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Previous: "Alpha"
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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains reference to self-harm.
Series 13 Episode 9
"Last Dance"
Dylan had never truly done the whole “dating” process before. Everything with Jono progressed so naturally, without anything as formal as a date in the early stages. Perhaps high school made it easier? They saw each other every day, in the same classes for much of the time. Dating as an adult involved a lot more effort, and Dylan wasn’t sure he felt comfortable about it.
After all, he’d only been to this particular bar once. He hadn’t even taken notice of its name, but it felt overwhelming. It was in the middle of town, considerably farther out of Dylan’s comfort zone than he would usually concede to. Yet, below the nerves and anxiety, he knew it would be worth it. He owed it to himself to follow this opportunity.
One thing Dylan couldn’t deny was how special Harry seemed. Confident, sweet, and extremely handsome. The way he tucked his perfect long golden-brown hair behind his ear. His friendly smile. They’d only met once before, but Dylan hadn’t felt a buzz like that in a while.
Not since Jono.
That was the one thing holding Dylan back. Jono was his everything. He was the future Dylan had envisaged. The future he’d craved. He wasn’t sure any amount of time could heal the fact that they just couldn’t be together, no matter how lovely Harry was.
“Are you okay?” Harry gently asked with his kind smile from across the table. Dylan realised he’d been daydreaming.
“I’m sorry,” Dylan sincerely replied.
“No, it’s good. I just wanted to check I wasn’t boring you,” Harry chuckled.
“Not at all,” Dylan assured, “It’s just…this is my first date since, well, it’s complicated.”
“Brett told me you’d been with another guy for a while. You got married, right? You must have really loved him,” Harry tried to understand.
“I did,” Dylan responded, “And I do. I’m not sure I’ll ever stop loving him.”
“I get it,” Harry nodded, but his smile dropped into disappointment.
“But it’s over,” Dylan quickly added, not wanting to put Harry off, “It has to be over. We can’t be together again. Jono’s in the past. I just wanted you to know that. Shaking Jono off won’t be easy, but I want to try to move on.”
“I’m glad,” Harry’s smile returned, “So tell me about this Jono guy. I’m imagining someone super hot and super kind, but I guess that’s just you.”
Dylan couldn’t see his own cheeks, but he was sure he was blushing. Harry was a smooth talker, in a way Dylan wasn’t, and he couldn’t deny how attractive he found that.
“He is all of those things,” Dylan replied, “And he understood me more than anyone. I felt safe with him.”
Harry smiled and nodded. It meant a lot to Dylan that he was content to listen to a detailed description of his first love.
Ironically, it was talking about Jono that made Dylan realise he could move on.
After all, he’d only been to this particular bar once. He hadn’t even taken notice of its name, but it felt overwhelming. It was in the middle of town, considerably farther out of Dylan’s comfort zone than he would usually concede to. Yet, below the nerves and anxiety, he knew it would be worth it. He owed it to himself to follow this opportunity.
One thing Dylan couldn’t deny was how special Harry seemed. Confident, sweet, and extremely handsome. The way he tucked his perfect long golden-brown hair behind his ear. His friendly smile. They’d only met once before, but Dylan hadn’t felt a buzz like that in a while.
Not since Jono.
That was the one thing holding Dylan back. Jono was his everything. He was the future Dylan had envisaged. The future he’d craved. He wasn’t sure any amount of time could heal the fact that they just couldn’t be together, no matter how lovely Harry was.
“Are you okay?” Harry gently asked with his kind smile from across the table. Dylan realised he’d been daydreaming.
“I’m sorry,” Dylan sincerely replied.
“No, it’s good. I just wanted to check I wasn’t boring you,” Harry chuckled.
“Not at all,” Dylan assured, “It’s just…this is my first date since, well, it’s complicated.”
“Brett told me you’d been with another guy for a while. You got married, right? You must have really loved him,” Harry tried to understand.
“I did,” Dylan responded, “And I do. I’m not sure I’ll ever stop loving him.”
“I get it,” Harry nodded, but his smile dropped into disappointment.
“But it’s over,” Dylan quickly added, not wanting to put Harry off, “It has to be over. We can’t be together again. Jono’s in the past. I just wanted you to know that. Shaking Jono off won’t be easy, but I want to try to move on.”
“I’m glad,” Harry’s smile returned, “So tell me about this Jono guy. I’m imagining someone super hot and super kind, but I guess that’s just you.”
Dylan couldn’t see his own cheeks, but he was sure he was blushing. Harry was a smooth talker, in a way Dylan wasn’t, and he couldn’t deny how attractive he found that.
“He is all of those things,” Dylan replied, “And he understood me more than anyone. I felt safe with him.”
Harry smiled and nodded. It meant a lot to Dylan that he was content to listen to a detailed description of his first love.
Ironically, it was talking about Jono that made Dylan realise he could move on.
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There was a certain magic in the air that morning, Dylan thought. Their house was bustling, the weather was toasty warm and bright with a gentle breeze that kept Dylan just cool enough when he was outside.
Three weeks had passed since the warehouse, and everything had become strangely normal again. The most normal things had been in a while, in fact. Work had been steady, Edmund had settled in well, and Dylan felt at ease. It was like the life he had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived on his doorstep.
Outside the front door, Ed and Josh were working up ladders, attaching planks of wood firmly to the branches of the strongest tree in Dylan and Jono’s front garden. Each plank had been carefully removed from Jono’s treehouse and cleaned, or replaced if they were too damaged. Dylan’s heart felt warm as he watched it all come together from the doorstep.
“He’s going to love this,” Dylan commented as Lily joined him.
“I wish I could take the credit. Mom actually thought of it,” Lily admitted, “She’s cuddling Belle inside. Seriously, I’m worried my daughter’s going to think she’s her mom,” she chuckled.
“Aren’t baby showers supposed to happen before the birth?” Dylan queried.
“It wasn’t exactly the smoothest of pregnancies, if you remember,” Lily laughed, “Or births, for that matter. It felt right to delay it.”
“You’re going to be an amazing mom,” Dylan encouraged, “She’s going to be so loved.”
“She already is. I’ll make sure Uncle Dylan gets a cuddle later,” Lily smiled, “I better get back to Jono. Keep him away from his surprise.”
Dylan looked ahead and smiled. It was a far cry from the warehouse and Murray, but a welcome reminder of what he’d fought for, both as an alpha and as a human.
Sammi had long accepted that the heaps of emotional baggage her father had left behind would sit with her forever. He was dead, her mum would never be able to get closure, and in the end, she had reunited with Jeremy and tried to make up for years of separation. She’d made the best of the cards she’d been dealt.
Yet, Sammi wasn’t willing to carry such heavy experiences forever, and she didn’t want Jeremy to be burdened, either. He’d received the brunt of the trauma, and he deserved to be able to move on. She wanted nothing less for him.
That was why their first therapy session was so cathartic. They had different sides of the same experience, and though no therapist would have understood the specifics of the supernatural elements, the concept of a father living a double life wasn’t so alien.
“Are you okay?” Sammi checked as the therapist’s door clicked shut behind them.
“I think so,” Jeremy shrugged, “It felt weird talking about it. Even we don’t talk about that stuff.”
“We should,” Sammi encouraged, “It’s part of our story, and you’re a part of me, Jeremy. You’re my twin. Please, let’s talk more. Talk about the good, the bad, everything in between.”
