A/N: I have two endings for this story so I'll post both. I wasn't sure how I wanted to end this one so this one is my 'tragic' epilogue while the following chapter is my 'hail Mary' epilogue.

Five years, he's been gone for five years. Only a simple promise has kept me alive this long otherwise I would have been dead in the streets within the first year. How I wish it was getting easier, that the pain I feel everyday has lessened but I would be lying to myself.

He was my Omega no, my soulmate and no one can fill the hole he left. Gilbert has tried to reassure me that it wasn't my fault. I mean how could I have known? But I did know, I felt it inside but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to scare him or myself. So in the end Kuro had the last laugh. When he raped my mate he caused an infection and once it took hold…his fate was all but sealed. If I got to him sooner there might have been a chance but he had lost too much blood. Sure I could have sued the doctor but it wouldn't have brought them back.

Besides I know I'm living on borrowed time anyway. I have been since the day I shot Kuro. Why his buddies decided to wait this long is beyond me but I know my time is coming by the footprints one keeps leaving at my back door. It's like he's waiting for the moment I leave it open so he can rush in and do me in.

I should let him but first I need a cigarette and since I don't smoke in the house anymore I venture outside. It's freezing outside as the snow starts to lightly fall again making it shimmer in the early morning sun. It's something I've come to enjoy over the years because it was something Alfred would always point out with a smile. He would say it was like fairy dust.

So while I don't want to disturb the 'dust' around me a walk would clear my mind. My footsteps are the only sounds I hear as I make my trek down to the river to the small bridge I had built over it. It's not much but it does its job fine. "Hey," I say as I light my cigarette. "Sorry I haven't been out 're in a week."

His grave doesn't answer me but I like to think he's nearby listening. "I started workin' again but don't go worrin' since I promise I'm eating…" I say as I bite my lip. "My brother's comin' in next week ta stay with me for a while and," I pause as I stuff my hands in my pockets. "Matthew gave me a call and he says he misses yah."

It's now that I hear the sound of footsteps behind me in the snow. He's a bold man I'll give him that but I don't turn around. "Scott Kirkland," He says cocking what I can only assume is a gun.

I take my hand out of my pocket and bring it to my lips. "So what took yah so long?" I ask letting out a puff of grey smoke. When he hesitates I turn around to see that kid I saw years ago outside of the courthouse. "Well?"

He blinks as if he's shocked that I'm not afraid. "We were hoping your ass would do yourself in." He says trying to sound tough but I can see right through him. "But since you refuse to die."

I can't help but chuckle at that statement. "Refuse ta die?" I repeat as I place the cigarette back between my lips. "Lad I've been dead for a long time."

"Bullshit." He says with a shake of his head. "You've clearly moved on. You've been living and breathing while my boss lies in the ground dead."

"Living? Has that what I've been doing?" I say getting nothing but a confused look in return. "Kid there's a difference in living and survivin'." I say as I turn back to face Alfred's grave. If I'm going to die here I'd rather have my last image be of him and Heather. "So come on now. You came 're with a job so do us both a favor."

Again he hesitates. It's clear that he didn't expect such a willing victim. "But," he starts as he cocks his weapon. "Shit…"

I finish my cigarette and flick it away into the snow. "Take the safety off." As I inhale slowly I feel the sharp pain in my left shoulder as the sound thunders in my ears. Not much of a hit man they hired but once I stagger forward the world around me blurs before I collapse into the growing snow.

If I'm dead I'm not sure until I feel someone standing over me. "Not much of a fight you gave," Alfred says offering me his hand. "Almost like you were waiting for it. Not a heroic thing really, well it was ballsy I'll give you that."

He quickly pulls me to my feet before I hug him tightly. "Now I promised you that I won't drink myself to death," I say not daring to let go. "And I kept my word."

"I wanted you to move on Scott." He says with a hint of sadness in his voice. "To have a good life."

"I know but a good life ta me involves you." His smile is so beautiful and I know he must be an angel. "Maybe we could try again."

He kisses me before walking me towards the light. "Again?"

"Yeah and maybe this time you could be the Alpha." I say as he rests his head on my shoulder. "And this time I won't let you go so easily."

He lets out a tiny laugh. "You won't. I'll make sure of it this time." We might be star crossed lovers but we're both too stubborn to let fate get the upper hand. No matter how many times we have to play this game as long as we have each other we can weather any storm.

"I still like the name Heather."

"I do too."