70. Epilogue 2 ZAIA. or I Am The Luna Chapter 148 By Moonlight Muse
“Zaia, Shelby was asking if you would like to spend the next weekend over at ours. It’s her birthday and we’re having a little family party.” Dad asks, making me smile.
I have never seen Dad as happy as he is now, not with Mom, or Annette. Shelby is a good woman, and she clearly makes him happy. Even now she’s looking at him with admiration, her hand laced with his.
“I think we’d love that,” I say, answering for Sebastian too.
‘Will we?’ he remarks.
‘Yes.
“That’s excellent. I’m so happy you agreed! I think it’ll be lovely having all you children there together.” Shelby says with a happy smile.
‘Great spending a weekend in the same house as Atticus sounds so fun,’ Sebastian says sarcastically.
‘You’ll survive.’ I reply.
“I can’t think of anything better than spending a weekend with Sebastian,” Atticus says with a smile, almost as if knowing what Sebastian’s thinking.
“I’m sure you can,” Valerie says, giving him a suspicious glance whilst Linette smiles.
“It will be fun!” she says, smiling at Valerie. She’s adapted to her, and I love that she’s good towards her.
“And of course, you must come too, Aran. We’re family.” Dad says.
“Yes, I think I can fit it in. I wouldn’t mind another game,” Aran responds, adjusting his suit jacket. Ah, so Dad probably won the last one.
I smile at them as Aran makes a paper crane for Xander.
“I love Grandad’s home!” Xander says. “But I don’t like mushy, gushy Googoo everywhere.” He adds with a shudder, making everyone laugh.
“Well, get used to it! Love is in the air, Xander!” Valerie says, tickling him and he laughs as he tries to get away from her.
‘I would love it if you do come. I know we haven’t been together long… but I want to propose to her on her birthday. ‘Dad says through the mind link as the rest talk amongst themselves.
My eyes widen, and I gasp before I hide it behind a cough.
‘Is that alright?’ Dad asks me, concern in his eyes.
‘Yes!’ I say as I get up and hug him, trying to contain my emotions. I move back, crouching beside him, and cup his face.
He is one of the three people I want to see get their happily ever after. ‘ Anything you need, anything you want me to plan, just let me know. I’m so happy for you, Dad.’
The concern fades away, and he smiles. ‘Thank you, Zaia. I will surely take you up on that.
I nod, and he takes my hands, kissing my knuckles softly. I glance at Shelby, who is talking to Atticus, respecting our moment. She really will be perfect for Dad.
I’m lucky to have a father who cares. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but when the truth comes out… we learn who is there for us and who isn’t.
“I love you, child,” Dad says, caressing my hair.
“I love you too, dad.” I whisper as the women go ‘Aww’
Dad hugs me and I hug him back, happy that I have him in my life.
“Dad! Look what Zion and I made!” Sia calls.
I turn as Sebastian stands up and can’t help but smile. Watching as Zion and Sia show them their kites. Yes, even they’re lucky to have him in their lives.
“Dad, can we have a word?” Sebastian asks Aran.
It’s later in the evening and he’s offered to get the kids to bed and stay there until we get back.
“Oh, of course,” Aran says as he looks at us questioningly. Over the years, he and Sebastian have healed their relationship, and this was a suggestion I had put forward to Sebastian. Hoping he listened.
“Well, it’s Zaia’s idea. I’ll let her take the lead.” Sebastian offers, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
I smile up at him before turning to Aran.
“Uncle… I- we want to ask you to move in with us if you like?” I ask.
Surprise flitters across his face, and he looks between us.
“Me?”
“No, we were talking to the ghost beside you,” Sebastian says sarcastically.
“Ah no, I mean I don’t mind but I… are you sure you want someone invading your place?” he asks uncertainly. That isn’t a blatant no.
“I think we could use your help too,” I say with a smile, knowing that would make him feel better.
“Yeah, you’ll be good for babysitting,” Sebastian remarks. Aran is about to counter before he smiles slightly and sighs. “Well, I don’t think that is such a bad idea. Maybe I will accept.”
“Great!” I say pulling free from Sebastian’s hold and hugging Aran, surprising him. He relaxes soon and hugs me back.
“Thank you, Zaia… Thank you, Sebastian, it will be nice having the children around,” he says, his eyes soft, despite his brisk tone.
But we both know him better than that. Past that tough exterior is a man who cares deeply.
“Perfect then!” I say as I move back.
“But are you both certain? I know Sebastian and I do clash…” he says looking at Sebastian, needing the approval of his son too…
Sebastian sighs, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I don’t think we’ve clashed much over the last few years… I like the idea too Dad, I’d like to have you there.” He says quietly, just like his dad, he doesn’t show emotions so easily and my heart squeezes feeling emotional as I watch them both.
“Thank you.” Aran replies as he stretches his hand awkwardly before hesitating and almost retracting it.
‘Give him a hug!’ I say to Sebastian. He glances at me, but he doesn’t argue, stepping forward and hugging his father.
Aran looks surprised, but I don’t miss the glistening sparkle in his eyes as he hugs Sebastian back.
“I am proud to have a son like you,” he says quietly.
“Well, you should be,” Sebastian replies arrogantly and I brush my own tears away, watching them smile faintly at one another.
Everything really is going well.
Shortly after that, Aran takes the children to get them to bed, and Sebastian turns to me, offering me his hand.
We were just going to go for a small walk before we headed inside.
Neither of us speaks as he takes my hand, lacing his fingers with mine as we walk along the path, gazing at the stars glittering in the night sky.
I rest my head against his shoulder, enjoying his presence. One thing I realise with life is that you don’t need a man, but if you do accept one into your life, make sure he is one who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
Trust, loyalty, and appreciation are important, and if one is forgotten or broken, it can cause havoc.
I don’t need Sebastian in my life, but I choose to have him in my life on my own accord. Regardless of all those who judged me saying I should stay for my children, or tolerate him for the sake of others, remember to always put yourself first. 2
I did, and now I’m happy, knowing that both Sebastian and I are in the right place, for ourselves and for this relationship. Only then can I give my best to him, our children, and this pack.
“What’s on your mind?” Sebastian asks as we come to a stop, and he raises my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles tenderly.
“Us,” I say softly.
“Oh?”
“Yes, I love you, Alpha Sebastian,” I whisper.
“And I love you, my Luna.” He says softly, “Now and always.”
I smile, unable to stop my heart from pounding, and tiptoeing, I claim his lips in a soft, passionate kiss.
I love him, and he loves me and together, as equals, we will raise our family.
I am the Alpha of a powerful pack, but before that, I am the Luna his Luna.
Now and forever.
THE END