“Deal,” Jeremy nodded, “Come on, Felix is waiting outside. We’ve got a baby shower to get to.”
Sammi smiled. It was impossible to expect one therapy session to cure their trauma, but it already felt freeing to have taken the first step.
There was little Jono loved more than a busy house. A busy house filled with people he loved. It was the opposite of what he grew up with; an enormous house with way too much space for four inhabitants who barely spent time with each other, let alone anyone else. Now, he had a smaller but still spacious house where family and friends didn’t need to knock because they knew they were always welcome.
Of course, this was in honour of a particularly special day, too. It wasn’t just a celebration of Belle, but of Lily too. She deserved the outpouring of love that had been coming her way and then some, and it was a great excuse to see old friends again.
“It’s a good thing it was me who saw them,” Brett reminisced, sitting side-by-side with Oscar on the sofa opposite Jono and Yasmin in the living room, “Sneaking around the FBI was one thing, but the fact Murray was the first person they ran into.”
“I said she’d recognise us,” Yasmin chuckled, “She looked us up and down more than once in the morgue that day.”
“She wasn’t very popular anyway. More like a drill sergeant than an FBI agent,” Brett detailed, “At least it’s all cleared up. The FBI are looking out for the whole cult. We’ve had to sign an NDA about it and everything.”
“Speaking of,” Oscar segued, “Have you told them your news?”
“News?” Jono excitedly queried.
“Yeah, so, I’m still a trainee, but I was the only person to report Murray for what she did, so once I finish my training, I have a guaranteed job there,” Brett explained humbly.
“That’s amazing,” Jono proudly beamed.
“Congratulations,” Yasmin joyfully exclaimed. It was the liveliest Jono had seen Yasmin since before her injury, and it warmed his heart to see her back at full strength.
“Proud of you, bro,” another voice joined the conversation. To Jono’s delight, Drew had just arrived, with Lily behind him to show him around the house for the first time, “Is ‘bro’ still, you know, appropriate?”
“You get exclusivity over that one,” Brett winked, “Good to see you, dude.”
“I couldn’t miss this,” Drew grinned, “All of us back together.”
“Who’s this?” Edmund slipped into the living room and perched beside Jono on the arm of the sofa.
“Edmund, this is Drew, a good friend of ours, and a founding member of the pack,” Jono introduced.
“I taught Dylan almost everything he knows,” Drew bragged.
“And Drew, this is Edmund, well,” Jono paused, “Our son, I suppose.”
“I like that,” Edmund replied, pleasantly taken aback.
“Hey, where’s Jonah?” Jono asked Edmund. They’d been glued at the hip for weeks; Jono was enjoying how openly they were hanging out as a couple. The last thing he wanted was for Edmund to feel he had to keep something like that a secret.
“Freddie and George are having a brothers chat with him,” Edmund shrugged.
“They better not be long, it’s George’s turn to change Belle,” Lily groaned. Jono chuckled. He loved it when the little things meant so much, because that was when he knew everybody was happy and safe.
It wasn’t often that Freddie was alone with his brothers. There was always something happening, other people around, or life getting in the way of them spending time together. Getting all three of them in the same room was surprisingly difficult.
That was why Freddie didn’t want to miss his moment. As much as it warmed his heart to see Jonah so happy with Edmund, he had to break them apart for a few minutes. With Sammi still on her way back from therapy and Lily busy downstairs, there wasn’t going to be a better moment to take stock.
“What is it?” Jonah frustratedly questioned, now sat alone on Edmund’s bed.
“Nothing bad,” Freddie smiled, sitting beside him. George followed suit, closing the bedroom door behind him, “I just wanted to see my brothers.”
“You see me all the time, we live together,” Jonah raised an eyebrow.”
“We don’t,” George added, “Is it so bad to spend a little bit of time with us?”
“No,” Jonah quickly admitted.
“But you want to spend time with Edmund more,” Freddie sussed, “It’s alright, we’re not offended.”
“It’s just…things feel good. The best the have in so long. The best since…” Jonah trailed off.
“Ashton,” Freddie figured.
“Yeah,” Jonah sighed, “It’s like, I forget for a moment, and the I remember, and it’s like I just found out for the first time.”
“It will always be a little like that, but it won’t hurt so much,” George advised, “When I think of mom and dad, I think of the good times more than the sadness now.”
“I find it hard to remember dad. I can see his face, but I doubt myself. I feel like he’s slipping away,” Jonah admitted.
“You have the best memories of dad of all of us,” Freddie reminded, “He’ll always be in your heart. Don’t doubt yourself, because nobody knew him like you did.”
“And you’ll always have your memories of Ashton, too,” George added, “You know, we’re proud of you, bro.”
“Damn right,” Freddie grinned.
“We’re not gonna hug, are we?” Jonah scrunched his face.
“Take the compliment, dude,” Freddie chuckled, “You’re the coolest one of all of us. You don’t even have to think, you can just become a wolf whenever you want. No need to learn control. No bloodlust. Just an instinct to protect.”
“I’m feeling left out,” George laughed.
“It’s pretty cool, I guess,” Jonah shrugged. Freddie smiled. Jonah was the most unassuming hero, a nonchalant teenager that helped save all their lives. Something Freddie knew a little about.
Filing the last remaining sheets away, Dylan was savouring a moment of quiet. As much as he loved all his favourite people being around him, it was still an exhausting experience, and he needed some alone time to recharge.
The office was the perfect place to slip into for a quick break. He and Jono were usually strict in ensuring they didn’t work at the weekend, but sorting sheets of paper into the filing cabinet was a peculiarly peaceful activity.
Dylan couldn’t help being distracted by the photos they had all decorate their workspaces with, though. Memories largely from the past decade. Ten years of time spent together. Roughly the entire time Dylan had been a werewolf. The single most transformative moment of his life.
The confusion Dylan felt at that time almost seemed laughable, not because it was unfounded, but because it kickstarted a chain of events that solidified friendships and founded new ones in a way that he’d never had before. Would Dylan have ever grown close to Drew, Brett or Freddie otherwise? Would he even have met Jeremy? What would have happened with Josh?
That was without factoring in Jono. Would he ever have had the confidence to pursue his crush? Dylan still felt shy in new situations, so he never forgot just how significant each step he took with Jono was. He had his dream home with his dream husband, and now they got to be parents to Edmund. Dylan was so proud of everything he’d achieved; he just wished his dad could have seen it too.
“Here you are,” Drew poked his head around the door, “Are you hiding from me?”
“Never,” Dylan smiled, “I just needed a few minutes on my own.”
“I can leave you be if you’d like,” Drew offered.
“No, you’re good. It’s nice to see you,” Dylan smiled, “It’s been too long.”
“Doesn’t seem like you’re doing too badly for yourself, though,” Drew raised a slight smile, which translated to being a wide grin in Drew terms, “Nothing can stand between you and Jono, and now you’ve got a kid of your own. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone overcome so much and still get everything you could want.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” Dylan shrugged.
“It never is,” Drew reminded.
“Is it weird that I keep thinking about Harry today?” Dylan pondered, picking up a photo of he and Harry from their first date that was blu-tacked beside his desk, “It’s not a special day like his birthday or anything, but I keep wishing he was here. Not as my boyfriend or anything, just…just as a friend.”
“I get that,” Drew nodded, “Nobody doubts that your heart is with Jono, least of all Jono himself, he knows you’re besotted with him. That doesn’t mean you can’t miss Harry too. He was a big part of your life. At one point, he was the future you saw, and that’s separate from everything you share with Jono.”
