act of gentle support.
"Felix?"
"Not just me, my friend."
Just then, I feel Changbin's hand land gently on my shoulder.
"We're all here for you, (Y/N)."
Another hand goes to my shoulder, then another, more and more members of my pack coming in to lend me their solidarity. It's not just my pack. The newly freed members of Taecyeon's pack quickly join in too, lending their hands to me, their support.
"Everyone...I already miss him..." I cry.
"I know. I know it hurts, (Y/N)." Han comforts me.
"We're here for you, no matter what." Lee Know adds.
"No matter what." I.N includes with a sad little smile.
Something stirs in my chest then...a feeling that's warm to the point of burning...almost as though a hundred flickering flames reach out to gently rekindle my heart...and it's only then that I feel it. I feel him.
"Bang Chan?"
Not Bang Chan, but the bond between us, flickering for just a moment like it wants to flame back to life. With dozens of hands at my back, pouring love into me, I feel something unspoken urge me forward. Following this deep, secret instinct, I lean forward and kiss Bang Chan, our lips brushing softly against his. Our bond surges then, the spark of life drawing from me to him, pulling him back to the land of the living. Taking his face in my hands, I lean down, pressing my lips hard against Bang Chan's. As I kiss him, my tears fall. Tears of sorrow and tears of joy, encompassing everything I've gone through with my Alpha. Then, with a gentle breath, I allow that same rekindled spark to pass from the pack, to me, to Bang Chan. The unmistakable warmth flows between us, and I feel the life force hum and surge. At first, nothing. Try as I might to bring him back, Bang Chan doesn't move. Then...
"(Y/N)..."
"B-Bang Chan?"
The small flame of our bond suddenly glows hot and bright like that first night in the dark. That first time we touched. Miraculously, almost unbelievably, Bang Chan's eyes flutter open.
"(Y/N)."
With a sob, I launch myself at him, practically knocking him over. But he laughs, pulling me close. His hands move up through my hair, pulling me in as he tightens his grip on me with renewed strength. When he pulls back, the expression on his face is somewhere between amazement and disbelief.
"You...you brought me back."
I brush my fingers through Bang Chan's hair, grateful for the color that has returned to his cheeks.
"Oh my God, Bang Chan...you scared me!" I gasp holding onto him.
"Now you know how I feel when you run off and get into trouble."
"Never ever try to even the score again, Okay?" I laugh through my tears and look away.
"You were stabbed with that dagger. You burned, you–you died."
My voice breaks. Bang Chan reaches over and brushes a lock of hair behind my ear.
"Hey. I'm here now."
He says finding my eyes with his.
"I feared for the worst."
"I did, too."
Bang Chan presses his forehead to mine, whispering only loud enough for me to hear.
"But I'm here. Thanks to you."
I open my mouth to respond, but no words come. Instead, Bang Chan pulls me close, catching my mouth in all-consuming kiss. The crowd of wolves erupt in cheers, but their happiness is practically drowned out. All that matters is Bang Chan. I melt against him, letting every ounce of me give in to the feeling of his lips, his hands...
"Thank you, You. Thank you for saving me."
"It was a miracle. And it wouldn't have been possible without the whole pack."
Bang Chan moves to stand, and I help him to his feet. As soon as he straightens, a hush falls over the crowd. For a long moment, no one moves. They just stare at their resurrected Alpha. Then, slowly, an elderly wolf from Taecyeon's pack lowers himself to his knee. Another wolf follows, and another. Like a gentle wave upon the sea, every wolf sinks down, bowing before Bang Chan.
"What's happening?" Bang Chan asks.
"I think they all respect you now." I tell him.
"Because I came back from the dead?"
"No."
I lower myself down, too, bowing before Bang Chan.
"Because you are a leader we can all trust. You always have been, Bang Chan. You're our Alpha."
Bang Chan doesn't hesitate. He reaches down and takes my chin, gently guiding me back to my feet.
