AN: Hey guys! This is the last chapter- so please review and let me know what you've thought! I really really would appreciate it! I hope you've enjoyed the story and I thank you for following/liking/reviewing.

Elena took Natalia's hand, smiling gently at her. "Why don't we go inside?" she asked. Natalia nodded, shouldering her bag higher and then remained staring at the house. What if Jeremy was angry, and saw her as a Mutt?

He would be well within his rights to kill her for coming back. He was Alpha, and had to protect the Pack. The attack on her and Elena would have drawn attention to the Pack; put them in the crosshairs for danger again.

"Come on Natalia, it's going to be ok" Elena murmured. Natalia nodded, smiling shakily before following her up the stairs and into the house. Immediately she could smell the distinct scent of Elena and Jeremy, and then two other males…one was probably Clay, Elena's husband, and the other Nick, the son of Jeremy's best friend.

She hadn't met either of the men, and was worried about how they would react to her presence. When Elena turned into the study, Natalia followed her. There were two men standing there, both incredibly handsome, each in their own way.

The larger of the two, muscular and tawny haired stepped forward and took the bags from Elena, frowning at her, "You shouldn't be carrying heavy bags. It's not good for you" he murmured quietly.

This would be Clay then, Natalia surmised. This meant that the other man, the one eyeing her with no small amount of interest and a touch of attraction, was Nick. Clay turned to her and his frown deepened, "So you're the one that nearly got Jeremy killed."

He took a large step forward, his face menacing. Elena's hand tugged on his large bicep, restraining him, "Clay, no!"

Natalia stepped back, her stomach clenching. "That wasn't my fault. Mutts led by that wizard, Aleister, attacked. They were trying to take revenge for the…the undertaking? And on Savannah. It had nothing to do with me" she glared at him.

Clay grunted and shook his head, "If you hadn't come here, he would never have felt the need to protect you, to put our secret at risk. He nearly died for that, for you. So why the hell did you come back?" he growled at her.

Natalia shook her head, "Because, I couldn't run anymore. There were too many run ins with police, other Mutts, Packs. It's not safe out there for me. Despite how I may feel about Jeremy, or how I did feel, this is the safest place for me. You may not like me for seeking sanctuary here, but it's not your decision to turn me away. You are not Alpha."

She bared her teeth at him in a fierce grin, "If anyone is going to toss me out or kill me for trespassing on Pack territory, it's going to be Jeremy. Not his pup." Clay growled at her and stepped forward, grabbing her by the throat and tossing her up against the wooden frame of the doorway.

"How dare you disrespect Jeremy and the Pack like that. I should rip your throat out" he growled, low and furious.

Natalia shoved at his arms, her eyes burning with anger, "Do it! Be the murderer that everyone calls you."

"That is enough Clay. Release her."

Something inside Natalia snapped, hearing Jeremy's voice after so long and she trembled under Clay's hands. Her gaze never left Clay's face, her eyes wide, her mouth tight, her heart pounding.

Clay gazed at her, seeing the rapid change take place, and realized that this woman loved Jeremy. She was terrified about what was going to happen, how Jeremy was going to react to seeing her. He nodded, and released her, stepping back and turning to face Jeremy.

He hadn't actually seen his father in weeks, Jeremy rarely came out of his room, usually only at night when Elena coaxed him out for a run. What he saw now, frightened him.

Jeremy was pale, ragged looking with dark circles under his eyes. There were more lines around his eyes and across his forehead, and he looked like he had lost weight. Clay felt a sense of panic looking at his father, feeling the urge to protect him, but from what, he wasn't sure.

Jeremy stared at Clay and then sighed, looking, if possible, more tired. "Clay, please take Elena's bags." When Clay moved to object Jeremy shook his head, "Now."

Clay nodded and grabbed Elena's bags, fuming silently. Jeremy turned to Nick and Elena, "Please leave us."

Elena nodded but paused by his side, taking his hand, "Show her your heart Jeremy. She's just as scared and upset as you" she whispered, squeezing his hands softly, brushing a kiss over his stubble covered cheek and then walked upstairs.

Jeremy stood rooted to the floor, staring at the hardwood, breathing in the scent of Natalia, letting it sink in, drawing out the memories of their short time together. The taste of her kiss fleeted over his lips and was gone, replaced by the scent of her blood, the sound of her screams as she turned.

He flinched and closed his eyes.