“I talk about him sometimes, and Jono always listens. I just don’t want to make him feel, I don’t know, like he’s second best,” Dylan admitted.
“He married you, Dylan,” Drew reminded, “He literally defied the rules of the supernatural to get back to you, right? He loves the bones of you, and I don’t think anything could ever change that. He knows you feel the same. He always has, I promise.”
“I know,” Dylan assured, “Hey, what’s the deal with you and Allyn at the moment?”
“We’re as good as ever,” Drew couldn’t hide a smile that time, “She’s pursuing a stray omega that’s killed a couple of people, but she sends her regards.”
“A fun day out, then,” Dylan chuckled, “Thanks for coming.”
“I got you, bro,” Drew nodded. Dylan smiled and glanced back at the photograph in his hand. Everything he experienced with Harry was still a part of him, and it always would be.
“Drink for the worker,” Yasmin announced, handing Josh a glass of juice as he climbed back down from the tree. He’d been working non-stop all morning on the treehouse, but it was almost complete, and Yasmin was ready to spend the rest of the day with the man she adored.
“You are legendary,” Josh beamed and gave Yasmin a loving kiss before gulping down the entire glass in one go.
“Jono’s going to love it,” Yasmin commented, glancing upwards at their hard work.
“I hope so,” Josh nodded, “Hey, did you hear back?”
“I got the call about ten minutes ago,” Yasmin grinned, attempting to build some tension, “They’ve accepted our offer.”
“What? Really?” Josh beamed, jumping excitedly on the spot.
“What’s the good news?” Sammi queried as she, Jeremy and Felix walked up the driveway. Yasmin and Josh shared an enthusiastic nod.
“We’ve bought a house,” Yasmin revealed, “Still in Crystalshaw, three bedrooms, way bigger than my loft.”
“That’s amazing! Sammi beamed, eagerly hugging Yasmin and then Josh.
“Congratulations,” Jeremy followed suit, as did Felix.
“We’re all functioning adults,” Josh chuckled as it had only just occurred to him.
“We’ve only just heard that our offer’s been accepted,” Yasmin added, “So nobody else knows yet.”
“I do,” Freddie’s voice called from the front door, “Sorry, I came to see my beautiful wife, wolf hearing did the rest.”
“You’re good, bro,” Josh smiled as Freddie gave Sammi a tight, tender hug.
“So, where’s the party at?” Sammi enthusiastically exclaimed. Yasmin laughed heartily. Even the increasingly faint aches from her mostly healed wounds couldn’t dull her mood that day.
Laying Belle down in her cot in the spare room, Lily was transfixed by the tiny human in front of her. Belle was the most precious thing she had ever seen; she knew that most new mothers felt that way, but she was blown away by the intensity of the love she felt for her daughter.
It warmed Lily’s heart that Jono bought and assembled a cot for Belle at their house, too. There was never a moment where she doubted the support she’d receive, but to see her brother, her closest confidante for so many years, taking such a keen interest in being an uncle was touching.
“We can decorate this room if you like,” Jono whispered from the door.
“It’s your spare room, you’ve got a bed for guests already,” Lily reminded.
“It’s basically Libby’s room when she stays,” Jono chuckled, “And she’s obsessed with her cousin already so I don’t think she’ll mind sharing.”
“You’re so good with them both. Do you think you’ll have kids one day?” Lily questioned.
“We kinda do,” Jono reminded.
“Alright, you know what I mean,” Lily replied, “Is this cot also an investment for the future?”
“Maybe,” Jono nodded, “We’ve talked about it. Dylan and I both want kids. I don’t think we expected to start with a fully grown teenager.”
“He’s a credit to you already, though. Think of how he was when he first arrived. His guard was up and he trusted nobody. Now look at him,” Lily said. She’d always been Jono’s biggest champion; nobody had a heart like he did.
“Question,” Jono pondered, “If you could cure Belle, would you?”
“No,” Lily replied, her reflexes acting without needing to think, “She’s perfect, no matter what.”
“She is,” Jono agreed.
“It’s not like that cure worked fully anyway, right?” Lily reminded.
“I guess not, but I keep thinking, maybe it did work, but the wolf left me with my own defence mechanism? You know, I can heal when I get hurt, and I can fight back when I’m in danger. It’s all the useful parts of being a werewolf without being one,” Jono theorised.
“I kinda miss both of us being werewolves,” Lily admitted, “I thought it was cool that we were in the same boat.”
“Me too,” Jono smiled, “You’re not short on werewolves around here, though.”
“Could use another girl, though,” Lily replied, “It’s been me, Yasmin and Sammi for so long, and I’m the only werewolf. Belle’s the answer to my prayers, I guess.”
“If she’s anything like you, then she’ll be strong, brave, and know how to throw an insane party,” Jono laughed.
Lily glanced back down to Belle, sound asleep in her snug pink babygrow and yellow blanket decorated with white stars. The future was exciting, and Lily was ready for whatever would come their way.
Though Crystalshaw wasn’t the first place he’d lived, returning there felt like a homecoming for Oscar. He’d never made friends as good as those from Crystalshaw, both before moving there and after leaving. It hadn’t always been easy, and it certainly wasn’t safe, but what kept him so fond of it was the people. His best friends.
Life with Brett hadn’t always been smooth sailing, despite how strong their love for each other was. Brett’s injury meant Oscar needed to step up and support them, particularly when they learned basketball was out of the question, but he did it unquestionably. What he had with Brett was special, and worth fighting for. He’d never known someone so confident, bold, and unapologetically themselves in the way Brett was, and that was what Oscar loved most about them.
Just the two of them remained in Dylan and Jono’s beautifully furnished living room at that moment, cuddled together on the sofa. Oscar rested his head on Brett’s chest, snuggled cosily inside the strong but comforting grip of their arms. It was the place he felt safest. The most at ease. No matter where they were.
“I’ve missed this,” Oscar commented.
“Me too,” Brett concurred, “I forgot how much I loved this place.”
“Good thing we’re moving back, then,” Oscar smiled. Brett’s new job wasn’t so far from Crystalshaw, so it was a no-brainer to return now it was a long-term prospect for them.
“Did you hear about Cody?” Brett wondered.
“Yasmin told me earlier,” Oscar replied. He’d hardly spoken to Cody since leaving, so hearing that things turned so sour between him and Yasmin was saddening, “I know he’s never been perfect, but I hope he’s okay wherever he is.”
“You’re way more mature than me,” Brett chuckled, “You were always better than me at being empathetic.”
“I skipped the high school jock era,” Oscar teased.
“Hey, you didn’t know me back then,” Brett laughed.
“Maybe for the best,” Oscar grinned.
“Oh, you’d still have fancied me. I was so macho,” Brett winked playfully.
“Probably,” Oscar conceded, “But I like this version of you more. You were made to wear dresses, and bows in your hair.”
“I was, wasn’t I?” Brett smirked. Oscar laughed before leaning upwards for a kiss. Through Brett’s ability to be so unapologetically themselves, Oscar felt more at home than he ever had.
One thing Josh had learned as an adult was how increasingly rare it was to get the whole family together. He couldn’t remember the last time it had only been his core family of Caroline, Ed, Dylan and Libby, but almost by chance, they were all in the kitchen at the same time, dodging Libby who had decided the kitchen floor was the ideal place for her toy cars.
