Here it is, the Epilogue of The Shrewd Wolves...
This is dedicated to all my readers :D
Pic above^^^... need I say more? Thank-you @CharlesMegan for showing me the pic of that pretty doll :D
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"You can have it all. Just not all at once."
-Oprah Winfrey
DARYA P.O.V
DECEMBER 2020,
It's been a week since Sel has slipped into coma. Duncan sits beside her whole day; he is in a state of shock.
I find it hard to believe too. I don't know when she is going to wake up. Vincent doesn't tell me either.
I attended Ekon's funeral, where I was asked to leave when Meryl almost shifted into her wolf, after seeing me. She doesn't forgive me and I understood that, accepted that.
Emperor and Supreme are the most affected packs. Both packs lost many number of wolves from Konrad's attack. The packs are mourning and there is no rejoice over Konrad's death.
January 2021,
I have returned to Serene Pack after a month of being in Emperor Pack. Quillon persuaded me and I agreed because I needed a change of environment.
Started going back to college too.
Granel had to bring a heavily drunk Duncan home. It hurt me to see my brother like this.
To keep Lorcan away from all this, Sel's parents took him to Regal. Duncan didn't stop them either.
February 2021,
I was trying to stop the javelin from hitting Sel. Quillon had to wake me up from the nightmare I was having. He held me close the whole night, repeatedly telling everything is going to be okay soon.
Quillon had decided he no longer wants to be an Apex Predator. Admittedly, he is one but he has given back the Alpha's their respective titles. However, before doing that, Quillon had sworn he would become an Apex Predator again if and when the need arises.
I stood by his decision because he really was happy with it. When he became an Apex Predator, the world needed him, a leader. But now since the threat of Konrad has vanished, packs are doing fine on their own and Quillon believes they don't need him for that.
April 2021,
I met Vincent after a long time. He said he was quitting college to pursue astrology. He has come to accept his gifts and decided to practice to excel in it.
He left to Bali a week later.
Sel, who still hasn't woken up, was brought home after Duncan requested. A doctor was present 24x7 in their house for her.
May 2021,
Duncan decided to stay strong and shaved for the first time in months. My eyes had met his in the reflection and he had smiled at me, a genuine smile.
Two days later, Duncan brought Lorcan home again!
July 2021,
Malory and Cortez had a son, whom they named as Melor. He is a cute baby, but he doesn't smile at all.
The family got together after a long time and there wasn't a single person who didn't miss Sel while celebrating Melor's birth.
I graduated from college and like decided began to pursue masters degree in horticulture.
As a graduation gift, Quillon gifted me a motorbike! I absolutely loved it and showed him just how much!
August 2021,
Quinn who also graduated high-school thought he deserved a vacation. He and his friends decided to go skiing in the Alps. Sabine was sad he didn't ask her, even though she admitted she wouldn't have gone with him.
Meryl gave birth to a son, whom she named Ekon.
October 2021,
It's been a year since I moved in with Quillon and I find it hard to believe that I survived a year with him. Quillon had pinched my waist when I told him that.
I can cook. After almost a year of training, I finally managed to cook something without burning it. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't horrible either. Quillon ate it and made me the happiest person in the world.
I came to a decision that cooking isnt really me because no matter how many times I tried in the past week, I couldn't really cook a delicious food. I could just prepare something quick and light, but that's it!
After I came to know Leah is pregnant, I met her and I have never seen her as happy as she was at the moment.
November 2021,
Last year, we couldn't celebrate our birthday together, but this time we did. Quillon and I went out on a date and spent the whole day together, doing what most couples do.
It was amazing and I am going to cherish this day forever.
December 2021,
A whole year has passed since Sel has been in coma and there isn't a day, when I do not miss her.
A whole year without Konrad and life has restored to normalcy.
Cortez had decided to rebuild another house in Elegance and the work has already begun.
February 2022,
I met Meryl while I had gone to Grier Pack. She allowed me inside her house and there, I first saw Ekon's son. He was a pretty child and was kicking his legs in the air, with a joyous smile in his face. My eyes welled up as I realized I took his father away from him and I just wanted to run away because I felt like a monster for doing that to this innocent little child.
Meryl had stopped me and told me that she forgave me. When I asked her, how could she, she showed me the letter Ekon had wrote for her. She said, it took her some time but finally understood what Ekon did then was the right thing.
I don't understand and I probably never will!
April 2022,
Lorcan, Caden and Bryce made Glory cry again. The boys ganged up against her and tore the arm of her favorite teddy bear. She was inconsolable!
