Two days later, Mihai woke up in their room, wincing. After helping feed the quadruplets—three boys and one girl—he had fallen asleep in a chair next to Sean’s bed, putting him in an uncomfortable position.

He was still aching from his run. He would be in pain for a long while, despite all his alpha healing abilities.

And that’s nothing compared to what Sean’s been through.

But right now, he was simply glad Sean was sleeping soundly. He smiled.

My mate, he proudly thought.

Not wanting to disturb him, he slowly got up and walked to the babies’ bassinets, where for the moment all four of them, too, were sleeping.

“They’re so beautiful,” Sean breathed from behind him.

“I didn’t know you were awake.” He turned around to find Sean beaming proudly.

“Have you considered what we should name them?” Mihai asked. He’d tried to offer names before, but Sean had said he needed to get to know the babies, first. Privately, Mihai thought Sean was afraid to name them before they were certain the babies would survive.

But Carlotta’s excellent care had saved them all, and now Sean nodded. “Yes. I think we should name them after wolves you loved who died in Phaeron’s service before you had a chance to save them.”

Mihai felt tears in his eyes as he nodded. “Thank you, Sean.” And then he spoke in a rush. “I’m sorry I wasn't stronger for you, Sean,” he said, overwhelmed by remorse. “Sorry I wasn't able to keep you from being kidnapped. Sorry I wasn't there for you when you were hurt. Sorry I almost missed the birth of our children. I'm sorry that I wasn't there when you needed me.”

Sean looked at him, his eyes sparkling. “You got there when it mattered,” he whispered to his alpha. He put his arms around Mihai in a loving hug. “We owe you our lives, and your pack owes you for its survival.”

“Do you think the pack will truly forgive me for allowing some of them to escape?” Mihai asked.

He hugged Mihai. “It'll all work out fine. I promise you.”

And then the babies awoke, and there was no more time for talk.

***

SEAN WAS GRATEFUL THAT he had another excuse to get a new outfit for the wedding. After the first attack, his clothing had been ruined. His post-birth body wasn’t back to its old shape, and he certainly wasn’t completely healed, but their rescheduled wedding happened three weeks later, anyway.

It seemed that their ordeal had put everyone in an optimistic mood—the pack, the Drelos elves, everyone.

But this was Sean and Mihai’s time. This was their happily ever after.

As the tent was still ruined from their first attempt, Mihai had joked that they should get married in the castle’s chapel instead.

Pyt had arranged it without even telling them.

So now they stood in the little chapel, surrounded by their friends, and this time, Sean insisted that their babies be a part of the wedding party. Each of their attendants held a baby. Even Pyt held the baby girl, snuggling her close and kissing her forehead periodically.

This feels right. Complete.

Whether it was because his nerves had been spent, or Sean knew that things couldn’t go worse than the first wedding they attempted, this one was perfect.

Mihai gave him a smile that he reserved only for him as they said their vows.

“You may now kiss the omega,” the celebrant said.

Mihai wagged his eyebrows at Sean as he pulled him close.

“So is this your happily ever after?” he asked playfully.

“Yes,” Sean agreed, the smile spreading across his face. “You’re my mate for life.”