“Baby girl, your mother’s carrying plates with hot food on,” Ed firmly reminded Libby while washing his hands in the sink.
“I’ve told you before, no toys in the kitchen,” Dylan added.
“Scared your reflexes are too slow?” Josh playfully teased.
“I’m not threatened,” Dylan chuckled, “But not everyone here is a werewolf, you know.”
“Libby, your brother’s right, sit at the table please,” Caroline concurred.
“But the cars will fall off the edge,” Libby protested.
“Then you’ll need to be extra careful,” Josh smiled, tucking Libby in at the dining table before picking up a few spoons and laying them along the edge of the table, “Look, there’s a barrier, the cars can’t go past it.”
“Libby, what do you say to your brother?” Caroline prompted.
“Thank you,” Libby beamed, making direct eye contact with Josh.
“Hey,” Josh turned to face Caroline, Ed and Dylan, “I’ve got some news.”
“News?” Dylan queried with a frown.
“Good news,” Josh assured.
“Go on,” Ed prompted.
“Yasmin and I just got our offer accepted on a house,” Josh revealed.
“What? I had no idea you were house hunting,” Caroline reacted, “That’s fantastic news.”
“Where is it?” Dylan still looked worried.
“Walton Court, three roads away,” Josh replied, “Don’t worry, bro.”
“I’m happy for you,” Dylan assured, “I just didn’t want to lose you.”
“I’ll be even nearer than I am at the moment,” Josh laughed.
“I’m proud of you, baby,” Caroline embraced Josh in the warmest of hugs.
“Me too,” Ed joined, wrapping his arms around them both.
“Group hug!” Libby exclaimed, leaping out of her chair to join. Dylan sighed and conceded, Caroline’s other arm circling around him. Josh smiled. He almost forgot he hadn’t lived with that same family his whole life. Family was so much more than blood.
Glancing up at the picturesque clear blue sky, Jeremy adored how peaceful Dylan and Jono’s back garden was. The grass was perfectly mowed with flowerbeds decorating the perimeter, showcasing an entire rainbow of colours. Just observing the bees zooming from flower to flower as he gently rocked on the swing-seat in the centre of the garden was beautifully tranquil. Just the scape Jeremy needed.
It wasn’t that Jeremy didn’t want to be at the party. He’d been looking forward to it, but therapy being scheduled for that morning made it an exhausting day. Regardless, he was certain he didn’t want to be at home alone while everyone else was celebrating together.
After all, the day was about his family. A family he didn’t know he had for the first eighteen years of his life, so time with them never quite felt enough when he had so much to make up for, not through any fault of his own. Nothing could have stopped him from being there for Lily and Belle.
“There you are,” Felix stepped outside and approached the swing-seat, “Room for a little one?”
“Always,” Jeremy smiled.
“Everything alright?” Felix checked.
“Yeah, just recharging,” Jeremy replied, “A lot has happened today.”
“Understood,” Felix smiled, “We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.”
“I do want to,” Jeremy smiled back, “You know, it’s been four months today since I last, you know, cut myself.”
“I’m proud of you, babe,” Felix grinned, “I always am, but milestones are important.”
“I’ve wanted to a few times. I came close at the warehouse, but I didn’t,” Jeremy admitted.
“Because you’re strong,” Felix reminded, “And if you don’t feel like you can be strong, I’ll be strong for you.”
“Thanks,” Jeremy blushed. His heart was full whenever he was with Felix, “Same for you, too. You don’t always have to be the strong one.”
“Deal,” Felix nodded. Jeremy rested his head next to Felix’s, his right hand gently caressing Felix’s left hand.
A few moments of blissful silence followed before Jeremy changed subject, “When you see the future, do you see yourself…” Jeremy paused, ensuring he approached the question in the right way, “…as a father?”
“Um, yeah, I think so,” Felix pondered, “Definitely, if you do too. Do you?”
“I don’t think I really saw it as an option for ages,” Jeremy admitted, “But seeing Belle, Edmund, even the way Sammi is with Jonah, it made me think that maybe I could. Maybe we could.”
“I’d love that,” Felix beamed, “I suppose it’s the next step after marriage, traditionally.”
“What’s traditional about a gay couple, one of whom is a werewolf, having a kid?” Jeremy joked. Felix chuckled. Planning for the future wasn’t something Jeremy had done much of, but now, he could see it clearly. A life and a family with Felix was all he desired.
With Dylan’s hands covering his eyes, Jono cautiously inched forward. He could feel the fresh air cascading against his cheeks, so it was obvious they were stood by the front door, but what was the big secret? Everyone had been acting strangely all day, and he’d hardly had a second to himself. As nice as the company had been, he knew they were up to something.
“Come on, what’s happening?” Jono questioned for at least the third time, but no answer came.
“Okay, you can look now,” Dylan finally commanded, removing his hands.
“Surprise!” everyone exclaimed in unison. Jono’s eyes readjusted to the bright sunlight directly above their guests, all stood in front of the largest tree in their front garden. His eyes drifted upwards towards the big secret – and big it certainly was.
Attached to the tree was a treehouse, freshly painted dark red on the outside, with a ladder leading directly towards a doorway at the side. Jono was lost for words. It looked just like the treehouse he’d spent many an hour in growing up.
“Woah,” Jono finally managed to find his voice.
“It’s your old treehouse,” Lily explained, “The exact same one.”
“Mostly,” Josh added, “We replaced any damaged parts and gave it a paint job.”
“That’s my treehouse?” Jono was amazed. Knowing it was the exact same treehouse was the icing on the cake, “Whose idea was this?”
“Mine,” Helen smiled, “But Lily organised it, and Ed and Josh did the hard graft.”
“Thank you,” Jono smiled widely, his eyes trying to hold back the flood of happy tears he wanted to unleash, “I love it. I really love it.”
“Well go on then, go look inside,” Freddie encouraged.
“Come with me?” Jono looked at Dylan.
“Always,” Dylan nodded, “But you have to go first.”
“Deal,” Jono smiled.
The ladder was the exact same one as before, and the treehouse was impressively at just the same height as it used to be in its previous location. Inside, Jono was amazed. The floor had a gorgeous colourful rug laid across it, with beanbags around the side and a folded pile of blankets in the corner. There were even a couple of lanterns for when it got dark. Jono was blown away by the level of detail.
“Thoughts?” Dylan queried, following him inside.
“It’s perfect,” Jono beamed. As much as the treehouse meant to him, his real prize was directly in front of him, “You’re perfect.”
“You’re more perfect,” Dylan playfully replied. Jono wrapped his arms around Dylan’s waist. He could have happily stayed there forever.
The treehouse was hardly empty for the entire afternoon. Dylan loved seeing everyone checking it out, using it as a safe place to hide away for a short while, or a social hub for a conversation. It was the final touch needed for their home to feel entirely their own.
It had been one of Dylan’s favourite days in a long time. There was no pressure on anyone, just time spent with those he loved the most. Blood relative or otherwise, everyone there was family as far as Dylan was concerned; a far cry from the small family unit he’d grown accustomed to as a child.
As the evening drew in and the sun began to set, the house started to empty out. Caroline and Ed were the first to leave, taking a worn-out Libby home to bed. Drew followed suit; he had a lengthy journey back home, after all. Lily and George took Belle home; she had slept for most of the day, but Dylan felt so proud to be her uncle already. Helen left not much later, returning to her new smaller home on the other side of town.