"No. That's not what I want." he says.
"No? What do you want then?"
"You."
He takes my hand, meeting my gaze with a sudden intensity.
"I want you, (Y/N). I want to see you take your rightful place as Alpha of this pack by my side. It's your birthright. It's what you were meant to do."
"My birthright doesn't matter at all to me."
"No?"
"No, there are far more important things. Like you getting better, like–"
"Listen. What matters is this."
Bang Chan cups my cheek with his hand. It is streaked with blood but that doesn't matter to me. All that matters are his eyes. Those same sharp, steadfast eyes I felt on me when he came back into my life.
"I love you, (Y/N)."
"We all do." I.N says cheerfully.
I look at I.N, Han, Lee Know...hundreds of wolves look up at me with renewed hope in their eyes. Time feels like it's slowing down around me as what Bang Chan said begins to sink in. A pack to call my own. A pack to lead. A pack to call my family.
"I've been hanging onto this for some time now."
Bang Chan digs into his pocket and pulls out something that glints as it catches the light.
It's an antique ring, forged of silver and encrusted with two wolves.
"This was my mother's. I kept it after..."
Bang Chan's hand moves to the newly forming scar on his side, where the dagger plunged deep.
"(Y/N)...if you'll have me...I want you to have this." Bang Chan smiles.
"Bang Chan...I don't know what to say." I say gasping with a huge smile of happiness on my face.
"Say yes. To the ring...and to marrying me."
The world seems to shift on its axis at Bang Chan's words. I suddenly feel unsteady, my heart pounding. But Bang Chan pulls me back with a steady head at my neck, a soft smile on his lips.
"I've lost so many people in my life, (Y/N). And I've always been afraid that it would happen again. That's why I've been so protective of you. I think, deep down, I was afraid I'd lose you, too. But you stayed. We survived. We went through hell, and in the end, you were the one who saved me."
Bang Chan tugs me close, and my heart skips a beat.
"(Y/N), I want to ask you something. Something I've never asked anyone before."
He leans in, his lips practically brushing against mine as he speaks.
"Will you stay with me? Not as my mate, but as my equal?" he smiles.
"As your equal?"
"Yes. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. I want us to be free together. Two Alphas. One pack. One life together."
One life. With Bang Chan.
"Bang Chan...Yes, I will marry you."
Bang Chan's eyes light up. Through my renewed bond, I feel his heart race.
"Yes?" he gleams.
"Yes. I've spent my whole life alone. Running from violence and destruction. But you've given me a family. A purpose. Everything I've ever wanted. I want to stay with you, Bang Chan. Forever."
"My God. (Y/N)!!"
Bang Chan pulls me into a sweeping hug, lifting me in the air as he laughs through tears. My bond envelopes me like a warm flame, holding me gently as I lean into Bang Chan's tight embrace.
"Hey, careful! We just brought you back to life. You're fragile."
"Don't worry. After an answer like that, I'm fucking immortal."
Bang Chan kisses me then. A kiss of a lifetime, filled with all the love and compassion I've always craved.
"Welcome home, (Y/N)." Bang Chan says.
"Yes! Welcome home!"
I.N leaps forward, wrapping his arms around my leg. The rest of the pack beams.
"Always knew you had it in you, (Y/N)." Felix chuckles.
"We'll be stronger than ever with you at the helm." Changbin adds.
"Thank you, everyone. I promise you'll each have a home of your own."
"Really?" I.N asks.
"Yes. We'll rebuild all of this. Bigger. Better. You'll all have real homes. Please to grow families and make real memories."
The pack member's eyes grow wide. After a moment of stunned silence, they erupt in applause.
"Well, we better get to work. This place won't build itself."
"No it won't." I grin, threading my hand with Bang Chan's, looking out at my reforged pack.
The next few weeks are months of labor, as the entire pack comes together to build new homes. Light spills in over the trees on this perfect, cloudless day. I breathe in the fresh, floral air as I take in all the hard work. We finally made it. We're safe and strong.
