Fated To Be His...

Epilogue...

"I got a call from the Zhuangs. They are ready to adopt both A-Niao and A-Ling." "That's great." Zhan collapsed on the chair before Wang Lei rubbing his eyes. "You've been working yourself too hard, A-Zhan." "So have you. Your old bones need rest, Lei." The lion shifter's eyes narrowed, a mock scowl taking over his features. "You are the one with old bones. I can still beat you in a race to the woods." "Because I'll go easy on you like I always have." The elder laughed his eyes softening. The lion shifter had been swamped with work as more and more shifters were coming to seek shelter in Hope. It was not a secret that the shelter had support from the strongest packs in the country. When they had emerged victorious after their battle with their Changs, the loners who had nowhere to go saw an opportunity to start fresh. They knew in Hope they'll have a home that would protect them and give them another chance at life.

"Thanks for coming to help me, Zhan. Yubin and Guo Cheng are good at what they do but they are not you. They tried convincing the Zhuangs to take both girls in for weeks but the couple was not open to the idea. A day with the couple and you managed to get it done." Zhan smiled wiping his forefinger on his nose. "That's why you haven't replaced me yet. If you found someone who could get things done, you wouldn't let me come here." Zhan laughed when the other man's eyes narrowed at his words. "The Zhuangs were only worried that Zheng Ling wouldn't settle well in a pride given her cougar nature. But they saw how close the two girls were. They know they'll break their hearts if they separate the two." Lei's gaze turned thoughtful and Zhan asked the elder what he was thinking about. "I was thinking of how Yibo and you went into hiding whenever the new packs came to visit." Zhan smiled as well remembering how he and Yibo hid under the beds or behind trees in the clearing to avoid being taken. "We couldn't bear to leave you behind", came Zhan's cheeky response to which Lei rolled his eyes. "We both know that's not the reason." Zhan grabbed the files from Lei's desk tucking them under his arm.

"I'll take these with me. Reach out to the packs that are looking for new additions. If you need something else, give me a call." "Good kid. My old bones need to rest. Take these too." Zhan's eyes narrowed but he took the additional work. "What?" Lei raised a questioning brow at Zhan, hiding his smile. "I am seeing truth in Yibo's theory now." "What theory?" asked the elder, pretending to be clueless. "He thinks you are training me to take over." The elder waved his hand in the air, shaking his head, but Zhan knew the man very well. "Tell me you aren't planning this, Lei." The Omega's tone was grim and Lei shook his head harder. "It's nonsense." "It better be. This place needs you. I am only here to help you."  "But what if-" "No", Zhan cut off the words, glaring at the elder and the elder's shoulders deflated. "I won't live forever, Zhan-Zhan. I need to leave this place in good hands before I reunite with my A-Tong. I can't think of anyone better than you to take over after me." Zhan's face softened and his eyes moved to the picture of the woman smiling on Lei's desk. Placing the files on the desk Zhan bowed to the woman in respect.

"I need him here for a few more decades, Tong Jiejie. Blame me if you want but let me be a little selfish. This place needs Lei. The people living here need him. He has saved so many of us. Without him, this place will fall apart. Give us a few more decades, okay? You can beat me up when I see you in the afterlife." "Silly kid", grumbled Lei but Zhan saw the elder's glistening eyes. "We've come a long way. You did it, Lei." The elder's eyes met Zhan's and understanding what the Omega was saying, Lei smiled. "We did it." Relief wafting from Lei's body settled on Zhan's skin. "I'll be in my room." "What about Yibo?" At the mention of his baby lion, Zhan's face lit up. "He'll come in a few hours. He'll join us for dinner."

The door to Zhan's room swung open, and before the Omega could say "Hello," the door was slammed shut, his lips caught in a kiss so deep, Zhan's toes curled. Wang Yibo plucked him out from the chair he was sitting on and threw him on the mattress covering Zhan with his body. The Omega moaned into Yibo's mouth, pouring his longing into the touch, and all he tasted on Yibo's lips was hunger. Hunger for him. Zhan found both his hands pinned beside his head and Yibo plundered Zhan's mouth until it was swollen. Breathing hard the Omega stared at his mate. Yibo's eyes burned with desire and Zhan's body helplessly responded to the raw passion. "You've been here for hours", came the accusation as the Alpha's gaze burned a bright red.