Epilogue

When she finally opened her eyes it was to see Eli sitting beside her. She tried to get up but he gently pushed her back down. “Easy my love, you need your rest.”

“Cord… Jaz?”

“They’re down stairs, with Taylor and Leith. They’re all anxious to see you up and around, but please take your time.”

Cade nodded and settled back on the bed, she reached out and immediately his hand was in hers.  For a time they remained silent, no words were necessary. They were together, Cade was alive and conscious and the bond between them had grown to the point where they sensed each other’s needs.

“I can’t believe it’s over. I mean it’s been my whole life and now…” Cade shook her head slowly. “They came to me when I was asleep, the Spirit Lights. The woman told me if I needed help I should speak to them through the wind and they’d answer the same way.”

Eli gave her hand a squeeze, “Our lives will never be boring Cade and I can live with that because I have you.”

She smiled up at him and pulled herself up into a sitting position. “I need a shower, is it… umm…” she sighed, “Am I healed enough so I can?”

“Yes, you’ve healed a great deal faster than we thought you would. Jaz thinks it might be part of your being a Guardian. Take your time with your shower my love; I’ll wait downstairs with everyone else.”

Eli left the room feeling a lot lighter than he had we he first went in there. She was awake and had almost completely healed. He had to wonder what other things life with Cade would bring. He moved down the stairs and took a seat in the living room with everyone else waiting for Cade to come down.

Cade took her time in the shower; she smelt of smoke and ash and wanted to shed herself of both. She washed and conditioned her hair as well, knowing the smoke would have gotten into it as well. She dressed in a pair of soft grey track pants and a tank top. She didn’t want to cover her wounds; she wanted them to have as much air as possible to seal the last of the healing.

Cade didn’t worry about shoes or socks, and once her hair was towel dried and brushed through she headed for the stairs. She half expected to see everyone there waiting for her as they had been the night before and was grateful they weren’t.

As Cade came to the doorway leading into the living room she felt everyone turn to her. “Hey,” she smiled. “I’ve got no idea what time it is, but I’m starving.”

Within seconds everyone was standing in front of her, first Cord and Jaz hugged her then Taylor and Leith. Eli waited until they were done and put an arm around her leading her into the kitchen.

Jaz was ahead of him already heading for the fridge. She prepared a meal for everyone and Cade ate her fill. Cade looked at each person sitting at the table, “Are you all okay? I mean, Jaz that had to be hard for you to see. And Eli, guys how… when, I mean…”

The guys gave Eli a nod, “All three of us were all sent a dream, showing what we needed to do, if we were to prove ourselves worthy enough to stand with you. We didn’t tell you because we didn’t want you to worry and you would have. This was our choice Cade and we succeeded in what was asked of us.”

“Good, because I know I’m going to need you all with me at some stage. Taylor, Leith it will be a while before Nicolas gives you the go ahead and if you want, we can do extra training sessions. All four of us could maybe train together at times.”

She turned to her brother, “You stayed with me all night huh?” he nodded. “Just like old times,” she laughed a little sadly.

“No Candy, these are new times… good times and what happened last night will never happen to you again.”

“Your right squirt, from now on we look forward. We have a home, a family and a Pack that wants us.” She blushed, “And I have my mate and two other protectors who will stand with me no matter what. In time I’m thinking you might want to stand with me too?”

“How can I do that, I haven’t passed a test or anything?”

For a moment Cade had a faraway look in her eyes, she was remembering something long past then she smiled softly at her brother. “You were always there Cord, you took care of me when you could and watched over me, even though you knew you’d get punished if you were caught. You’re entire life has been a test.

The Spirit Lights were watching you too Cord, they would have seen you do what you could to help me. You’ve passed your test squirt and when and if, you’re ready, there will always be a place for you by my side. But only if that’s what you want.”

He smiled; he didn’t have to answer his sister she knew what he’d say. They spent the rest of the meal chatting about every day things, no one said anymore about the night before. Cade was curious though, she wanted to know what she looked like… from their perspectives. “How bad is it, I mean does it look too awful?”