"Hey, bride-to-be!"
Han and I.N walk up to me in their wedding finery, reminding me of what day it is.
"How are you doing? Are you excited to marry Alpha Bang Chan today?" I.N asks jumping around.
"You know what? I can hardly wait! Is it time yet? Can we head down the aisle?"
I say as I start walking but get stopped in my tracks.
"Almost! Patience, antsy pants." I laugh and ruffle I.N's hair.
"You've certainly earned this day." Han praises me.
"Thank you."
"Come on. Your dresses are almost ready to try on." Han grins.
"Dresses? Plural?"
Han winks and motions for me to follow him. He and I.N lead me to a room in the main house where Lee Know is hunched over a sewing machine muttering to himself.
"The hem...it's just not right..."
"Honey, the bride is here."
Lee Know leaps from his chair and spins around with his uniform scowl.
"I, uh, I was just–"
"Lee Know, did you make me a wedding dress?"
"He made you two."
"I couldn't make up my mind on the design!"
"Lee Know, you didn't have to do this."
"I know. After all you've done for us though...I wanted to."
"Thank you. Really."
I brush my hand over some of the soft white fabric.
"I got a dress the other day, you know. It's just a department store dress but still."
"I know. But a certain mate of yours had something else in mind."
Lee Know hands me one of the two dresses.
"He wanted to give you one from his mother, but it was lost in the fire. So, he asked me to make this one based on what he remembers."
"Go on, (Y/N). Pick one." I.N giggles.
"How can I pick?"
"You'll know when you try it on. It will feel like the dress you want to walk down the aisle in."
Down the aisle. Toward Bang Chan. That's all I can imagine doing at this moment. I grab both dresses and try them both on trying to see which one I want. As soon as I slip on a certain one. I know, it's the dress.
When I walk out in the stunning dress resembling Bang Chan's mother's dress, my friends' eyes fill with tears. It's a beautiful plain white mermaid dress with gold designs around the bottom hem and long train of the dress, along with the ends of the sleeves that sparkles in the light.
"Whoa." I.N gasps.
"Yeah. That's the one." Han says with wide eyes.
"You think so?"
"I've never seen a more beautiful bride. And I'm not just saying that because I made the dress."
Lee Know smirks.
"You flatter me."
"Lee Know's telling the truth."
I turn to Bang Chan leaning in the doorway, drinking in the image of me in my wedding dress.
"You are the most beautiful bride in history, (Y/N)." he says, running his eyes all over me.
"Thank you. You were the one who had it made for me."
"Yeah, but I never imagined it would look quite like this."
He saunters into the room, every beautiful inch of him accentuated by his crisp suit. Lee Know and Han exchange a look.
"We'd better go find our seats."
"Yes, it's almost time."
They scoop up I.N and hurry from the room, closing the door behind them.
"You know, it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
"I'll take my chances."
"You're breaking the rules, Alpha."
"Well, I've never been one for rules."
Bang Chan wraps his arms around me and pulls me close.
"You really do look stunning, (Y/N). I can't take my eyes off of you."
I wrap my arms around Bang Chan's brood neck and arch my back against him.
"Careful. I'm wearing virgin white."
"Something tells me that ship has already sailed."
Bang Chan licks a slow path up my neck, his hands lifting my skirt higher and higher.
"Not so fast. You have to make an honest mate of me first."
Bang Chan growls. His teeth graze the sensitive dip of my collarbone...but he drops my skirt.
"Okay. But mark my words. I'm going to claim you later." he smirks.
"Hm...we'll see about that."
"Yes. We will see."
Bang Chan gives me one last wink and jobs out of the room. I give him a five-minute head start before heading out myself. The sun is just about to set over the sparkling mountainside where my pack awaits me. Thrumming music swells, and I walk down the aisle. Waiting for me at the very end is Bang Chan. His sharp, golden eyes glint as he grins, reflecting the light of the setting sun as I reach him.
