The Edge

epilogue.

The pack house was buzzing as Emma sat in the kitchen, munching on a blueberry muffin. Jared, Embry, and Quil were on patrol and so the younger wolves were home with Paul and Sam. Emily was baking and Sam and Paul were in the living room, avoiding the rowdy teenage boys. "Em!" a small voice squealed as 3-year-old Joshua Uley launched himself at the hybrid. Emma nearly dropped her muffin as the 3-year-old leaped into her lap, his small body hitting her arm full force as he ran from Brady Fuller. "Save me." the little boy curled into the blonde's lap, Emma looking down at him amused. "Save you, from who?" Emma laughed as the put her muffin on the table and wrapped her arms around the small boy. "The big bad wolf!" Joshua Uley yelled out as he pointed to Brady, who was now casually leaning against the wall.

"The big bad wolf!" Emma gasped down at the small boy. Joshau simply smiled sheepishly at the blonde as he wrapped himself around her. "Don't worry, I know who can protect you." Emma stood up as with Joshua and sped past Brady and the other younger boys, the teenager following them. "He's following us!" Joshua squealed out Emma ran into the living room. "Oh no!" Emma yelled out, running over to the coach that Paul and Sam sat on. "Protect us!" Emma laughed, launching herself into the couch, only mere inches from Paul. "Woah!" Paul yelled out at Emma nearly smashed into him and Brady almost wiped out on the carpet.

"That's not fair!" Brady frowned as Emma cuddled up to Paul and kept Johsua close to her chest. "What's not fair?" Sam questioned Brady with a small smirk. "You're a traitor." Brady pointed to the blonde and small child before storming back off to the kitchen. Emma laughed as the pouty teenager as she leaned back into Paul's chest. "I think Joshua's claimed you as his favorite." Sam laughed as the little boy looked over at his father with a large grin, cuddling up to Emma. "Kid's got good taste." Paul smiled down at Emma, the blonde smiling back.

"I've been meaning to talk to you both about something." Sam spoke up after a few moments of silence, gaining the attention of Paul and Emma. "What's up?" Paul questioned, furrowing his eyebrows at the words. "Emily is due next months and with Jacob taking on most of the new shifters, I've been thinking about giving up shifting since our family is growing." Sam's words shocked Paul, not knowing what to expect, but it wasn't that. "Seriously?" Paul questioned as he and Emma shared a glance. "Only if I can find my replacement." Sam gave a small nod. "Jared is next up in line, but I talked to him last week and he's happy with his Beta position. Given your relationship, I'm assuming you'll continue shifting for at least a few more years yet." Sam looked to the pair, Paul giving a small nod. "Would you like the alpha position?" Sam offered to Paul, who blinked in shock. Emma leaned away from Paul for a bit, looking back at her mate. Paul looked at Emma, who gave a small shrug, this was Paul's decision more than it was hers. "You don't have to give me an answer now, take a few days, think about it." Sam offered as Joshua yawned in Emma's arms.

"I'm going to go put that little guy to sleep, you guys should be free to talk here if you want." Sam stood and took a now sleepy Joshua from Emma. Paul nodded as Sam moved over to the stairs and Emma turned her body so she could face Paul. "Is this something you would want to do?" Emma looked at Paul expectantly. "I don't know, I've never really thought about it." Paul scoffed at the idea. "I mean you helped lot when the last generation of boys shifted, I think you could do it. I'll support you in whatever you decide." Emma was honest with Paul, trying to get a read of his thought process and emotions. "It's a huge step." Paul played the offer over in his head. "I believe you could do it." Emma encouraged Paul, seeing the wheels turning in his head. "You would be okay with it?" Paul was already leaning to one side. "I know you were never a fan of shifting but I think that qualifies you more than anyone when it comes to comforting new shifters and enforcing orders." Emma was honest with Paul; he knew all the negative emotions that followed the shift. "I'll think about it, as long as you're okay with it." Paul gave a small nod and Emma smiled at the man before moving to lay with him again.