Before anyone could answer she heard a voice in her mind, it took her a moment to realise it what her Alpha because she’d only ever heard Cord and Eli speak to her that way. Cade, are you well?

Yes Alpha, I’m feeling fine thank you.

Rest Guardian and enjoy some time with your family. The day after tomorrow we will meet and reintroduce you to the Pack.

Cade did as her Alpha instructed, she stayed at home and enjoyed being with her family. She called to Angelique the next day and she came running, wanting to make sure with her own eyes that her friend was safe.

Cade had never before felt so loved nor had such a sense of belonging. She smiled to herself because the Spirit woman had told her she wouldn’t find peace in this life, but she had. She found a home, a sense of belong and she discovered the love both of a family and a mate. The time she spent with her family and friends warmed her heart and in many ways it helped keep her grounded.

The day she was to be presented to the Pack came all too quickly, she was excited and also a little apprehensive. She had no idea what the Pack would think of her being a Guardian, but she took a calming breath and told herself that no matter what she’d get through this, just as she had everything else that had been thrown her way.

Angelique and Jaz helped her dress for the occasion. She wore one of the outfits she’d been given for her birthday, leather pants, vest and boots. Cade picked up the leather jacket not sure if she should wear it or not and put it back down, deciding the time for hiding who she was from others was over.

Cade put her hair in a braid to keep it out of the way and took a look at herself in the mirror. “Wow, is that really me?”

Jaz smiled, “Yes Cade, it’s you… who you have finally become.”

“What if I can’t live up to everyone’s expectations… what if I’m no good at this?”

“You are my daughter Cade and you come from a strong bloodline. The fact that you question your capability to be a Guardian tells me that you will do justice to the position. Your strength, your confidence and your abilities will grow with you. I am so very proud of you Cade.”

She gave her daughter a hug and whispered in her ear, “I love you Cade, as do many others. I will be here when you need me, even if it’s just to eat cake and watch old movies.” She pulled back and wiped at a stray tear. “Ready?”

“Yeah mum,” she smiled at the surprise on Jaz’s face. “I’m ready.”

Braedon had the entire Pack assembled. He and Kasey stood in front of everyone with Jacob, Nicolas and Chrissy. The Enforcers stood to one side and Taren, Trace and the rest of the brothers were on the other. Gilbert was with Erica, Kyle and Angelique at the front and Jaz and Cord moved to stand beside Chrissy. Braedon raised a hand and a hush fell over the crowd.

The Alpha greeted his people and told them he had a story to tell. He spoke of their histories, of Were myths and legends. He went on to tell the story of the Guardians of old and as he came to the end of this story he explained that they had come together to welcome someone very special to the Pack.

There were whispers among the crowd from those wondering who this person could be, then they saw their Alpha do something they’d never seen before. Their Alpha looked to the back of the Pack then bowed. Those with him followed suit and soon everyone was turning to see who had arrived.

                                                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cade was escorted by Eli, Taylor and Leith. Eli walked a few steps ahead of her and the guys a few steps behind her. When they reached the edge of the crowd they came to a halt. People began to turn towards them and that was when Eli stepped back and waited for her to take the lead.

Cade took a deep breath and gave Eli a nod. She moved forward taking the lead, Eli beside her and the guys at her back. As she moved the crowed opened up creating a path for them. She heard gasps of surprise from all who saw her, but kept her mind focused on where she needed to be.

She spotted her Alpha, kept her eyes on him and walked at a steady pace stopping about three feet away from him. Braedon and the others rose and smiled at her. She bowed her head in respect and Braedon stepped close to her resting his hands on her shoulders.

“Guardian, I bid you welcome and would like to present you to the Pack. You are one of us now Cade as is your brother Cord.”

Nicolas stepped forward then, “Guardian, it is an honour to have you as one of our Enforcers, although I’d say you will perhaps be called away for other duties at times. Your birthday was a few days ago and we decided to wait until now to give you our gifts. He held out a wooden box to Cade and opened it so she could see the contents.

Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of three silver knives, very much like the ones Nicolas had given her to use. Before she could reach out to take then Eli took her arm, holding up the leather straps with the sheaths to hold her knives. He helped her strap them on then took each knife and put it in place on her body.

She couldn’t stop smiling and as she looked at Nicolas to thank him Taren came forward. “The Fey also have a gift for you Guardian.” Taren held out his hands palms up and a sword appeared. It was in a sheath with a leather strap that would fit across her shoulders and hold the sword on her back.

The handle of the sword was engraved, but she had difficulty seeing them because her eyes were filling with tears. She felt more than saw the ancient runes on it. She bowed to Taren in thanks and waited as he handed it not to her but to her Mentor.

Trace helped her put it on and adjusted the strap. “It won’t take long for you to get used to it.”

“Thank you Trace,” she turned to Taren, “Taren this is…”

“Fitting.” He told her. “This is the sword of a Sacred Guardian and it is fitting that it be given to you. As your body becomes familiar with its weight, it will become almost a part of you. It will also be unseen until it is needed. Only you will know it is there.” he bowed to her and stepped back with his sons.

She opened her mouth but she couldn’t find the words to thank them. Once more, Braedon took control. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I welcome the first Sacred Guardian in centuries to our Pack, Cadence Rendee Maeve Aidenholm. Cade, welcome to your new family.”

Everyone cheered and she was suddenly surrounded by people congratulating her and welcoming as her Alpha had done. There was a barbeque afterwards, with plenty to eat and drink. Celebrations lasted all day and some even continued them on into the night.

Cade was overwhelmed by everything that had taken place and when Eli got the opportunity he whisked her away. They sat quietly on a bench by the river. Neither needed words, they were content just to be together. Eli pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her needing the closeness.

Cade leaned into him needing the same and surprised him and herself by reaching up and kissing him. He kissed her back, deepening the kiss and holding her a little tighter. When they came up for air she was almost out of breath. She rested her head on his shoulder for a minute or two then got to her feet tugging at his hand.

They walked for a while and stopped when they came to a small clearing in the bush. Eli was so tuned to her he knew that she was being pulled somewhere else. He stood close but didn’t touch her, he wouldn’t until she moved giving him the knowledge that she was with him again.

Five minutes later her face broke into a huge smile. “It’s unbelievable Eli; I can almost feel them and not just Were’s I can sense Fey, that is part Fey and some humans. What do you suppose that means?”

“I’m not sure my sweet Candy, but I’m certain in time we will discover the answer.”

Cade’s smiled faltered and he waited. “The rouge, he’s hold up further south. He’s hiding for now, I think he’s realised his friends aren’t going to show up.”

Then she laughed and got a wicked look in her eyes, “We’ll be travelling soon Eli, going north. I’d keep a bag packed just in case. I’m going to need to speak to the Alpha too. I don’t think we’ll be able to keep who and what I am from the other Packs for too long.”

Eli pulled her into his arms, “Our lives are most assuredly going to be interesting from now on Cade, but for now, I think our Alpha can wait. Tonight I want to hold you and know that you are safe in my arms.”

“Thank you Eli, I never thought… never dreamt that I’d find a mate. I’m so glad I found you.”

“We found each other my love and now that I have you, I don’t ever intend letting you go. I love you my sweet, sweet Candy.”

They walked a little further and stopped in an area where they cold overlook the mountains and see down into the valley. Eli couldn’t help what he was feeling. We found each other and nothing bar death will separate us.

Cade heard his thoughts and thumped him on the arm. “I love you Eli and I fully intend for us both to have a very long and happy life.”

He didn’t answer in words, he kissed her long and deep, a kiss full of the promises of what would someday be between them. When they broke the kiss they held each other and looked up into the sky, out of the corner of her eye Cade was sure she saw a Spirit Light and smiled. She would never be alone or without aid. She had family and friend and a great many people who cared about her.

She sighed, a sigh of peace and contentment and Eli kissed the top of her head. “Mine!” he stated. “Now and forever my sweet Candy.”