And here it is...the final chapter. It's been fun. Hope you've enjoyed the story. Oh, and there may be an epilogue after this. I have it written...it just depends on whether or not I decide to put it up.

Riley lay in bed, the blood rushing into her head. She could feel herself falling. To where, she knew not. Out of the darkness she heard a voice.

"Riley?" It was timid and kind. Familiar, but she couldn't place it.

The blood rushed out again, leaving her face incredibly pale. Her jaw tightened as a spasm of pain ran through her.

"Riley." There it was. The voice again. This time she saw a face. She was on the verge. She moved closer and closer to the blur until it became clear.

"Remus." She whispered.

He grabbed her hand and held it. The warmth of his touch flowed through her. Riley's eyes fluttered before staying open. She looked up at Remus and gave an involuntary sigh.

"Riley." He sounded as though a part of him was dying. That was how she felt. Her eyes closed again, as though the weight was too much. She felt Remus shudder.

"I'm so sorry." He said. His voice was chocked. "May I ask you a question?" Silence followed. "Are you dying of a broken heart?"

Riley pondered this in her torment. She honestly wasn't sure.

"Please. I need to know." If it was possible, a sob escaped his lips. Riley was touched. She had never seen a male display such emotion.

"No." She said, her voice weak. "I do not believe I am dying of a broken heart." She paused. "I just…can't take it anymore. I think…I think I'm dying of rejection."

It was then that he broke. "Don't die, Riley. You don't know me well, and I don't know you well, but I don't want you to die. There are so many things…" He reached down and lifted Riley up. He cradled her against his chest. Their hearts beat as one. "Riley, since the first time I saw you, I knew…you were so beautiful and intelligent…I knew I loved you. For six years I've tried to let you go, but I'm not strong enough."

Warmth flowed into Riley. For once, she felt at peace.

"But there are things you don't know about me…things that I've kept secret from everyone." He held her hands tightly. "Riley, I love you…but…I'm a werewolf."

Riley's eyes opened and she looked up at Remus. His face was flushed and his eyes were watery. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.