Everybody else stayed a little longer, but eventually, Brett and Oscar had to get going. Dylan was delighted they were going to be back in Crystalshaw again, and he’d assured Oscar there would always be a job at Chadwick-Drummond for him. Sammi and Fredie were the next to depart, though Jonah stayed for a short while longer, maximising his time spent with Edmund. Jeremy and Felix dropped Jonah home; it had been an intense day for Jeremy with his first therapy session with Sammi, so Dylan was pleasantly surprised he stayed for as long as he did. Last to depart were Yasmin and Josh, returning to Yasmin’s small flat, but not for much longer.
The calm that followed was typically a lonely feeling. Normality ensuing sometimes felt deflating, but not that time. Dylan was back up in the treehouse with Jono, laying on the floor either side of Edmund as they all gazed out of the window at the stars and moon. Dylan had all he could ever need right there.
“How do you think it works?” Edmund wondered, “The moon, I mean. How does it affect us?”
“There are so many myths and legends,” Jono replied, “Nobody knows for sure. The supernatural defies science and logic.”
“People must have tried to investigate it, though,” Edmund continued.
“They have,” Dylan answered, “There used to be a place called the Lunar Sanctum. They were trying to find scientific explanations of the supernatural, but they were just experimenting on werewolves. Held Jeremy and I captive for months.”
“What?” Edmund’s mouth widened.
“It’s true. We thought they were dead,” Jono recalled, “Worst time of my life.”
“What the hell?” Edmund tried to process.
“The stories we could tell you,” Jono smiled.
“Tell me one now,” Edmund suggested. Dylan met eyes with Jono, sharing a knowing look; Dylan knew precisely which story to tell.
“So, there was a teenage boy. Shy, naïve, new to Crystalshaw,” Dylan began, “He went out into the woods next to his house at night, clueless as to what was waiting for him outside.”
“What happened?” Edmund was gripped.
“The fangs of an alpha pierced his leg. His life changed forever,” Dylan explained, “With his best friend, he had to figure out what happened to him, all while getting to know the cute boy he had a crush on.”
“The cute boy who had no idea what he was letting himself in for,” Jono added with a wink.
“Did they get together?” Edmund queried.
“Yes,” Dylan smiled uncontrollably at Jono, “It wasn’t always easy. They had to spend a lot of time apart.”
“And they lost people along the way,” Jono added with a gentle nod to Dylan. Dylan’s heart warmed; it was an acknowledgement of Harry, among others, and he appreciated the sentiment.
“But they’re still going strong today,” Dylan continued, “Despite everything thrown their way.”
“Wait,” Edmund realised, “This is about you two, isn’t it?”
“Surprised it took you so long,” Jono chuckled.
“So cringe,” Edmund sighed, but Dylan caught a smirk on his face as he sat up, “I’m going inside.”
“Don’t forget, there’s a slice of cake for you on the counter,” Jono called after him.
“As if I’d forget that,” Edmund replied, climbing down the ladder.
Dylan shuffled up closer towards Jono, directly into the comforting security of his arms. They’d spent so much time in that treehouse over the years, from the crushing low of the night Jono left for London, to the insane high of their first kiss. There wasn’t a place that defined their relationship better than there.
“Good day?” Jono queried.
“The best,” Dylan replied, contented.
“The best ever?” Jono raised an eyebrow.
“Well, after our wedding. And the day we first spoke too each other. And the day Edmund moved in. And, well, quite a few others,” Dylan recalled with a beaming smile.
“I’ll take that,” Jono chuckled.
“You know, if we never moved from here, I think I’d be happy,” Dylan pondered.
“This house, or this precise spot?” Jono chuckled.
“Both,” Dylan laughed, “It could be snowing, I wouldn’t care.”
“You would when we’re hyperthermic,” Jono reminded.
“Can we even be hyperthermic?” Dylan shrugged.
“I don’t know, but I’m not desperate to find out. I love the sentiment, though,” Jono smiled, “I’d be in your arms all day every day if I could.”
“Please can we be this sickly-sweet forever?” Dylan laughed.
“Forever,” Jono nodded, “Hey, do you remember that night when I found out you were a werewolf?”
“I think I’m still drying off from the rain,” Dylan reminisced, “Was that our first argument?”
“The first of very few,” Jono answered, “I knew then that you were my person. I knew before that. If you’d have told me then that we’d be married and living together a decade later, I wouldn’t have been surprised at all.”
“The journey wasn’t so easy, though,” Dylan added.
“But we’re here,” Jono noted, “I’d have spent another seven years in London if it meant I could have the rest of my life with you.”
“Same,” Dylan agreed, “You have always been my one. From the day I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted you so badly.”
“You’ve got me, baby,” Jono leaned in close, the tip of his nose gently brushing against Dylan’s.
“Where do you think we’ll be when we’re old?” Dylan pondered.
“Maybe here, maybe somewhere else. Somewhere we’re together,” Jono considered, keeping the proximity with Dylan, “A quiet life.”
“Do you really think we’ll ever have a truly quiet life?” Dylan chuckled.
“I think we’ll have earned one,” Jono justified, “But I’m not convinced we’ll ever truly manage it.”
“I’m not sure we’ll want it,” Dylan smiled, “I mean, this is Crystalshaw.”
“And we’re Dylan and Jono,” Jono added with a grin.
“Dylan and Jono,” Dylan repeated, “Against the world.”
Dylan leaned in the final few centimetres to kiss Jono, his hands slipping into Jono’s thick long mane of curls. As the kiss broke, Dylan laid on his back once more, staring up at the moon. It had a lot to answer for, but whatever it had in store for them both, one thing was certain.
Dylan and Jono were ready for anything.
Three weeks had passed since the warehouse, and everything had become strangely normal again. The most normal things had been in a while, in fact. Work had been steady, Edmund had settled in well, and Dylan felt at ease. It was like the life he had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived on his doorstep.
Outside the front door, Ed and Josh were working up ladders, attaching planks of wood firmly to the branches of the strongest tree in Dylan and Jono’s front garden. Each plank had been carefully removed from Jono’s treehouse and cleaned, or replaced if they were too damaged. Dylan’s heart felt warm as he watched it all come together from the doorstep.
“He’s going to love this,” Dylan commented as Lily joined him.
“I wish I could take the credit. Mom actually thought of it,” Lily admitted, “She’s cuddling Belle inside. Seriously, I’m worried my daughter’s going to think she’s her mom,” she chuckled.
“Aren’t baby showers supposed to happen before the birth?” Dylan queried.
“It wasn’t exactly the smoothest of pregnancies, if you remember,” Lily laughed, “Or births, for that matter. It felt right to delay it.”
“You’re going to be an amazing mom,” Dylan encouraged, “She’s going to be so loved.”
“She already is. I’ll make sure Uncle Dylan gets a cuddle later,” Lily smiled, “I better get back to Jono. Keep him away from his surprise.”
Dylan looked ahead and smiled. It was a far cry from the warehouse and Murray, but a welcome reminder of what he’d fought for, both as an alpha and as a human.
Sammi had long accepted that the heaps of emotional baggage her father had left behind would sit with her forever. He was dead, her mum would never be able to get closure, and in the end, she had reunited with Jeremy and tried to make up for years of separation. She’d made the best of the cards she’d been dealt.
