Rejecting, Your Broken Promises
Chapter 136: Epilogue

Gabi’s POV

B***d Rose pack

My newest grandbaby is coming, and I have been so excited about it since I was told. We got to go see Sloan while the rest of my grandbabies were at breakfast, so we could check on her and make sure that she was OK. She is calm and Dawson is right there with her. So, we will keep the babies away from the hospital until it is time to bring them to see their new baby brother. I know that Tanner and I cannot wait to get to see him, and I already called and told Robinson so he could let everyone there know. They will be here around 3, as the baby should be showing up around that time. That way the kids can all play and get some energy out. That way they will be calm when they get to see their new brother. Plus, I already know what the baby’s name will be and I wanted to make sure that Gerald was going to be here, as I also wanted to be there when he heard the baby’s name.

Gerald and Sloan’s relationship has grown over the last 6 years, and they are solid. He loves Sloan, and she looked like his mother, and after years of them spending time together, it is like none of the abandonment issues that she had are there anymore. He did not know what all she had been going through, and as soon as he did, he dealt with it, and quickly. The warriors involved with Brandi had all been dealt with, and the worst of them were killed by Gerald after being questioned. He never involved Sloan in that, he never wanted to put more pain and pressure on her by having her describe who they were or try to get their names from her. He did it the hard way and interviewed all the warriors at Golden Moon. It took over a week, and then he took care of it.

He knew that it would be hard enough for her to come back to his pack anyway, without wondering if she would literally run into one of the tormentors while she was there. She is not defenseless now, but that kind of trauma can prevent you from functioning properly when you see an abuser approach. I am glad that he dealt with them all. Sloan has been able to go back several times, and she has no issues with going back to Golden Moon now. I remember just how bad the first few times were, as they were so very hard on her. It took years for her to get past what she had been forced to suffer. She went there the first time on a day trip, about a month after their twins were born. She wanted to be able to go there and feel comfortable and safe before the pups could tell that she was having a problem by just being there. She doesn’t want them to ever know what happened to her. The children all think that Dara is their grandmother, and she is. No one is going to be mentioning Meghan to them. The way she hated witches and with four of them being witches, or hybrids, would be a tough conversation. It is best left until they get older if they really wanted to know.

While we were at the park, Tanner and I got a mindlink that our family from Ever Green had arrived at the gate. I called out to the children that their cousins were arriving for them to come with us to greet them. The older kids walked ahead of us, but Tanner carried Athena and Atlas in his arms, as they tended to dart out still. They are eighteen months old, and they need to learn to be safe, They are super quick, and we can’t take any chances with them. Vincent held my hand as we walked to the front of the packhouse to greet them. Magnus and Sera got there first and were almost bouncing in excitement to see their cousins. Their birthdays are two days apart, Peyton had the babies on September 19th, and Sloan gave birth on the 21st. We were still at Ever Green when it happened, as it was a surprise to everyone. The children are as close as siblings because of it though, and they really love each other. The SUVs rolled to a stop and I could hear Sebastian and Elise begging to be let out the second the vehicle was put into park, from inside the SUV.

I could hear both Von and Heath telling them to calm down, they would be free in one minute, and to have patience, but with Magnus and Sera bouncing around outside the SUV, Sebastian and Elise were anything but patient. Once Von got out of the back seat Sebastian and Elise jumped out behind her and ran to hug their cousins. I hugged Heath and then Von, with Tanner then passing off Athena who insisted on going to Heath, and Atlas off to Von. My parents came over at least 4 times a month for an overnight stay, but Sloan and Dawson’s youngest could not get enough of them. Both toddlers immediately snuggled into their great-grandparent’s arms with a sigh.

Percy and Peyton walked up with smiles and hugs were exchanged now that Tanner’s arms were free. I feel a tug on my jeans and see Kevin standing there with his arms up, patiently waiting on me to pick him up. We go to Ever Green a few times a month too, as Dawson is the Alpha here now, and we are free to travel. DeAnna is doing the same thing to Tanner, and he picked her up with a big grin. She is Peyton made over and looks like a living doll. They snuggle into us as we head back over to the park as the bigger kids had already run off in that direction with the warriors following them there. Once we got to the park Percy told them that they were off duty until they headed back in two days, and the men took off. The warriors were all unmated and were hoping to find their mates here at B***d Rose.