"I know we've already done this once, but I prepared new vows for you, (Y/N)."
Bang Chan takes my hand in his, meets my gaze, and then begins to speak.
"You know, you spend your whole life waiting for this moment, and when it comes, it's hard to find the words. How can you summarize a lifetime together? A bond this deep? Doing it in just a few words seems impossible. Maybe it's better to talk about the beginning, the parts you were there for but that have been ripped away."
He smiles then, for a moment losing himself in memory.
"You might not believe in this now, but when we were kids, I wanted to be just like you. You were so effortlessly brave, so compassionate, so wonderful in every way. Part of me was afraid that you'd lose those qualities living among the humans, but if anything, you've grown. There's nobody like you, (Y/N). Nobody could ever hope to come close."
His thumb brushes over the back of my palm.
"I'm just the lucky man that gets to spend the rest of his life by your side."
"Bang Chan...you really man all that?"
"You should know by now, I don't say anything I don't believe in."
"Now, it's my turn. Bang Chan, the two of us have something rare, something unique that transcends everything else. Not just our bond. That's a beautiful and wonderful thing, but that's not the reason I'm marrying you today. What we have is love. A real love. The kind that transcends anything, that allows two people to overcome any obstacle. For a long time, I didn't really believe a love like this was possible."
Bang Chan's eyes shine at my words.
"But you've shown me that anything is possible, and that no matter what, neither of us will be alone again. I will love you to the end of my days, and I promise to make every moment until then incredible."
Bang Chan leans in and kisses me then. A kiss so deep and tender that it makes me feel like we're floating. I'm about to say more when suddenly the beating of a drum sounds through the clearing. Our pack begins to gather around. Some of them whisper excitedly amongst themselves, just quiet enough that I can only make out two words: The Hunt.
"We're hunting something? Hunting what?" I ask.
"You will be the only one hunting tonight, my bride."
He takes a few steps back, towards the cliff's edge.
"You're hunting me. I'm your prize. A little wolf tradition. If you're able to find me before the sun sets, you may claim your prize within the forest."
"Claim? You mean...?"
His smile is full of sin.
"If you want me, you've got to prove it."
"Well...you'd better start running then." He smirks.
"You may regret giving me a head start."
And with that, Bang Chan runs to the cliff's edge, diving over the side and vaulting into the forest below. At once, the pack around me lets out a chorus of howls, urging me forward to complete the ceremony. Tying up my skirt, I rush forward, letting the chants of the pack fuel me as I vault over the edge. I land deftly in the forest, on Bang Chan's trail almost immediately. I reach deep within myself, looking not for Bang Chan specifically, but merely the lingering pull of the bond that connects me. The pull is strong and immediate, like a rope of flame urging me forward. In another second, I'm on him. I race through the forest, hot on his heel.
"You should know by now, you can't get away from me."
"You may have found me, but catching me is a different story."
As we come upon a glittering waterfall, Bang Chan shifts rapidly, transforming into a wolf as he bounds through the water.
"Two can play at that game."
I do the same, shifting and tearing through the waterfall after him. Behind the waterfall, I find myself in a secret oasis. A cavern paved with soft moss. Bang Chan smirks. I have to play this just right if I'm going to catch him. Rather than charging forward, I dart up, scaling the cave in record time. I dart swiftly from rock to rock, closing in until I'm right above him. Then, in one fell swoop, I launch downward, perfectly trapping him beneath me.
"Woah!"
"Too easy."
I pin Bang Chan to the ground, even as the two of us shift back.
"Guess you caught me."
"Was there ever any doubt?"
"No. Not really."
His smile turns seductive, digging his hands through my hair as the waterfall flecks his mouth with dew.
"It's time to claim my prize, (Y/N)."
Bang Chan moves beneath me, the small shift enough to slide his length against the space between my thighs.