Nevin and Bee got married. I had people coming and asking me when Quillon and I planned to get married.
July 2022,
Sabine had graduated high-school.
She got admitted to Quinn's college and they were now, living together.
I made my first million. Actually, Quillon did but who cares, I am rich!
August 2022,
I found Duncan sleeping beside Sel in the bed, with his arms wrapped around her waist. He was sniffing softly, while she lay quite and unaware of her surroundings.
I got the nightmare again and once again, Quillon soothed me.
September 2022,
Scott decided to take Grace on a world tour. I was happy for them!
A rogue attack had occurred in Grier Pack and Tyler had killed all the three wolves. But the attack just reminded us that evil is still around us.
November 2022,
The tradition Rugby match was held and it was girls v/s boys, in which obviously the girls won!
Vincent returned home after a long time and there was a completely, almost holy aura around him. He seemed to be completely out of this world and... happy!
Vincent told me that Sel will wake up, eighteen months later.
January 2023,
Meryl's little sister Cheryl turned out to be Ruben's mate. They look so good together and I absolutely love the couple.
May 2023,
It was a quiet evening and Quillon and I were sitting on a rock, simply staring at the beautiful view of the waterfall in front of us. We come here often and this place holds a significant place in both our hearts.
"You love this place?" Quillon asked me.
"I do. I love this place so much that I believe I could stay here forever" I sighed, closing my eyes.
"With me.... obviously" Quillon added unsurely and chuckled nervously. Opening my eyes, I looked at him and didn't fail to notice that he was behaving unusual today. It was his idea, coming here today. He had woke me up at four again and we came here early morning.
"Well..." I feigned to think about it and pushing me to the rock, Quillon had started tickling me that sent me into gales of laughter.
"I love you" I murmured peppering kisses on Quillon's powerful shoulders, after a beautiful bout of love-making.
"Marry me then" Quillon said out of blue and my eyes almost popped out as I stared at him, utterly lost of words.
After recovering from the shock, I replied with a yes because I did love Quillon and couldn't imagine my life without him.
June 2023,
Quillon and I got engaged in a private ceremony but decided to wait sometime before the wedding. Getting married is a huge step in my life and I wanted Sel to be there with me on my wedding day. Hence, we decided to wait.
July 2023,
I obtained my master's degree too and I decided to take a break before beginning PhD.
October 2023,
I saw Lorcan standing beside Sel's bed and showing her the trophy he had won in his school's racing completion. He was crying as he told her how much he had missed her.
The sight just broke my heart and leaning against the wall, I had closed my eyes and cried. Three years and each day incomplete because she wasn't with me in it!
February 2024,
I was now pursuing my doctor's degree in the field of horticulture, while also working in my farm.
I had heard Nancy's boyfriend had moved on and was now seeing someone. I was happy for him!
April 2024,
Kasey had met her mate, Ennis, who is a rogue. Handsome, aggressive, though he was, Ennis preferred to stay alone and I knew right then that Kasey and he were a match made in hell. He was a powerful brooding personality, while she was the quiet and shy one.
The twins don't like him, but it doesn't matter, because Kasey is hopelessly attracted to him, even though she denies it all the time.
June 2024,
Vincent had told me that Sel would wake up within two days and so, we were all eagerly waiting for it to happen.
After waiting for one and half day, Sel opened her lashes— after being in coma for three and half years— to reveal dark brown irises. It was the happiest moment of my life.
As Duncan helped her sit up, she had just stared at all of us until her eyes landed on Lorcan, who was now nine years old. I think just by looking at him, Sel had realized a lot of time had passed since that fateful day.
"You have grown" she said with a sad smile and then extended her arms. Lorcan had gone running and hugged his mother, like his life depended on it.
July 2024,
It was difficult for Sel, but with all our support, she was finally learning to get to her own feet. She was learning to accept the changes and she was managing quite well!
September 2024,
Quillon and I got married. The happiest day of my life! I will never forget the look he had in his eyes as I had walked down the aisle with Duncan, who was to give me away.
It was a big wedding and our family and friends were with us, to bless us.
January 2025,
Ennis was totally unsuitable for a pack life and everyone knew it. Hence, Kasey decided to leave Grier Pack to go with Ennis, whom she was madly in love with. He loved her too and we knew he would take care of her. That's the only reason the twins let her go become a rogue.
March 2025,
Sel began going to work again. She was healthy now and life felt normal again until...
Wolves said they have seen Konrad!
April 2025,
Turns out, Konrad being alive was a rumor. However, I swear, if I find the person who started this rumor, I am going to happily wring their neck.