A few minutes later Vincent, Beth, Moira, Dominic, and his mate Juliana showed up at the park. They had come from their house, and they usually just entered and exited from their coven to our pack that way. A few of the pack members were nervous about witches just popping up in front of them and arriving in our pack, so they just enter and leave our pack using the house for cover. Dawson had built the 7-room home for them to use. It allowed a large number of Sloan’s family to come at one time and gave them a space away from the packhouse. Things had gone pretty well with having them here. With the protection spell over us, and the other packs, things had been even more peaceful the last 6 years. Rogues no longer wander onto our land. If they wanted to come here, they had to come to the gate and go through the proper channels to seek asylum here. So, the pack didn’t have any more issues with them just trespassing onto B***d Rose packland. After all these years with no problems noted between our members, they could probably just start popping in wherever they want to. Vincent and Beth just decided to keep the house as their way to enter and exit the pack, just to keep the peace, and prevent any problems from potentially arising.

Vincent appreciated them being welcomed so warmly, and he and Beth shared the master bedroom, with Dominic and his wife Juliana sharing the second master. There was one kids’ room set up with two sets of bunk beds, and the two couches in the living room were both pull-out couches, just in case they needed extra room. Some stayed in the pack house, like Moira and Morgana, as they were still hoping that they would find their partner, or mates, here too. Percy also built a home for the witches at Ever Green, but was only 5 bedrooms, as they didn’t come to stay there quite as often, and didn’t need as much room.

“How is Sloan?” Von asked as Atlas held her face in his little hands and kissed each of her cheeks.

“She is fine, the baby will be here soon. Dawson just linked us and said that she is already at 7 cm, so the delivery is going pretty fast, we are almost 7 hours into this labor. I was just trying to tire the kids out before taking them to meet their new baby brother. Gerald and Robinson should be arriving here soon with their families” I told them. Von and Heath were beaming in happiness. I know that with each new edition to the family they are reminded just how blessed that they were. I remember just how excited they were at my arrival at Ever Green 21 years ago, and all they did to help me recover. I was blessed by the Moon Goddess herself to be given to them. My whole life changed because of them, and they even helped me find my biological family. I was blessed that day too, and I love Heath and Von as much as I love my own parents. They will be here soon too, my parents Wyatt and Everly Wilson, my sister Emily Grace, and my brother Stone and his family, are all coming to welcome our new addition and I am excited to see them too. We go twice a month to Crimson Shadow to see them and catch up.

Tanner and I got notified that Golden Moon was at the gate, with my parents and brother advised as pulling up behind them as Golden Moon was being cleared to enter. Since Dawson had advised us that Sloan is at 9 cm now, we all strolled over to the pack house to greet everyone. We spoke for a little while and then headed to the hospital as the baby will be here soon. Tanner gave my hand a squeeze as he could tell how excited I was about this. Each one of our grandbabies was very special to us, and we loved each one of them. We waited in the waiting room with the kids on one side of the room, most of them on their phones or tablets, and the little ones being held by one of us until Tanner got the link from Dawson that the baby was here, and that he was perfect. We waited while the baby got cleaned up and watched as Kevin came back over, I guess to help with the younger pups. I first thought that Percy had linked him, but both Percy and Peyton were telling him that they were fine, we had enough people here to watch the kids ourselves. We all saw it at the same time. His nose was in the air sniffing, and then his eyes snapped right over to Moira. She was on her phone, and not paying any attention to anything else in the room. She was probably telling everyone back at the coven that Sloan was in labor. Witches cannot scent their partners, they need you to look them in the eyes, and she doesn’t go to Ever Green very often.

I watch the smile bloom across his face, as he strode across the room to claim his mate. We are all watching this play out and Vincent and Beth are smiling as big as Kevin is. They know him, and they know how big a part he played in getting Peyton back safely. Kevin is almost 26 now and has been patiently waiting on his mate for years, and I know how frustrating it has been for him. This is a big moment for him, and we all wait quietly to see what happens. The room is totally silent and her noticing that someone standing right in front of her brings Moira’s head up to glance around. She frowns wondering while the whole room is grinning at her and she said, “What? Did someone say something? What did I miss?”

Laughter rings out, and then Kevin holds his hand out to her to get her attention. She looks up at him and gives a soft gasp. She immediately leaps up and hugs him, telling the whole room, “I got my mate too, just like Sloan.” Which only made us laugh louder. Ever since she met Dawson, Moira wanted to find a wolf mate too, as she wanted someone to love her as much as Dawson loved Sloan. Apparently, witches and warlocks are a little bit calmer, and less passionate when dealing with their partner, or mate. Well, both she and Morgana both admired the broad size and shape of some of the wolves. Kevin is in great shape, as he trains daily, and I can see her appreciative glance at Kevin. I am sure that Morgana will be here soon at the news of the baby, especially now that Moira found her mate.

Kevin leans down to give her a k**s and a hug and then refused to let her go. He sat down in her chair, pulling her onto his lap and looking around the room like he was daring anyone to take her from him. It is natural for wolves to be possessive at finding their mate, and we are all glad to see how well it went for them, despite how long it took for him to be able to find her. Kevin didn’t get to come to the wedding, he watched it on the live feed at Ever Green, but that wouldn’t have let him know that his mate was one of the bridesmaids. He had to scent her to know, and I hate that they lost years together, but at least they have each other now. I am really happy for them. Moira is content to lay against his broad chest with a big smile on her face. She gave a sigh of contentment as Kevin leaned down and sniffed her neck. His k**s on where he would place her mark made her shudder. I know that if the baby weren’t already born, they would have excused themselves to come back later.

We get to go to Sloan’s room and the children head straight to the bed to hug their mom and dad. Heath and Von put Athena and Atlas onto the bed, and they sat down to look at their baby brother in their mother’s arms. He is perfect. He looks just like Dawson and Magnus, I cannot wait to get my hands on him. He is perfect and Tanner puts his arms around me to help calm me down. I realize that the baby is not going anywhere, they live here with us, and I am able to calm down some. I grab a chair and Tanner promptly sits down and then pulled me onto his lap. We watch as everyone oohs and ahhs over the baby. Dawson is so proud as he watches the baby be passed around. He keeps Sloan’s hand entwined in his and gives the back of her hand an occasional k**s. I see that Gerald will be getting the baby next, and Dara is right at his elbow with a big smile on her face as the baby gets gently passed to him. I know that Dara was thinking about having another baby and just from the look on her face I can tell that it is more than a passing thought right now, the baby fever is clearly radiating from her. I have a feeling that Sloan and Rob will be getting another sibling soon. I cleared my throat and gave Sloan the opening she needed as Gerald gazes down at his grandson with love.

“Sloan, did you and Dawson come up with an idea on what to call the baby yet?” I asked her, and Sloan’s smile brightened up the room. Everyone glanced at her to hear what the new baby’s name was going to be.

“Yes, Dawson and I are proud to introduce you all to Gerald Anthony Wright,” Sloan told us all. It took about 5 seconds for it to sink into Gerald that his new grandson was named after him. We all watched the tears fall from his eyes and slide down his face. He was indeed moved by her doing that. It also showed him that their relationship was fully healed and very strong. Technically Gerald’s middle name was his father’s name, Magnus, so the firstborn actually held part of his name already. But we all knew that she had named the first set of twins out of respect for her paternal grandparents. Gerald never said anything, I think he was just grateful to have a place in her life at that time. Things have improved greatly between them, and I knew that Dawson had told me as soon as they knew that they were having a boy that Sloan wanted to do this. She has a relationship with her father now, that she has always dreamed of having. Her dad would never have asked her to do this, but for her to do it on her own was priceless to him.

