The Red Wolf's Mate

Epilogue

Brutus POV, 86 years old

68 years later..................

I take a deep, satisfying breath and slowly open my eyes.

Brightness....

That is what awaits my irises once I fully part my eyelids.

Peace...

Familiarity....

I gently stretch out my limbs, feeling the soft grass beneath me, warmth on my skin, and release a slight groan as my stiff body creaks and pops, like Rice Crispy cereal.

"Finally stirring Brutus..."

Oh, that musical voice....

I know it well.

"Brutus, long time so see" the beautiful voice floats through the air and reaches my sensitive ears. 

I lazily turn my head to my left only to find that eternally mesmerizing figure casually resting on a large boulder, legs crossed. 

Malak....

"Malak, yes long time no see....thankfully" I genuinely comment with a wide grin spreading across my face.

"Awww yes, you finally found your mate. Had a family. A long life together. You were able to achieve your dreams..." Malak softly states while lazily staring off into the distance.   

Then, those brilliant white eyes slowly stray back to my own, as mine never left this serene creature.

"I was ecstatic when everything fell into place and you found her Brutus. You had experienced so much pain, so much heartache. You deserved acceptance and all the love this world has to offer. You found whom you were meant to be with. It may have taken a long time; yet, you found the light through the darkness" this sincere being kindly conveys to me. 

My heart clenches, chest swells with pride, and eyes water at Malak's words.

Maureen, Shelia....my heart, my world.  

I hear Malak take a deep breath and I know the question which is coming....

Malak has asked me this question many times before yet this time....this time my answer will be different for the first time. 

I hear that harmonious voice drift through the air....

"You know I have to ask....what is your decision Brutus? Will you continue for another life cycle as an elemental or will you retire to the great beyond with your mate?"

I stare into Malak's breathtakingly radiant eyes. 

I honestly and with nothing except pure confidence pulsing throughout my entire being reply, "I will join my mate in the great beyond. I found my one and only leading lady. She is my heart, my everything. I never  want to be apart nor find another. Malak, I have come to the end of my life cycles as an elemental. It is time for me to stop. I wish the next elemental the very best during their own stead."

I inhale completely, filling my lungs with the crisp, fresh air of this amazing place. I gaze at Malak with a sense of peace, knowing I've made the correct decision and I'll be seeing my lovely mate soon. 

An authentic smile spreads across Malak's face while he gently states, "So it will be Brutus. I knew you would walk that path yet I needed to ask...........you know, formal conformation" comes his cheeky response after a brief pause. 

"Brutus, you have been a good and faithful servant to the heavens as an honorable elemental. May you and your mate be at peace" the ethereal creature states while lifting an arm toward the blinding light beyond the cherry blossom trees. 

With one final smile and nod at Malak, I begin my tranquil journey toward the heavens and my lovely leading lady.

I slowly walk beside the exquisite cherry blossom trees, following the stunningly brilliant illumination, knowing my gorgeous mate awaits me on the other side........