Yet, Sammi wasn’t willing to carry such heavy experiences forever, and she didn’t want Jeremy to be burdened, either. He’d received the brunt of the trauma, and he deserved to be able to move on. She wanted nothing less for him.
That was why their first therapy session was so cathartic. They had different sides of the same experience, and though no therapist would have understood the specifics of the supernatural elements, the concept of a father living a double life wasn’t so alien.
“Are you okay?” Sammi checked as the therapist’s door clicked shut behind them.
“I think so,” Jeremy shrugged, “It felt weird talking about it. Even we don’t talk about that stuff.”
“We should,” Sammi encouraged, “It’s part of our story, and you’re a part of me, Jeremy. You’re my twin. Please, let’s talk more. Talk about the good, the bad, everything in between.”
“Deal,” Jeremy nodded, “Come on, Felix is waiting outside. We’ve got a baby shower to get to.”
Sammi smiled. It was impossible to expect one therapy session to cure their trauma, but it already felt freeing to have taken the first step.
There was little Jono loved more than a busy house. A busy house filled with people he loved. It was the opposite of what he grew up with; an enormous house with way too much space for four inhabitants who barely spent time with each other, let alone anyone else. Now, he had a smaller but still spacious house where family and friends didn’t need to knock because they knew they were always welcome.
Of course, this was in honour of a particularly special day, too. It wasn’t just a celebration of Belle, but of Lily too. She deserved the outpouring of love that had been coming her way and then some, and it was a great excuse to see old friends again.
“It’s a good thing it was me who saw them,” Brett reminisced, sitting side-by-side with Oscar on the sofa opposite Jono and Yasmin in the living room, “Sneaking around the FBI was one thing, but the fact Murray was the first person they ran into.”
“I said she’d recognise us,” Yasmin chuckled, “She looked us up and down more than once in the morgue that day.”
“She wasn’t very popular anyway. More like a drill sergeant than an FBI agent,” Brett detailed, “At least it’s all cleared up. The FBI are looking out for the whole cult. We’ve had to sign an NDA about it and everything.”
“Speaking of,” Oscar segued, “Have you told them your news?”
“News?” Jono excitedly queried.
“Yeah, so, I’m still a trainee, but I was the only person to report Murray for what she did, so once I finish my training, I have a guaranteed job there,” Brett explained humbly.
“That’s amazing,” Jono proudly beamed.
“Congratulations,” Yasmin joyfully exclaimed. It was the liveliest Jono had seen Yasmin since before her injury, and it warmed his heart to see her back at full strength.
“Proud of you, bro,” another voice joined the conversation. To Jono’s delight, Drew had just arrived, with Lily behind him to show him around the house for the first time, “Is ‘bro’ still, you know, appropriate?”
“You get exclusivity over that one,” Brett winked, “Good to see you, dude.”
“I couldn’t miss this,” Drew grinned, “All of us back together.”
“Who’s this?” Edmund slipped into the living room and perched beside Jono on the arm of the sofa.
“Edmund, this is Drew, a good friend of ours, and a founding member of the pack,” Jono introduced.
“I taught Dylan almost everything he knows,” Drew bragged.
“And Drew, this is Edmund, well,” Jono paused, “Our son, I suppose.”
“I like that,” Edmund replied, pleasantly taken aback.
“Hey, where’s Jonah?” Jono asked Edmund. They’d been glued at the hip for weeks; Jono was enjoying how openly they were hanging out as a couple. The last thing he wanted was for Edmund to feel he had to keep something like that a secret.
“Freddie and George are having a brothers chat with him,” Edmund shrugged.
“They better not be long, it’s George’s turn to change Belle,” Lily groaned. Jono chuckled. He loved it when the little things meant so much, because that was when he knew everybody was happy and safe.
It wasn’t often that Freddie was alone with his brothers. There was always something happening, other people around, or life getting in the way of them spending time together. Getting all three of them in the same room was surprisingly difficult.
That was why Freddie didn’t want to miss his moment. As much as it warmed his heart to see Jonah so happy with Edmund, he had to break them apart for a few minutes. With Sammi still on her way back from therapy and Lily busy downstairs, there wasn’t going to be a better moment to take stock.
“What is it?” Jonah frustratedly questioned, now sat alone on Edmund’s bed.
“Nothing bad,” Freddie smiled, sitting beside him. George followed suit, closing the bedroom door behind him, “I just wanted to see my brothers.”
“You see me all the time, we live together,” Jonah raised an eyebrow.”
“We don’t,” George added, “Is it so bad to spend a little bit of time with us?”
“No,” Jonah quickly admitted.
“But you want to spend time with Edmund more,” Freddie sussed, “It’s alright, we’re not offended.”
“It’s just…things feel good. The best the have in so long. The best since…” Jonah trailed off.
“Ashton,” Freddie figured.
“Yeah,” Jonah sighed, “It’s like, I forget for a moment, and the I remember, and it’s like I just found out for the first time.”
“It will always be a little like that, but it won’t hurt so much,” George advised, “When I think of mom and dad, I think of the good times more than the sadness now.”
“I find it hard to remember dad. I can see his face, but I doubt myself. I feel like he’s slipping away,” Jonah admitted.
“You have the best memories of dad of all of us,” Freddie reminded, “He’ll always be in your heart. Don’t doubt yourself, because nobody knew him like you did.”
“And you’ll always have your memories of Ashton, too,” George added, “You know, we’re proud of you, bro.”
“Damn right,” Freddie grinned.
“We’re not gonna hug, are we?” Jonah scrunched his face.
“Take the compliment, dude,” Freddie chuckled, “You’re the coolest one of all of us. You don’t even have to think, you can just become a wolf whenever you want. No need to learn control. No bloodlust. Just an instinct to protect.”
“I’m feeling left out,” George laughed.
“It’s pretty cool, I guess,” Jonah shrugged. Freddie smiled. Jonah was the most unassuming hero, a nonchalant teenager that helped save all their lives. Something Freddie knew a little about.
Filing the last remaining sheets away, Dylan was savouring a moment of quiet. As much as he loved all his favourite people being around him, it was still an exhausting experience, and he needed some alone time to recharge.
The office was the perfect place to slip into for a quick break. He and Jono were usually strict in ensuring they didn’t work at the weekend, but sorting sheets of paper into the filing cabinet was a peculiarly peaceful activity.
Dylan couldn’t help being distracted by the photos they had all decorate their workspaces with, though. Memories largely from the past decade. Ten years of time spent together. Roughly the entire time Dylan had been a werewolf. The single most transformative moment of his life.
The confusion Dylan felt at that time almost seemed laughable, not because it was unfounded, but because it kickstarted a chain of events that solidified friendships and founded new ones in a way that he’d never had before. Would Dylan have ever grown close to Drew, Brett or Freddie otherwise? Would he even have met Jeremy? What would have happened with Josh?
That was without factoring in Jono. Would he ever have had the confidence to pursue his crush? Dylan still felt shy in new situations, so he never forgot just how significant each step he took with Jono was. He had his dream home with his dream husband, and now they got to be parents to Edmund. Dylan was so proud of everything he’d achieved; he just wished his dad could have seen it too.
“Here you are,” Drew poked his head around the door, “Are you hiding from me?”
“Never,” Dylan smiled, “I just needed a few minutes on my own.”
“I can leave you be if you’d like,” Drew offered.
“No, you’re good. It’s nice to see you,” Dylan smiled, “It’s been too long.”
