Chapter 25. Epilogue

3 years later

Stirring from my slumber, I stretched out my long limbs on the king size bed, disappointed to find that I was alone. I yawned loudly, relishing the familiar rush of air filling my lungs. The air hung heavy with the scent of sizzling pork - bacon. Lazily, I palmed my morning wood as I climbed out of bed to investigate the enticing aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation. A quick glance in the mirror showed my hair in disarray, but I didn't stop to fix it - he liked it that way. Sleep hair was the same as sex hair in his estimation.

My lovely imprint was in the kitchen, preparing my breakfast. I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by how lucky I was - my mate didn't even eat, yet here he was, cooking - for me. He ignored me, even though he could hear my every thought. He liked to pretend we were normal, and since I hadn't said anything, he shouldn't be aware I was there. I kind of liked it - it gave me some sense of privacy, although I didn't really mind that he knew everything about me.

I took my opportunity to admire his bare back, the sinewy muscles rippling beneath his skin as he showed off, flipping the bacon in the pan impossibly high in the air. Of course, he caught it easily. My eyes dropped downward, picturing what was hidden within those thin drawstring pajama pants. I marvelled at the curve and valley of his round, perky ass. I'd seen it a million times at this point, but I never got tired of it. It was a truly perfect ass. My morning wood twitched as I eye-fucked him, and he shifted on his feet, affected by my thoughts, but still not turning to face me.

Closing the gap between us, I lined up my cock with the divide of his ass, pushing between his cheeks, so that those hard, round globes squeezed me delightfully. Edward groaned and pushed back against me, tightening his rear muscles purposefully. God, I just wanted to fuck him, right here, against the stove.

Edward hummed appreciatively at my idea. A droplet of precum escaped me and dampened his pants at the tailbone. "Kinda gives a new meaning to rise and shine," he teased. I could tell by his tone that he was smirking, even though he faced away from me.

A deep growl rumbled in my chest - I was so turned on - but suddenly, Edward spun around and pushed me up against the kitchen counter.

"But I believe it's my turn."

He licked and nipped lightly at my neck as he ground his hips against me. My cock jumped eagerly as his hardness rubbed me just the right way. Oh god, I just wanted him to fuck me right now.

"Later...bacon's burning..." Edward let go of me to take the bacon off the stove top, and I groaned my disappointment. But, he was right, there was always time for fucking. My stomach growled loudly. Yeah, definitely should eat something first.

I reached into the cabinet and took out two plates, part of the china set Marcus had sent as a housewarming gift. They were way to fancy to use just for bacon and eggs, but we didn't have anything simpler - Edward liked to live with a little extravagance. I started to plate up the food as Edward washed the dishes. It was quiet as we focused on our separate tasks for a while before Edward suddenly broke the silence.

"You know, I heard you that day when you found me - the day you imprinted."

Um, what? That came out of left field. Huh?

He dried off his hands and turned to face me, leaning up against the edge of the sink. He gave me a pointed look. "I could hear everything you said and thought."

I was kind of shocked by this sudden announcement, and I couldn't find words to speak. The whole time you were unconscious? He'd been unconscious for days! Who knows the myriad of embarrassing things I probably thought during that time!

Edward smiled my favorite crooked smile to try and soothe me. "No, not the whole time, just when you found me in the woods. Before I fell deeply into stasis. My mind was conscious at the time, but my body wouldn't respond."

"Why are you bringing this up now?"

Edward only shrugged. "It just popped into my head while you were sleeping last night."

Ok. I tried to remember what had happened. It felt like forever ago. I remembered kicking him, and then...the imprinting. I wondered what he might have heard in my mind when that happened. So...did you hear when I imprinted?

He shook his head. "No, the last thing I remember is you yelling at me. Something like, Fucking bloodsucking leech cuntrag douchebag piece of trash. I'm gonna fucking kill you, you parasitic woman-stealing nasty dickwad!"

I was horrified at myself. I knew it wasn't 'something like that'. Edward pretty much had total recall - I'm sure that was exactly what I had said. My wolf's heart sank.

Edward laughed and pulled me in for a kiss. "But look at us now." He nuzzled his face against the pulse point in my neck, and I knew he wasn't holding it against me. I relaxed against him, his cool hands stroking my back lovingly. "It's okay, baby, I forgive you."

"Forgive me for what?" a tiny voice asked.

Edward pulled back from me to look at our little russet-skinned boy. "Oh sorry, Anthony. I meant Papa."

Anthony looked at me with innocent green eyes. His black hair was long and flowing, framing his adorable baby face. I smiled and explained gently, "Sometimes Daddy likes to call Papa 'baby'."

Anthony's eyes widened. "But, you no baby - Papa big boy!"

We couldn't help laughing at his sincerity and Edward scooped Anthony up for a group hug. Soon, Edward stepped away and carried Anthony over to the table.

"Are you ready to eat breakfast?" Edward asked, as he placed Anthony in his booster seat. "Bacon and eggs, your favorite. Just like Papa." He put the plate in front of Anthony, and shot a stellar smile over his shoulder at me, beckoning me to sit down at the table. "You coming?"

I nodded, smiling softly, but I didn't join them yet. I was enjoying the scene. Watching my soul mate try to get our giggling son to sit still and eat, I couldn't imagine a better life. The trials and heartache we faced had been well worth it.

We knew now that there was nothing that could ever break us apart.

A/N: Well, that's it folks. Thank you for sticking with this story until the end - your endless support has been truly encouraging and just plain wonderful.

I have no intention of writing a sequel to this story. However, I do have two outtakes already in my head, so keep it on alert to receive notification of those. If there are any missing moments that you wish were addressed, please feel free to let me know - I just may write an outtake for you.

I know a lot of you might be disappointed that I skipped over Jacob's pregnancy. I am working on a new mpreg fic, The Consequence of Heat, to satisfy that curiosity, but it is not a sequel to this - it's a completely separate idea. One of the outtakes will give you a glimpse into Jacob's pregnancy in regards to ITGWO. Put me on author alert for notification of CoH, as it might be a few weeks before I start posting it.

Thank you so much for your support. I love you all!