Why did she come back? She should have stayed away…She looks beautiful…She has Mutt status; I'll have to punish her for coming here…no! I cannot harm her…What is she doing here?

His mind ran in circles until he had a pounding headache. He opened his eyes and raised his gaze to look at her, finally. His heart lurched; she was more beautiful than he had remembered. Her hair had more honey highlights in it from her time in the sun, and her nose had freckles.

But it was the strength that he saw in her body, from running and hunting, from being a wolf, which drew his attention the most. Where there had been soft curves before, now there was lean muscle. She was strong, and more beautiful than he could stand to look at.

Turning away, he walked slowly into the room and stood looking out the window at the lush yard, where flowers and trees were blooming happily. "Why are you here?" he asked quietly.

He heard her short intake of breath before she spoke, "I came because Elena asked me to. She said…she told me that you weren't doing well, and that you needed me." Her words were rushed, she had no idea how Jeremy would react to them.

He remained silent for a long time and then shook his head, "She shouldn't have brought you. She shouldn't have bothered you."

Natalia hesitated and then spoke, "I also came because I've had to move too many times in a year and a half. There are too many people that have suspicions about me, and come looking, bringing danger with them. Elena and I were attacked on our way back, in Ireland, by members of the Pack from Spain. Elena told me that they hate you because you had to kill their Alpha. It seems like your family has faced more violence in one year than most people do in their entire lives."

Jeremy sighed, "That's not far from the truth. We had an incredibly terrible year, which included violence between myself and the Pack from Spain. I am sorry that it spilled over onto you."

Natalia shrugged, "I don't blame you for that. Terrible things happen…and we have to learn to deal with the consequences." She idly rubbed the scars on her shoulder, thinking of the terrible violence that had bred the consequences of her life.

She took a deep breath and continued, "I was angry with you for a very long time for what happened to me. I hated you, myself and every wolf I came across. If I wasn't so busy moving, keeping alive, I might have tried to kill myself. But I couldn't, because no matter how angry I was with you, I knew deep down that I would be back here, seeing you. I didn't know when, or under what circumstances, but I knew that something would bring us back together, and I couldn't bear the thought of it being because I had died. So I stayed alive, but quiet, knowing I would be back here someday."

Silence fell as she stopped speaking, and Natalia stared down at the ground, her stomach in anxious knots.

"I used Karl to follow you, to make sure you were safe. Nick brought you the painting. But I…I couldn't leave. I told you I would leave you alone. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Every time I knew where you were, I fought myself not to go after you. I had seen how angry you were after the Change, how you thought you were a monster, that it was my fault. How could I ever hope to overcome that?" he shook his head gently.

"When we had word that you had moved to Ireland, Karl also brought word that the Spanish Pack was tracking a wolf they thought was female. I knew we had to protect you…but I couldn't ask my family to put themselves in danger. Elena and I argued about it for days until she finally got the drop on me, drugging my food, and taking off when I was knocked out."

Natalia chuckled softly, smothering it when Jeremy's shoulders tightened. She couldn't see it, but a ghost of a smile was creeping across his face, "Yes, it was quite the trick. When I woke and found her note that she would return with you, I was furious, and terrified. I knew the Pack was coming for you, so I sent Karl after you with a plane."

He sighed and leaned against the window, the muscles in his forearms standing out clearly. Natalia swallowed and looked away. Despite her best intentions, she wanted to go over and wrap him in her arms, give comfort and take it where it was given.

"I'm safe now Jeremy. I'm here and I'm safe" she murmured softly.

Jeremy shook his head softly, "You won't ever be safe, and that's my fault. You were right. If you hadn't met me, your life would be completely different."

Natalia frowned and stepped away from the door, moving over to stand beside Jeremy. She grabbed his bicep and tugged, turning him to face her. She swallowed hard, he was so haggard looking. She smiled softly and tugged him to face her fully.

Holding onto his arm, she reached up and cupped his cheek gently, "I'm safe here. I'm safe because I'm with you. There is nowhere else I would want to be. It took me a year and a half to figure that out, and to figure out that I love you."

Jeremy paled and shook his head, opening his mouth to speak, coming to a halt when Natalia laid a finger over his lips. She smiled, "You're right, my life is changed, forever. But my life would have been so different without you in it. I would have been depressed, alone, forever hiding from the possibilities in life. I had started to feel as though I would never be happy, never have any kind of adventure or excitement in my life, and then I came here, and met you."

She laughed unevenly, tears in her eyes, "My whole world changed. I had happiness, excitement, and a man who fought not just with his body, but with his brain. You shook up everything in my world and it's never going to be the same. I don't want it to be." She squeezed his arm, staring up into his eyes, begging him to let her in.

Jeremy shook under hand. As Alpha, he had the power to bring her into the Pack. That was the easy part. Living together, loving together…that was infinitely harder.

They would have to learn to forgive and understand each other. They would have to learn how to love, as equals.

He took a stuttering breath and reached up, his fingers trembling as he touched her face. His eyes closed at the sensation of it, pure bliss. Natalia breathed shakily, she had yearned for his touch, to be loved in only the way that Jeremy could.

When his eyes opened, they were brighter than before and there was happiness on his face, releasing some of the lines, wiping away the exhaustion. He rubbed her cheek gently and whispered, "Will you stay?"

He looked anxious, waiting for her to answer. Natalia smiled and nodded, turning to kiss his hand at her face, "You won't be able to get rid of me" she murmured.

She felt a hitch in his breath where their bodies nearly met, and leaned up, winding her fingers through his silky hair, brushing her lips against his softly. She let out a satisfied sigh at the contact, her arms wrapping around his neck as their lips reconnected, gently, both of them testing the bond between them.

They clung to each other with desperation and need, hearts beating out a rhythm that was as unique as their love. When Natalia broke away, breathing unsteadily, she touched Jeremy's face gently, smiling at him, "Do you think Clay will always hate me?" she asked quietly.

Jeremy sighed and smirked, "He does it out of love for me. He does not wish to see me hurt, and so those who hurt me, or present danger to me, he does not like. Once he sees how happy you make me, how much I love you, he will understand."

Natalia smiled, "Time will tell I suppose." She tucked her head under Jeremy's and sighed happily when his arms came around her, holding her close. They stood that way for a long time, letting the gentle intimacy begin to heal the wounds that time had inflicted.

Eventually Jeremy stirred, turning his head to gaze down at her, "Would you like to take a walk?" he asked quietly. Natalia nodded and took his hand, following him out to the back yard and onto the path that they had walked a year before.

Then it had been December, wintery and cold. Now it was June, warmth spreading life into the trees, flowers blooming and spreading their enticing scent through the air. When they came to the grove where the gazebo stood, Natalia sighed happily.

It was stunning with the lilacs and the apple trees blossoming, the shiny ash trees glittering in the sun. Jeremy led her into the gazebo and onto the swing, gathering her into his arms. He pressed his lips to her hair and closed his eyes, content.

Natalia's fingers traced over his forearm softly, sending pleasant shivers over his skin. "Is there any ritual that needs to happen for me to be part of the Pack?" she asked quietly.

Jeremy shook his head, "I'll have to notify the organization of Pack leaders that you formally exist, and that you belong to my Pack. We have a long road ahead of us after that. They will want to know how you were turned and how you survived the process."

Natalia nodded, and then asked thoughtfully, "How did I survive? Elena said it was because of you. Is that why?"

Jeremy sighed, "The first Change is terrifying, painful and often deadly. To have someone there who loves you and can explain the process- to help you through it- that makes all the difference."

They sat quietly, speaking of her time away, what she had done, and how she had missed him. Jeremy in turn revealed how he had at first been unable to paint, stricken by the mere sight of his works. Then, it was as though the thought of her possessed him, and painting was the only comfort he had.

When they found they had no more words, they simply held each other, enjoying the quiet.

Later, when they came back to the house, they found the dinner table set and the kitchen bustling with activity. When they stepped in, holding hands and smiling, the activity paused until Elena came over, smiling brightly, and hugged them both.

"I'm so happy for you both" she murmured. Natalia murmured her thanks and squeezed the other woman's hand, conveying a thousand other things that she didn't have the ability to say. Elena nodded at her and turned to the three other men, "Are you boys going to just stand there?" she demanded.

Nick was the first to move, smiling as he swept Natalia into a hug. "It's great to finally meet you, and to have you as part of the family. Jeremy is a lucky man." Natalia laughed and hugged him back, "I'm a lucky woman."

A moment later Karl stepped forward and smirked, "It's good to see you again pet. You're looking much better."

Natalia shook her head, grinning at him, "So do you. We were all looking pretty rough the last time we were together."

Karl nodded and leaned down to brush a kiss on her cheek, "Welcome to the family love."

Natalia smiled at him and then turned, watching out of the corner of her eye as Elena talked quietly, urgently to Clay. He nodded and a moment later stepped forward, his gaze downcast as he approached them.

He looked up at Jeremy and hesitated, then spoke. "I-I'm sorry. I haven't been kind to you or to Natalia. Please forgive me Jeremy."

Jeremy pulled him into a tight hug, "There's nothing to forgive my son. You did and said the things you did because you love me. Sometimes we hurt those we love. Natalia and I, we hurt each other. We've figured out how to overcome that. She is a member of our family now, do you understand?" he spoke firmly at the end, his voice that of the Alpha.

Clay nodded, shifting uncomfortably before turning to Natalia, "I apologize for my behavior, for threatening you. I can see you love Jeremy, and that's all I can ask for." He leaned forward and gave her a tentative hug, "Welcome to the family" he murmured.

Natalia hugged him back, "Thank you Clay. I'm so happy to be a part of your family."

When they parted they sat as a family at the table, Jeremy at the head, Clay on his right, her on the left. He leaned forward and took her hand, smiling.

Looking around the table he smiled, truly happy. "My family. I am beyond happy to have us all here. Times have been harder than ever before, and it seems as though they will not be easy going forward. But together, we will persevere. We will grow-"he smiled at Clay and Elena, "And we will be strong. I love you all. Now, let's eat."

A low chuckle ran around the table, and after Jeremy had taken the first bite, they dug in. Dinner was a raucous affair, people laughing and talking, sharing stories, bickering good naturedly. Natalia was soon drawn into the fray, and began to feel at home quickly.

After dinner Natalia sat on the couch in the study, a small fire chasing away the evening chill. She and Elena were talking quietly about how to decorate the nursery, especially since they weren't sure if the baby was a boy or a girl yet.

Natalia made a thoughtful noise, "Hmm, well why not do it in a theme instead of something that screams a certain gender? Like say-owls, jungle, storybook tales?" she offered.

Elena nodded, "Perhaps not little red riding hood though" she said with a smirk.

Natalia laughed and nodded, "Perhaps not. What about horses? Playing, trotting, dancing, that sort of thing?" she said.

Elena thought about it for a moment and then smiled as Clay entered the room, followed by Nick, Karl and Jeremy. "Darling, what do you think about horses for the baby's room?" she asked.

Clay tilted his head thoughtfully, "Like a cowboy theme? I dunno about that darlin." He looked skeptical and shook his head.

Elena sighed and turned to Natalia, grinning, "You see what I'm working with."

Natalia laughed, "Don't worry, we have months to prepare, and I'm here to help."

The two women bent over their phones, bringing up themes and discussing them, lost in their own world. Nick and Karl sat to play chess while Clay sat by the fire, sipping a glass of whiskey and watching Elena through hooded eyes, his happiness evident.

A moment later the soft strains of piano music echoed through the room as Jeremy played. Natalia lifted her head to see him, head bent over the keys, hair falling into his eyes, his body somehow both tense and at ease as he played.

She had never heard the song before, but it was beautiful, haunting. When it ended Jeremy lifted his head and found Natalia at his side, staring down at him, her eyes bright with unshed tears. He lifted a hand and pulled her down onto the bench with him, kissing her softly.

"That was beautiful, what was it?" she asked.

He smiled softly and kissed her cheek before turning to play quietly, letting the music cover his words, "It doesn't have a name. But I wrote it for you. It's our song."

Natalia sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, "I love it."

As the evening wore on, they chatted with Nick about his club opening, with Karl about the Mutts that were passing him information, and with Clay and Elena about the baby. Eventually Karl bid them all farewell and left the house, precipitating the rest of the group to meander off to their separate ways.

Nick went to join Clay and Elena for a movie, leaving the house quiet and empty. Natalia turned to look at Jeremy and smiled, raising a brow, "Well, we seem to be quite alone. What should we do with all of this…solitude?" she asked.

Jeremy ran a hand over her hair, toying with it softly. He wanted her, badly, but he didn't want to push their relationship now that they were on solid footing. He smiled softly, "Why don't I get us some more of that chocolate cake from dessert?" he offered. That was a nice safe idea.

Natalia stared at him, seeing the worry on his face. She had thought maybe this would happen that Jeremy would be unsettled by the idea of their intimacy, with their relationship so newly repaired. He still looked tired and worn, despite the fact that their reunion had brought him out of his depression and solitude.

"That sounds nice. I'm going to go draw a bath, would you mind bringing it upstairs?" she asked, her voice soft. Jeremy nodded and stood, going to fetch the cake. Natalia went upstairs quickly and hesitated at Jeremy's door.

They hadn't discussed this…but she had sort of thought she would be in his room from now on. When she pushed the door open and saw her bags in his room, her heart lifted. Smiling, she went to the bathroom and began to draw the bath, adding scented salts and a touch of bubbles from Elena's room.

A few moments later there was a noise and then Jeremy poked his head into the bathroom, holding up two plates of cake. "Did you want this now?" he asked uncertainly.

Natalia shook her head, walking over to take the plates and set them on the counter. She took his hands and led him into the bathroom, shutting the door softly. Leaning up, she kissed him deeply, her hand at his waist pulling him closer.

"I want this now" she whispered. Her hands were moving over the buttons on his waistcoat, then his shirt, her eyes locked on his face. She pushed the off his torso, her eyes drawn down to his body, frowning when she saw his weight loss.

"I'm going to have to get you fed" she murmured, running her hands over his chest. His muscles were more prominent now, but he appeared just slightly underweight.

Jeremy grinned softly, "I look forward to it." His breathing became more rapid as her hands slid down his abdomen to undo his pants, pushing them down to his feet. Jeremy stepped out and reached out to touch her clothes, "What about you?" he asked softly.

Natalia smiled devilishly, "Get in first." She pointed to the tub and waited until he was in, his eyes never leaving her. She slowly pulled her shirt off, tossing it aside before unbuttoning her shorts and stepping out of them.

As Jeremy's eyes skimmed over her appreciatively she reached up and undid the clasp on her bra, letting it drop to the ground. When her underwear joined them on the floor, Jeremy's gaze darkened and he reached a hand out, beckoning for her to join him.

She stepped into the tub, sinking down against his chest, her skin shivering with delight. Jeremy pushed her hair aside and kissed her neck softly, his warm breath sending more shivers over her body.

Natalia sighed with satisfaction as his hands began to roam, touching her softly, sending thrills of pleasure through her. When his hands found their way to her breasts, cupping them and rubbing his thumbs across her sensitive nipples, she sighed and shifted against him.

His mouth trailed kisses over her neck and shoulder, tasting her. "I've missed the way you taste" he murmured, nipping at her skin softly. Natalia shifted under his hands, feeling the aching need grow within her.

His hands trailed down her body, pulling her closer, then moving to brush against her warm opening, his fingers teasing there, sliding over her, rubbing against her clit, then moving away, driving her up against him, moaning softly in pleasure.

He continued to tease her, her gasps and soft moans like sweet music. Natalia arched as a wave of pleasure bound through her, gasping out Jeremy's name softly. After a few more minutes she pushed his hand aside and lifted herself up, turning to sit and face Jeremy.

She settled down, feeling his hard length pressing against her and rocked her hips, her breath catching at the sensation. She wiped a hand over Jeremy's face, her fingers tracing over his cheekbones and down to his delicious jaw line, and then his full, expressive lips.

She leaned in and kissed him, winding her fingers through his hair, wetting it and pulling it back. The primal wolf in her rumbled with satisfaction at seeing him so relaxed, under her, and willing. She nipped at his skin, kissing her way down his scruff covered throat to his shoulder, biting him softly.

She rocked her hips again, then again, continuing her slow pace, the water of the tub moving and splashing with her. Jeremy grabbed her hip and moved up against her, his breath tight in his chest, eager to be inside her.

When they were both panting with need and tired of being restrained by the tub they stood, untangling limbs and moved to their bedroom, touching and kissing their way to the bed.

Natalia sank down on Jeremy's lap once more, leaning down to kiss him. He guided himself to her entrance, warm and wet, and slid in slowly, both of them moaning, their kissing become desperate and breathless.

Natalia arched back and began to rock against Jeremy, moaning when he moved steadily against her, his cock hitting deep inside her. She clutched his chest, moving faster, a need gripping her. "Y-yes…yes Jeremy!" she cried out, gasping in pleasure as he met her stroke for stroke.

They moved harder against each other, their bodies connecting in a rhythm as old as time, as constant as the stars, as perfect as their love, as imperfect as life. Their cries of passion filled the room, the sound of joyful lovemaking, of reunion.

When Jeremy began to touch her clit Natalia whimpered and rocked harder against him, begging, "Please Jeremy…more…please."

Jeremy moaned and gripped her hip tighter, driving into her harder, cursing softly. She was perfection and she was his. The sight of her, bouncing, writhing, and moaning on top of him, was more beautiful than any painting he could ever create.

When she came apart on top of him, crying out his name and gripping his shoulder so hard her nails cut his skin, he felt his own orgasm approach like lightning. He continued to thrust for a few more moments and then came with a loud groan of Natalia's name.

He rolled, flipping her under him, drawing her up to kiss her deeply. Her hands trailed down his back, sending a shiver over his skin. He pulled away and rolled to the side, dragging her against him.

Natalia smiled and breathed heavily, tracing her fingers over his chest. "That was amazing" she murmured.

Jeremy nodded and leaned up on one arm to stare down at her, entranced. She smiled up at him, "What?"

He smiled, "I'm just thinking about the future…our future. We have a very long time together, and I want to know what you want…marriage? Kids?" he asked. He grew nervous as her silence lengthened.

Natalia finally sighed, "I want both…but in time. We've just gotten each other back. I want to be with you, and our family that we already have. Is-is that okay?" she asked urgently.

Jeremy smiled, "Of course my love. Of course."

They drew close and whispered of happy things; wedding plans, baby names, how many children they would want, where their honeymoon could be…

Eventually they fell to sleep, limbs entangled and at peace.

Five years later

Natalia crouched down, hiding behind the gazebo, her heart pounding. She was breathless from running and hiding, and her pursuer was close…

She heard soft footsteps on the grass and peered between the hatches of the wood, ducking back down after a moment. She circled around, keeping the gazebo between her and her pursuer, until suddenly she heard a branch snap behind her, and with a thud she landed face down on the grass.

"Found you momma!" her daughter squealed, tugging on her shirt. Her son ran around the side of the gazebo and tackled them, "Tag! You're it Adalina!" he shouted.

Adalina frowned, "That's not fair! I tagged momma!" she turned to Natalia and pointed to her brother, "Momma, tell Renato that I tagged you!" she demanded.

Natalia sighed, "I think…That you tagged me, and haven't run!" she grabbed Adalina and began tickling her, laughing when her daughter shrieked with delight.

A moment later Jeremy came trotting into the clearing and grinned at the sight of his family. He grabbed Renato and swung him up in his arms, swinging him around, nuzzling his stomach, blowing a raspberry softly.

Natalia picked up Adalina and smiled at her husband, walking over to kiss him sweetly. "Dinner's ready" he told her and the children.

Natalia smiled, "Well then, I think we need to wash up! Come on!" she jiggled Adalina and grinned over at Jeremy, "Let's see who can get there faster!" she called. Taking off running, she swung Adalina onto her back and sprinted towards the house.

Jeremy soon caught up to her, grinning over at her as they ran neck-in-neck to the back door. Natalia broke ahead and ran through the open door, laughing as she and Adalina stumbled to a halt. Clay and Elena were in the kitchen with their young son, Logan, setting the table and turned to grin at them.

Natalia set Adalina down and shooed her, "Go wash your hands and face darling."

She turned to Elena who was heavily pregnant with their second child, and asked, "Can I lend a hand?"

Elena shook her head, "It's all prepared, just get the kids to the table and we'll be set."

Natalia nodded and shooed Renato to follow his sister, grinning when Jeremy wrapped his arm around her waist. A few minutes later the children came running back in, eager for dinner. They all quickly dug in, hungry from their playtime.

Natalia looked around their table, incredibly happy. When she and Jeremy had been together for a year after her return, they had gotten married in a small ceremony at the house- the only outside invitees were members of the Council of Alphas and JoAnne. Jeremy had negotiated hard for her to be allowed at the wedding; the council members had been adamant that her inclusion would endanger them all.

In the end though, the ceremony was perfect, and JoAnne was happy, leaving and spreading the word in town that Natalia was living at StoneHaven, and married to Jeremy Danvers. They had gone to Argentina for their honeymoon, traveling all the way to the south, seeing mountains, beaches and icebergs.

A year later they began to try to have children, and soon found Natalia pregnant with twins. When they discovered she was pregnant with a boy and a girl Jeremy had been nervous and curious. Most human women bore male children to wolves. They had no precedent for a female wolf to bear children.

Now that the children were three years old, they would soon be ready to learn about the Change. They already knew what their parents, aunt and uncle were- but they didn't fully understand that they too would someday change.

They told the children stories, trying to help them understand. By age 10 they would be at the age to change. Natalia was worried; she remembered how much it hurt and couldn't bear the thought of her precious children going through that pain.

Jeremy assured her that the first Change as a born wolf was less painful than a bitten one, but not by much. Besides, by that time, the children would have seen their parents change so many times that they would understand the process and hopefully no long fear it.

After dinner they put the children to bed, both of them exhausted. Natalia and Jeremy collapsed down onto their bed, sighing with fatigue. Jeremy rubbed her shoulders gently, pressing a kiss to her hair, "Thank you for distracting the children so I could speak with the Council and paint. I know you have work to do too" he murmured.

Natalia shook her head, "We're parents Jeremy, it's what we do. We shoulder the load together. Though I'm going to need to spend tomorrow working, so you'll have to distract them when they get tired of playing with Logan."

Jeremy nodded and leaned back, pulling her against him, sighing contentedly, "I love playing with them. They're both so smart and funny…"he shook his head and smiled, "How did I get so lucky? Two amazing children, a stunningly brilliant and gorgeous wife…I'm so happy."

Natalia grinned and tilted her head up for a kiss, "You definitely got lucky. So did I." She listened to Clay and Elena tucking their son into bed and then nuzzled into Jeremy's side, content. Whatever the future had to bring, they would be able to handle it, together.

Many hours later the sound of a child's cry pierced the night, rousing Jeremy instantly. When Natalia rolled over to go to it, he laid a hand on her, "I'll go, you sleep" he whispered. She nodded and snuggled back down into the bed, already back to sleep by the time the door closed.

Jeremy padded quietly down the hall to the children's bedroom and opened the door, finding Adalina sitting up, her stuffed wolf clutched to her chest. He smiled and knelt beside her bed. "What's wrong caro mio?" he asked quietly.

Her bottom lip trembled and she whispered, "I had a nightmare poppa. A scary man grabbed me in the woods, and ran away with me." Her eyes shone with tears and the sight tore at Jeremy. He knew it was just a nightmare, but his wolf instincts roused, wanting to fight and protect her.

He gathered her close in his arms and hushed her, "It was just a dream, a bad one at that. Momma and I would never let that happen in real life. We will always protect you, okay?" he murmured.

Adalina nodded, wiping at her face before laying her head down on his shoulder. He rubbed her back for a while until he felt her relax and go limp against him, her soft breathing telling him she was asleep again.

He gently laid her back down and tucked her in, backing away and looking over at Renato to make sure he was still asleep. He watched his children sleep and knew without a doubt that he was blessed, that his life was better for having Natalia in it, and that he wouldn't change a thing about it.

Closing the door behind him he padded down the hall to climb back into bed and pull her close, nuzzling her shoulder. He felt her flinch and a moment later she whispered, "Your feet are cold", her voice rough from sleep.

Jeremy chuckled and slid them away, breathing in her soft scent as he began to drift off to sleep. "I love you Natalia, forever." It was a promise- to be faithful, to be true, and to care for her and their children-always.

She sighed and rolled over in his arms, smiling up at him sleepily, "I love you too Jeremy, forever." She rested her head in the nook of his arm and shoulder and sighed, "Go to sleep husband, tomorrow is another long day, and our children are wild animals."

Jeremy chuckled; her humor about being a wolf was often dry and sarcastic. But she had stood by him for 5 years, through Mutt attacks, Council hearings, and a battle against Aleister that had nearly cost them everything.

He would change nothing about their lives, not how they had gotten here, and not how their future would be. With Natalia by his side, he would be able to handle anything. She gave him a strength he didn't know he had, and pushed him to be a better man and a better Alpha.

They would be together, forever, and their family would stand strong for generations. The world of wolves was changing, but for the better, Jeremy suspected. His children would live to see a better world, one that was kinder and less harsh on their breed, and would be raised by a family that loved them.

He wouldn't ask for more than the abundance he had already been given. He couldn't ask for anything more.