Gerald passed his namesake on to Dara and headed to the bed to hug and k**s Sloan. The tears continued to fall for them both now, and the emotions in the room overcame so many of us, just by watching Gerald and Sloan fight not to cry. We are all happy for them. Robinson came up to hug them both and Dawson took the spot at the head of her bed to stand to let Gerald and Rob had the spots next to Sloan. He leaned down to k**s the top of her head. I am not ashamed to say that I teared up as well. It means a lot to be loved enough that someone pays tribute to you by letting your name live on with the next generation. Sloan had done it for me as well, and for Tanner with the oldest twins. Sloan is a thoughtful woman, and I am so happy that my son got such a wonderful mate. She is a gift to all of us, and I could not ask for a better mate for my son or to be the mother of his pups.

I think of Peyton the same way. They are both different women, but at their core, they are both kind, thoughtful, strong, and nurturing. They both love their mates and children from the depths of their souls. I know both of them had numerous difficulties to deal with, but they never lost their spirit or determination. They continued on, despite the many obstacles that they faced. I am so glad that my sons will be taking great care of them, for the rest of their lives. Tanner gives my waist a squeeze to let me know that he is here with me, and gives me a k**s on my mark. He can feel my emotions are all over the place, and he wants me to know that he is here for me. I can never thank the Goddess for giving him to me as my second chance mate. I have never met a better man, that is so perfect for me, I know that she created him to be exactly what I needed him to be. He is the rock that gives me strength, he never holds me back. He is always lifting me up and letting me know how important I am to him. I glance around the room watching as the new life is greeted and loved, and I am so thankful for my family. Each and every person in this room means so much to me, and I love them all.

I smile as I listen to Sloan teasing Moira about finally finding her mate, and I can tell that she is so happy for her, and Kevin. She knows them both, and I can tell that Kevin is already wrapped all the way around Moira’s little finger. Thankfully, Moira is good with living at Ever Green with Kevin and them building their own house to live in, and raise their family in. I see the blush on Moira’s cheeks as she said family, and I see Kevin’s eyes darken at the thought of it. I can’t wait to see their precious pups when they get here. They may have hybrids too, just like Dawson and Sloan. Which reminded me I was going to ask about that.

“Is Gerald a hybrid too?” I asked, knowing that one of the magical members of the room would be able to sense it.

“No, Gerald is a wolf, no magic in him, but his wolf is really very strong. I can sense it” Vincent said to the room, and Sloan nodded in agreement.

“Yes, he will be a very strong wolf. He is just as strong as Magnus is” Sloan said in agreement. So, the oldest and the baby are wolves, and the other four are hybrids. This is a good balance, and I am glad that all six of them have their wolves. This will help our pack grow and have an even better relationship with Vincent’s coven. For our pack members to be able to see and interact with witches on more frequent bases will let some of the stupid prejudices that some hold against witches, go away. It will create a better environment for them and help us both out in the long run.

I consider Vincent and Beth to be our family. Not just because they are related to Sloan, although that is important. It is because we know them, we know their hearts. I know that they loved and appreciate us because they found Sloan through us when they came to train Peyton. It was a happy accident that she happened to be mated to Dawson. If they hadn’t been mates, they may never have found her, not with what Meghan had planned for her. I knew how much we meant to them the moment Vincent saved all of our lives at our very own gate that day that Meghan was going to kill us all. We became united as a family that day. Tanner and I love and appreciate them as much as they love and appreciate us. Their putting the protection spell on both Sloan and our packland helped us to breathe easier and made it possible for us to leave to go and help Peyton. We knew that we could depend on them to stay here and to help protect Sloan from Anna and Jennifer.

Family is not always b***d, sometimes it is forged and reshaped through the fires that we each go through in our lives. The problems and difficulties that we face together show us who is actually there for us when we need them, and who were only here when they need something from us. Everyone that we meet is here for a reason. To show us that we need to look past the words that people say to us, and to just see, or watch, their actions. People’s actions will always show us their heart. Some people are put in our lives as an example of what we don’t want, or need, in our lives, and others show us what real love and compassion truly look like. I look forward to watching our family continue to grow in love and affection as the years go by.