“Doesn’t seem like you’re doing too badly for yourself, though,” Drew raised a slight smile, which translated to being a wide grin in Drew terms, “Nothing can stand between you and Jono, and now you’ve got a kid of your own. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone overcome so much and still get everything you could want.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” Dylan shrugged.
“It never is,” Drew reminded.
“Is it weird that I keep thinking about Harry today?” Dylan pondered, picking up a photo of he and Harry from their first date that was blu-tacked beside his desk, “It’s not a special day like his birthday or anything, but I keep wishing he was here. Not as my boyfriend or anything, just…just as a friend.”
“I get that,” Drew nodded, “Nobody doubts that your heart is with Jono, least of all Jono himself, he knows you’re besotted with him. That doesn’t mean you can’t miss Harry too. He was a big part of your life. At one point, he was the future you saw, and that’s separate from everything you share with Jono.”
“I talk about him sometimes, and Jono always listens. I just don’t want to make him feel, I don’t know, like he’s second best,” Dylan admitted.
“He married you, Dylan,” Drew reminded, “He literally defied the rules of the supernatural to get back to you, right? He loves the bones of you, and I don’t think anything could ever change that. He knows you feel the same. He always has, I promise.”
“I know,” Dylan assured, “Hey, what’s the deal with you and Allyn at the moment?”
“We’re as good as ever,” Drew couldn’t hide a smile that time, “She’s pursuing a stray omega that’s killed a couple of people, but she sends her regards.”
“A fun day out, then,” Dylan chuckled, “Thanks for coming.”
“I got you, bro,” Drew nodded. Dylan smiled and glanced back at the photograph in his hand. Everything he experienced with Harry was still a part of him, and it always would be.
“Drink for the worker,” Yasmin announced, handing Josh a glass of juice as he climbed back down from the tree. He’d been working non-stop all morning on the treehouse, but it was almost complete, and Yasmin was ready to spend the rest of the day with the man she adored.
“You are legendary,” Josh beamed and gave Yasmin a loving kiss before gulping down the entire glass in one go.
“Jono’s going to love it,” Yasmin commented, glancing upwards at their hard work.
“I hope so,” Josh nodded, “Hey, did you hear back?”
“I got the call about ten minutes ago,” Yasmin grinned, attempting to build some tension, “They’ve accepted our offer.”
“What? Really?” Josh beamed, jumping excitedly on the spot.
“What’s the good news?” Sammi queried as she, Jeremy and Felix walked up the driveway. Yasmin and Josh shared an enthusiastic nod.
“We’ve bought a house,” Yasmin revealed, “Still in Crystalshaw, three bedrooms, way bigger than my loft.”
“That’s amazing! Sammi beamed, eagerly hugging Yasmin and then Josh.
“Congratulations,” Jeremy followed suit, as did Felix.
“We’re all functioning adults,” Josh chuckled as it had only just occurred to him.
“We’ve only just heard that our offer’s been accepted,” Yasmin added, “So nobody else knows yet.”
“I do,” Freddie’s voice called from the front door, “Sorry, I came to see my beautiful wife, wolf hearing did the rest.”
“You’re good, bro,” Josh smiled as Freddie gave Sammi a tight, tender hug.
“So, where’s the party at?” Sammi enthusiastically exclaimed. Yasmin laughed heartily. Even the increasingly faint aches from her mostly healed wounds couldn’t dull her mood that day.
Laying Belle down in her cot in the spare room, Lily was transfixed by the tiny human in front of her. Belle was the most precious thing she had ever seen; she knew that most new mothers felt that way, but she was blown away by the intensity of the love she felt for her daughter.
It warmed Lily’s heart that Jono bought and assembled a cot for Belle at their house, too. There was never a moment where she doubted the support she’d receive, but to see her brother, her closest confidante for so many years, taking such a keen interest in being an uncle was touching.
“We can decorate this room if you like,” Jono whispered from the door.
“It’s your spare room, you’ve got a bed for guests already,” Lily reminded.
“It’s basically Libby’s room when she stays,” Jono chuckled, “And she’s obsessed with her cousin already so I don’t think she’ll mind sharing.”
“You’re so good with them both. Do you think you’ll have kids one day?” Lily questioned.
“We kinda do,” Jono reminded.
“Alright, you know what I mean,” Lily replied, “Is this cot also an investment for the future?”
“Maybe,” Jono nodded, “We’ve talked about it. Dylan and I both want kids. I don’t think we expected to start with a fully grown teenager.”
“He’s a credit to you already, though. Think of how he was when he first arrived. His guard was up and he trusted nobody. Now look at him,” Lily said. She’d always been Jono’s biggest champion; nobody had a heart like he did.
“Question,” Jono pondered, “If you could cure Belle, would you?”
“No,” Lily replied, her reflexes acting without needing to think, “She’s perfect, no matter what.”
“She is,” Jono agreed.
“It’s not like that cure worked fully anyway, right?” Lily reminded.
“I guess not, but I keep thinking, maybe it did work, but the wolf left me with my own defence mechanism? You know, I can heal when I get hurt, and I can fight back when I’m in danger. It’s all the useful parts of being a werewolf without being one,” Jono theorised.
“I kinda miss both of us being werewolves,” Lily admitted, “I thought it was cool that we were in the same boat.”
“Me too,” Jono smiled, “You’re not short on werewolves around here, though.”
“Could use another girl, though,” Lily replied, “It’s been me, Yasmin and Sammi for so long, and I’m the only werewolf. Belle’s the answer to my prayers, I guess.”
“If she’s anything like you, then she’ll be strong, brave, and know how to throw an insane party,” Jono laughed.
Lily glanced back down to Belle, sound asleep in her snug pink babygrow and yellow blanket decorated with white stars. The future was exciting, and Lily was ready for whatever would come their way.
Though Crystalshaw wasn’t the first place he’d lived, returning there felt like a homecoming for Oscar. He’d never made friends as good as those from Crystalshaw, both before moving there and after leaving. It hadn’t always been easy, and it certainly wasn’t safe, but what kept him so fond of it was the people. His best friends.
Life with Brett hadn’t always been smooth sailing, despite how strong their love for each other was. Brett’s injury meant Oscar needed to step up and support them, particularly when they learned basketball was out of the question, but he did it unquestionably. What he had with Brett was special, and worth fighting for. He’d never known someone so confident, bold, and unapologetically themselves in the way Brett was, and that was what Oscar loved most about them.
Just the two of them remained in Dylan and Jono’s beautifully furnished living room at that moment, cuddled together on the sofa. Oscar rested his head on Brett’s chest, snuggled cosily inside the strong but comforting grip of their arms. It was the place he felt safest. The most at ease. No matter where they were.
“I’ve missed this,” Oscar commented.
“Me too,” Brett concurred, “I forgot how much I loved this place.”
“Good thing we’re moving back, then,” Oscar smiled. Brett’s new job wasn’t so far from Crystalshaw, so it was a no-brainer to return now it was a long-term prospect for them.
“Did you hear about Cody?” Brett wondered.
“Yasmin told me earlier,” Oscar replied. He’d hardly spoken to Cody since leaving, so hearing that things turned so sour between him and Yasmin was saddening, “I know he’s never been perfect, but I hope he’s okay wherever he is.”
“You’re way more mature than me,” Brett chuckled, “You were always better than me at being empathetic.”
“I skipped the high school jock era,” Oscar teased.
“Hey, you didn’t know me back then,” Brett laughed.
