The opal wolf, p.36
The Opal Wolf, page 36
“I don’t like change,” Maggie shouts.
“Shut it, you old bat,” growls John.
I clap my hands together. “It’s agreed, then. We’ll continue on as the Freedom Valley pack. Gabe is about to kick us off with a song. Any requests?”
“I don’t take requests, Madonna.”
Gabe takes a seat behind the microphone and props his guitar on his knee. Everyone waits in silence while he plucks a few strings and sifts through the music sheets in front of him. When he strums the opening notes of Vance Joy’s Missing Piece, everyone cheers in approval.
“Good choice,” I whisper along the mate bond.
“I thought you’d appreciate it.”
Sadie helps me climb down from the bar. “Guess what I’m singing?”
“Do I even want to know?”
“Well, since it’s Christmas, I thought I’d deviate from the norm. No Baby Got Back for me tonight.” She smirks, and I know I’m about to regret having karaoke night on Christmas. “Mariah Carey’s —”
“You’re banned from singin’ tonight, Sadie. Yeah nah, that’s not happenin’. I’d rather wrestle a croc. Or swim across the Bass Strait in winter. Or take a bath with a couple of box jellyfish. I’ll climb Mount Kosciuszko with —”
“We get it, Matt,” says Adem. “Australia’s an awful place.”
I laugh, turning to face the room and taking it all in, my hand resting on my stomach. My mate playing the guitar to a pack of laughing wolves is a sight I never thought I’d see again.
Chris, Leah, and their baby sit together with smiles on their faces. John, June, and Maggie are arguing over nothing of importance. Chitto, Evan, Ilani, and Leon are playing pool. Pop, Mum, and Dad stand by the open fireplace, smiling. Hugh stands by the door, taking his role as head of security seriously, even on Christmas.
I never envisioned this life for myself, but living it… I couldn’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.
Five months later
I sigh with happiness. This place has a special feel, relaxing and homey. It’s bright with white walls and daisy-yellow accents. I cradle the baby against my chest and inhale that sweet newborn scent. Her full head of brown hair tickles my nose, and I smile. I plant one last kiss on her forehead before I pass her off to Leah, who looks down with adoration.
“Isn’t she beautiful,” she says. “You two did a wonderful job.”
“It was all Lilly. She’s amazing.” Gabe wraps his arms around me from behind, planting a kiss on my temple.
I rest my head against his chest and gaze out at the view of Opal Ridge, at the rebuilding, the wolves bustling about, the happiness.
“What’s her name?” asks Leah, cooing at the perfect baby in her arms.
Turning to her with a smile, I say, “Elly. Named after one of the strongest women I know.”
“Madonna, after everything you’ve been through, that title belongs to you,” says Gabe.
I return my gaze to the window. Maybe he’s right. I’ve never thought of myself as strong, but after my life was turned inside out… I’ve endured a lot. Kidnap, torture, poisoning, and absolute heartache. But even though fate dealt me a crappy hand, I made it through all of those obstacles.
I fought for my life, my pack.
I fought for my destiny… and I’ve never been happier.
The end.
Also By
Samara Saward
Helios Mage Trilogy
Heir of the Solstice
Prince of Persuasion
King of Deception
Dragon's Oath Trilogy
Legacy
Enigma
Anarchy
About the Author
Samara is a fantasy author from Melbourne, Australia, where she lives with her partner, three kids, and English Staffy named Boots. Though she loves Melbourne, she grew up surrounded by a large family in north-west Tasmania and misses the quiet life.
Some of her hobbies include reading, a good ol’ Netflix binge, camping, and playing Monopoly with her kids.
You can follow her on TikTok for sneak peaks into up and coming works under the handle @samaradoesbooks or on Instagram under @samarasaward.author
Samara Saward, The Opal Wolf
