EPILOGUE

"Hey Dana, wake up," a voice whispered in my ear. I frowned. "We're here."

Finally.

Yesterday we slept in the woods and today we walked all day and night until I was so tired that Astor had to carry me.

The footsteps below me slowed.

My head was on his shoulder and I lifted it to see where we were. We were still surrounded by the autumn forest. My wolf pricked up her ears. Familiar smells surrounded us.

I gently placed my fingers on Astor's shoulders and he untied his hands from my thighs. We had left Edgar far behind. I slipped back onto the forest floor and took a few steps.

My eyes widened.

I was at home.

The western forest stretched out before us in all its glory. Without hesitation I started to run.

"Mama, Papa!" I called, disturbing the animals' morning rest, but I didn't care. "Mama, Papa!"

My voice echoed through the forest.

Not a minute later, the wooden house that had been my home for so many years came into view. My heart was pounding excitedly in my chest. The door swung open and a wave of relief washed through my body.

There they stood.

"Dana!"

They ran towards me and I towards them. We met in the middle and I disappeared into her embrace. Her smells surrounded me like I was a child again. I closed my eyes as my wolf curled up contentedly.

"Where have you been? We were so worried! What kind of track are you wearing."

Their questions stopped when they noticed the wolf behind me. My cheeks flushed as I stepped out of her embrace. I stood next to him and he put a hand on my waist.

"This is Astor, my mate," I said proudly. I watched as my mother's eyes shone brighter than the stars at night. Father looked rather reserved.

"I'm very happy," Astor replied, hugging me closer.

"Welcome, welcome. We better go in. I think there's a lot to tell," said Mom, pulling Dad back into the house.

Astor turned me to face him and I stared at him. Our bodies were pressed tightly together, sharing the warmth.

"Thank you, thank you for everything you've done for me," I said.

"I have to thank you. You reminded me of some things I thought I had almost forgotten," he replied, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

He leaned down to me and we shared a deep kiss.

And I was sure of one thing:

Everything would be fine with Astor...