July 2025,
I decided to get my doctorate degree in horticulture.
That evening, I was sitting in our bedroom and staring at the floor, when Quillon walked in. Clad in a dark grey suit, he looked absolutely fabulous and took my breath away. For a moment, I forgot what I had to say but then when he smirked — which hinted that he knew exactly what I was thinking— I shook my head and focused on what I had to say.
"You are home early" I murmured.
"Actually, I am ten minutes late" he said and I cocked an eyebrow, before looking at the clock in the wall and realizing that he was indeed ten minutes late.
"Right!" I said and then took a deep breath before saying, "So, about my career, I decided to apply for PhD" I told Quillon who stiffened after hearing that.
I frowned, not liking the reaction because I thought he would be a little more supportive or downright agreeing with me.
"Now?" Quillon had asked unsurely and I nodded.
"The admission has already started and I am going to get a form tomorrow. What's the problem?" I asked when he looked away.
"I don't think the time is right?"
"And why is that?" I questioned seriously, because the way he was avoiding my eyes, told me something was wrong.
"It's just you can focus on your studies when you will be—" Quillon stopped abruptly and compressing his mouth, he just stared at me.
"I will be what?" I demanded narrowing my eyes.
"It's nothing" Quillon waved a dismissive hand turned to go to the bathroom, but I ran and stood between him and the door.
"Continue that" I snapped.
Quillon closed his eyes and muttered a curse which made me clench my fists. "I ruined it for many others and I cannot believe I am ruining it even for you"
"Ruining what?" I asked in confusion.
"The joy of finding out first or whatever you call it. You are pregnant Darya. We are pregnant" Quillon corrected and my eyes rounded when I stared at him with wide open mouth.
"What?" I said in disbelief. "Oh My God!"
"I can see the baby... here" Quillon said and he had pressed a finger on my stomach, which made me jump back.
I stood frozen then digesting this new news. Usually, wife tells their husband she is pregnant but in my case, it was the opposite. But that's not my main worry here!
"I am... oh God! How did this happen?" I asked dumbly.
"You want me to explain to you in details?" Quillon demanded, raising one dark brow.
"Shut up!" I said slapping his chest and chuckled as color marred my cheeks.
Quillon tugged my wrist and pulled me towards him, so that my chest was pressed against his.
"Congratulations" he had whispered against my mouth as I had grinned happily.
September 2025,
Vincent met his mate, Fiona, a human. A pretty red head, Fiona is also a pilot.
There was another rogue attack this month, but luckily they were captured soon.
November 2025,
I am pregnant and I am tired all the time. I am glad I postponed my decision to get a doctorate degree because honestly, one foot cannot stand on two boats.
December 2025,
On her birthday, Lorcan made Glory cry again after he cut the head of a human sized teddy bear, which was a gift to her by Quillon. There was no proof, but we all knew it was Lorcan and his little gang who did the deed because they were the only ones laughing while Glory was crying.
Something just snapped inside Glory at the moment and she threw her uncut birthday cake on his face.
February 2026,
Amory Seline Sanders was born on the 3rd February. She had beautiful golden hair and pink chubby cheeks.
"She is gorgeous" Quillon had whispered holding our daughter in his arms. The pregnancy was difficult but looking at her chubby little arms, it feels worth it!
"I know"
"Thank-you" he replied kissing my nose.
Looking at Amory, I couldn't help but recall my own life so far.
Holding her close, I told her, "It doesn't matter if you are a gifted wolf or not, but I want you to be shrewd enough to face whatever life throws at you."
"She will be" Quillon proclaimed smugly. "She is our daughter and we are The Shrewd Wolves."
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Oh My God! This is an end of an era for me :D :C :'(
For two and half years, I have been with these characters and I honestly think my writing has improved a lot with each chapter of this book!
The ending is just like the beginning of this book and I thought it covered everything I wanted. Hope you liked this ending :D
THANK-YOU LOADS LOVELY READERS. It is only because of you that I managed to come this far and finish the story in time. Your support is a huge boost for me! Your comments made my day and I love reading them :D :-*
If you want to stay in touch, then please do read The Other Hunters when I post it mid-April :) It will have stories of any characters you want, so please do tell me whose stories you want to read :D
Go to this link- https://in.pinterest.com/shruprabhanandh/the-heirs/ if you want to know what I have planned for my next story ;)
One more thing, I am entering all my stories to a competition called #YourStoryIndia. Please vote and support me for that... please :D I will notify you all when the time of voting comes!
That's it, I LOVE YOU :-*
THANK-YOU and,
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA