The Master of Me

Chapter 27 (epilogue)

I dedicate this epilogue to ‘My First Fan’ Mckayla Flynn, who messaged me to tell me her love for my story on September 1st, 2014 when it was barely embers transformed into a flame. Her words especially, along with every single read, star, vote, and comment, encouraged me to finish this story. I thank her and each one of you very much.

Sincerely- Ali Clyde

Chapter 27 (Epilogue)

                “One hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream and cinnamon powder on top.” Sterling announced, carefully handing her the steamy mug as they sat out on the porch swing out back. A simple silver wedding ring could be seen on Sterling’s left hand, while Alue always wore her locket as a symbol for their love. Eleven months had passed since the time of the trial, back in January. The state had allowed Shifters alienable rights, but there was severe controversy when it came to gaining privileges such as marriage. As such Sterling and Alue were not legally wed, but in heart they were as one. He wore the ring as an outward symbol of his devotion and she wore her locket.

It was December first and the two of them were enjoying the evening, watching the first snowfall of that year. He had his arm draped over her shoulders, and she leaned against him as they rocked gently on the swing. He watched her with awe, just as he had done the very first time they met almost a year and a half ago. Alue glanced over at him, a smile peeking out from the corner of her mouth and asked,

“What is it?”

“You.” He replied sincerely.

“What about me?”

“Everything.” He told her, giving her cheek a tender kiss.

                This was dialogue that happened often. She would catch him staring at her with adoring eyes and with his kiss she would feel warmth, affection, and love he had for her. She no longer felt her soul was divided. She had no need to keep her Subconscious Wolf and her Alue Conscious self separate. The ‘right time’ came for her and Sterling to share in that special act of trust and love, as mates. It was their love that made her feel complete. She finished her mug of cocoa and set it down, then looked over to Sterling.

“May I ask of something from you for Christmas, Sterling?”

“You may ask anything of me Alue, no matter what.” He replied, listening intently.

“I want to conceive our child.” She told him, her eyes meeting his.

Sterling grinned and replied in warm hearted jest, “That would be the most wonderful Christmas present for both of us. Those things take time though. Aren’t you cutting it a little close?”

“Not at all.” Alue whispered into his ear, than planted a passionate kiss upon his lips. They stayed like that for several minutes, letting the passion build between them. Suddenly Alue pulled away and nipped at Sterling’s ear, then grabbed her mug and headed inside, looking over her shoulder at Sterling and said in a highly playful manner, “Aren’t you coming?”

----------------------------------18 years later-----------------------

                Everyone was gathered at the dinner table that evening in the home. Clad in black attire in commemoration of Great Grandma Irene Winchester’s recent passing at the age of 100. Sterling sat at the head of the table, Alue to his right, his father on his left, with Donna beside him. Beside Alue in order of birth were their four kids. The eldest, a 16 year old young man named after his father, becoming the 4th generation Sterling Winchester. He had inherited his father’s hair and his mothers garnet eyes and shifting capabilities. Beside him was the second born, a girl of 13 years, named Jenna Eve Winchester. She got her mother’s hair and her father’s blue eyes. The third born was a boy named Charlie Winchester. He was 10 years of age and was the exact image of Sterling in every likeness, as his childhood pictures portrayed within the homestead. The final child was a girl, Guenhwyvar Irene Winchester, age 8, who looked just like her mother. She had inherited Alue’s shifting capabilities, just as the eldest of the four children.

                The family sat around the table sharing tales of the late Great Grandma Irene. Everyone was sad that but also happy that Grandma was finally reunited with grandma once more and surely her dear best friend and their great grandma Genevieve.

Guenhwyvar tugged on Charlie’s sleeve gently and he looked to her and she cupped her hands to his ear and whispered something. When she was done the same pattern of communication went between each of the siblings until it had reached the eldest who then whispered the little girl’s request to his mother, Alue. Alue grinned and leaned in, doing the same to Sterling and whispered to him, “Guenhwyvar would like to hear the story of how we met. You tell it much better then I.”

Sterling grinned; this was not the first time she had requested the tale to be told. Usually it was requested by her at bedtime to delay the inevitable. “Well then let’s begin with the fact it was this very day. July 1st, 2014 exactly 18 years ago. I had just flipped over some bacon in a fry pan and went to retrieve my cell phone from my bedroom. When I returned I saw . . . ”

The End.