"The waterfall is loud. But I bet we can be louder." I smirk seductively.
"Challenge accepted."
I give Bang Chan a naughty smile, and he grins. In a flash, he flips me and pins my hands up above my head. I buck him as he takes me into his mouth, pinching and flicking my nipple with his tongue.
"Mmm."
He moans as he sinks down out of sight. He urges my thighs apart with his hands.
"Open for me, (Y/N)."
Breathing hard, I part my legs. Bang Chan slides his hands slowly up my inner thigh, higher and higher. He kisses me right below my center, throbbing with desire. He parts me with his fingers, exposing my clit to him.
"Let me hear that voice of yours."
Bang Chan presses his thumb to my clit, and I gasp. He slips it back and forth, torturing me until I cry out. Then, he takes me into his mouth, sucking my aching clit until my fingers curl in his hair.
"That's it. That's my girl."
He flicks my clit with his tongue, back and forth until a wave of desire swells up within me.
"Oh, God. Bang Chan, please!"
He straightens and lifts me up. I wrap my legs around his hips and feel his stiff cock tease my entrance.
"Are you ready for me, mate?"
"Yes."
He cups my ass and squeezes. I gasp and raise my hips. Then, Bang Chan slowly lowers me onto his mind-blowing length. I lean back, lost in the feeling of his rippling shaft penetrating deeper and deeper. Finally, his hips meet mine. Holding himself deep within me, he walks me to the spray of the waterfall. The cold water tickles my flaming skin.
"Hold on tight, beautiful."
I grip Bang Chan's shoulders hard as he thrusts. With each bone-melting movement, I slip under the waterfall. I swear in ecstasy.
"That's it. Claim your prize."
I look up at Bang Chan, and he nips my bottom lip, driving deep into me. I lean back, trusting Bang Chan wholeheartedly. My hair skims the sheet of the water as he takes me slow, deliberate thrusts. As he picks up speed, our relationship flashes before my eyes. Every intense, heart-wrenching, beautiful moment.
"God, you're amazing."
Bang Chan's breathing grows ragged. He pulls me close as pleasure and devotion rise like a fire within me. I scream over the waterfall. He kisses me as shuddering orgasm travels from his body into mine. I clutch him, with no intention of ever letting go.
"Damn. You always give me a run for my money, don't you?"
"It's what you love about me."
We both laugh and nuzzle into each other's arms before finally getting up and finding our clothes in the woods.
"We should probably get back to the party."
"Wait."
Bang Chan turns to me in the moonlight, his eyebrow raises.
"What is it?"
I bite my lip, turning the skirt of my wedding dress over in my hand. I have something to tell him. Something I've known about for about a week now. I place my hand over my stomach.
"Bang Chan...how would you feel about being a father?" I ask nervously.
"How would I feel? I mean, I would love it."
"You would?"
Bang Chan looks at me more closely now, taking a step toward me.
"What are you saying?"
"Well...I'm saying..."
I move my hand over my stomach, my new wedding ring catching the dim forested light.
"I'm saying we're pregnant, Bang Chan."
Bang Chan goes perfectly still, his sharp jaw hanging open at my words.
"Y-you're–"
He was shocked to where he couldn't speak.
"Pregnant. Yeah. Are you...upset?"
"Upset? Are you kidding?"
Bang Chan takes another slow step toward me, closing the gap. Then, he sinks to his knees and kisses my stomach with an elated, breathless laugh.
"I've never been happier in my life."
"Really?"
Bang Chan rises to his feet, sweeping me into a kiss that makes my feet leave the ground.
"Really, (Y/N). You've brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible."
Nine months fly by at Bang Chan's side and the big day finally arrives. Bang Chan carries me into the room I plan to deliver in.
"What do you need? Water? A sponge? I mean, a sponge with warm water? I can get Lee Know to–"
"Bang Chan."
He turns to me, his eyes wide and worried.
"What is it? What can I get you?" still worried.
"You can give me three deep breaths." I giggle.
"Me? Isn't the breathing your job? God, I should get some meditative music or some ice or–"
"Please leave the worrying to me, Alpha."
Yeonwoo walks in with a confident smile, ready to serve as my midwife. She puts a hand on my shoulder.
"How are you doing, (Y/N)." She asks calmly.
"Honestly? I'm ready to go." I say with a big smile.
"That's great. Let's get ready to meet your little one."
"Our little one."
Bang Chan suddenly calms, and strokes my hair with a loving smile.
"I can't wait."
Suddenly, a wave of labor pain washes over me. I gasp, and Bang Chan takes my hand.
"It might be better if we do this alone, Bang Chan." Yeonwoo giggles.
"What?"
"It's up to you both, but sometimes it's easier if it's just women in the room." Yeonwoo smiles at us.
"No. No, I'm staying."
Bang Chan squeezes my hand, the conviction in his eyes as hard as steel.
"I'm staying with you, (Y/N)."
"Yes, please stay and hold my hand. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Bang Chan lets out a sigh of relief, and he takes my hand in his.
"Thank you, (Y/N)."
Bang Chan brings my hand to his lips and kisses it. A tingling warmth spreads beneath his touch.
"I love you."
I open my mouth to say I love him, too, but a strong contraction steals my words away. I double over and moan.
"That's our cue, (Y/N). Deep breaths. Here we go."
The labor is long and hard, but Bang Chan anchors me through it all.
"I've got you. I'm right here."
He holds my hand, wipes my brow, kisses the tears away from my eyes.
"One last push, my love. We're almost there."
My body is sapped of energy and I can barely keep my eyes open. But Bang Chan's words give me the strength I need.
"I've got you. Come on. One more."
I grit my teeth and push one more time, harder than ever before. Something gives way and I collapse back onto the bed, exhausted. Then, I hear it. The first cries of my baby.
"Oh my God, (Y/N), you did it." Bang Chan cheers.
"Congratulations. You have a lovely baby girl."
Yeonwoo hands Bang Chan a tiny bundle and his eyes sparkle with happy tears.
"She looks exactly like you, (Y/N). She's so beautiful."
He bends down and lays my soft, pink baby on my chest. Her tiny fists clutch my hair and she coos.
"Meet your mommy, my little girl. She is the bravest, toughest Alpha ever."
Bang Chan beams at me, tears rolling down his face.
"And she has the biggest heart."
Tears fall from my eyes and I kiss my baby's warm, velvet soft hand. She gurgles and hiccups.
"Do you have a name?"
"Yes. Her name is Alaysia." I say with joy.
"Welcome to the world, Alaysia."
Alaysia yawns and nuzzles me. Bang Chan caresses her cheek.
"Look what we made." he says with such happiness.
"She's the first baby born of true mates in at least 200 years." Yeonwoo informs.
"Really?" I ask.
"Yes. She's extraordinary."
"She doesn't need a legacy to be extraordinary."
Bang Chan strokes my hair, tipping my chin up to meet his sharp, lupin eyes. He smiles.
"After all, you didn't need a legacy to be extraordinary either, (Y/N)."
With our baby nestled softly between us, I kiss my Alpha, my true mate. He claimed my heart. And I claimed his.
Several years later…
When my mother and father aren't looking, I scamper off into the forest by myself. The trees, old and large, familiar like home, invite me off the path and into their greenery. I keep my eyes upward, looking for the bright blue bird that caught my eye. It's blue like Mama's eyes when they glow. I want to show her and Papa. My feet carry me through the woods, deft and nimble as I move about. In the distance, I can hear my mother call my name.
"Alaysia!"
"Alaysia. That's a pretty name."
Out of the shadows, a man emerges with a smile on his face.
"Who are you?"
The man's smile grows larger, wider, sending an unfamiliar shiver of unease down my spine.
"Let's just say I'm an old friend of your mother's."
END?