“Maybe for the best,” Oscar grinned.
“Oh, you’d still have fancied me. I was so macho,” Brett winked playfully.
“Probably,” Oscar conceded, “But I like this version of you more. You were made to wear dresses, and bows in your hair.”
“I was, wasn’t I?” Brett smirked. Oscar laughed before leaning upwards for a kiss. Through Brett’s ability to be so unapologetically themselves, Oscar felt more at home than he ever had.
One thing Josh had learned as an adult was how increasingly rare it was to get the whole family together. He couldn’t remember the last time it had only been his core family of Caroline, Ed, Dylan and Libby, but almost by chance, they were all in the kitchen at the same time, dodging Libby who had decided the kitchen floor was the ideal place for her toy cars.
“Baby girl, your mother’s carrying plates with hot food on,” Ed firmly reminded Libby while washing his hands in the sink.
“I’ve told you before, no toys in the kitchen,” Dylan added.
“Scared your reflexes are too slow?” Josh playfully teased.
“I’m not threatened,” Dylan chuckled, “But not everyone here is a werewolf, you know.”
“Libby, your brother’s right, sit at the table please,” Caroline concurred.
“But the cars will fall off the edge,” Libby protested.
“Then you’ll need to be extra careful,” Josh smiled, tucking Libby in at the dining table before picking up a few spoons and laying them along the edge of the table, “Look, there’s a barrier, the cars can’t go past it.”
“Libby, what do you say to your brother?” Caroline prompted.
“Thank you,” Libby beamed, making direct eye contact with Josh.
“Hey,” Josh turned to face Caroline, Ed and Dylan, “I’ve got some news.”
“News?” Dylan queried with a frown.
“Good news,” Josh assured.
“Go on,” Ed prompted.
“Yasmin and I just got our offer accepted on a house,” Josh revealed.
“What? I had no idea you were house hunting,” Caroline reacted, “That’s fantastic news.”
“Where is it?” Dylan still looked worried.
“Walton Court, three roads away,” Josh replied, “Don’t worry, bro.”
“I’m happy for you,” Dylan assured, “I just didn’t want to lose you.”
“I’ll be even nearer than I am at the moment,” Josh laughed.
“I’m proud of you, baby,” Caroline embraced Josh in the warmest of hugs.
“Me too,” Ed joined, wrapping his arms around them both.
“Group hug!” Libby exclaimed, leaping out of her chair to join. Dylan sighed and conceded, Caroline’s other arm circling around him. Josh smiled. He almost forgot he hadn’t lived with that same family his whole life. Family was so much more than blood.
Glancing up at the picturesque clear blue sky, Jeremy adored how peaceful Dylan and Jono’s back garden was. The grass was perfectly mowed with flowerbeds decorating the perimeter, showcasing an entire rainbow of colours. Just observing the bees zooming from flower to flower as he gently rocked on the swing-seat in the centre of the garden was beautifully tranquil. Just the scape Jeremy needed.
It wasn’t that Jeremy didn’t want to be at the party. He’d been looking forward to it, but therapy being scheduled for that morning made it an exhausting day. Regardless, he was certain he didn’t want to be at home alone while everyone else was celebrating together.
After all, the day was about his family. A family he didn’t know he had for the first eighteen years of his life, so time with them never quite felt enough when he had so much to make up for, not through any fault of his own. Nothing could have stopped him from being there for Lily and Belle.
“There you are,” Felix stepped outside and approached the swing-seat, “Room for a little one?”
“Always,” Jeremy smiled.
“Everything alright?” Felix checked.
“Yeah, just recharging,” Jeremy replied, “A lot has happened today.”
“Understood,” Felix smiled, “We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.”
“I do want to,” Jeremy smiled back, “You know, it’s been four months today since I last, you know, cut myself.”
“I’m proud of you, babe,” Felix grinned, “I always am, but milestones are important.”
“I’ve wanted to a few times. I came close at the warehouse, but I didn’t,” Jeremy admitted.
“Because you’re strong,” Felix reminded, “And if you don’t feel like you can be strong, I’ll be strong for you.”
“Thanks,” Jeremy blushed. His heart was full whenever he was with Felix, “Same for you, too. You don’t always have to be the strong one.”
“Deal,” Felix nodded. Jeremy rested his head next to Felix’s, his right hand gently caressing Felix’s left hand.
A few moments of blissful silence followed before Jeremy changed subject, “When you see the future, do you see yourself…” Jeremy paused, ensuring he approached the question in the right way, “…as a father?”
“Um, yeah, I think so,” Felix pondered, “Definitely, if you do too. Do you?”
“I don’t think I really saw it as an option for ages,” Jeremy admitted, “But seeing Belle, Edmund, even the way Sammi is with Jonah, it made me think that maybe I could. Maybe we could.”
“I’d love that,” Felix beamed, “I suppose it’s the next step after marriage, traditionally.”
“What’s traditional about a gay couple, one of whom is a werewolf, having a kid?” Jeremy joked. Felix chuckled. Planning for the future wasn’t something Jeremy had done much of, but now, he could see it clearly. A life and a family with Felix was all he desired.
With Dylan’s hands covering his eyes, Jono cautiously inched forward. He could feel the fresh air cascading against his cheeks, so it was obvious they were stood by the front door, but what was the big secret? Everyone had been acting strangely all day, and he’d hardly had a second to himself. As nice as the company had been, he knew they were up to something.
“Come on, what’s happening?” Jono questioned for at least the third time, but no answer came.
“Okay, you can look now,” Dylan finally commanded, removing his hands.
“Surprise!” everyone exclaimed in unison. Jono’s eyes readjusted to the bright sunlight directly above their guests, all stood in front of the largest tree in their front garden. His eyes drifted upwards towards the big secret – and big it certainly was.
Attached to the tree was a treehouse, freshly painted dark red on the outside, with a ladder leading directly towards a doorway at the side. Jono was lost for words. It looked just like the treehouse he’d spent many an hour in growing up.
“Woah,” Jono finally managed to find his voice.
“It’s your old treehouse,” Lily explained, “The exact same one.”
“Mostly,” Josh added, “We replaced any damaged parts and gave it a paint job.”
“That’s my treehouse?” Jono was amazed. Knowing it was the exact same treehouse was the icing on the cake, “Whose idea was this?”
“Mine,” Helen smiled, “But Lily organised it, and Ed and Josh did the hard graft.”
“Thank you,” Jono smiled widely, his eyes trying to hold back the flood of happy tears he wanted to unleash, “I love it. I really love it.”
“Well go on then, go look inside,” Freddie encouraged.
“Come with me?” Jono looked at Dylan.
“Always,” Dylan nodded, “But you have to go first.”
“Deal,” Jono smiled.
The ladder was the exact same one as before, and the treehouse was impressively at just the same height as it used to be in its previous location. Inside, Jono was amazed. The floor had a gorgeous colourful rug laid across it, with beanbags around the side and a folded pile of blankets in the corner. There were even a couple of lanterns for when it got dark. Jono was blown away by the level of detail.
“Thoughts?” Dylan queried, following him inside.
“It’s perfect,” Jono beamed. As much as the treehouse meant to him, his real prize was directly in front of him, “You’re perfect.”
“You’re more perfect,” Dylan playfully replied. Jono wrapped his arms around Dylan’s waist. He could have happily stayed there forever.
The treehouse was hardly empty for the entire afternoon. Dylan loved seeing everyone checking it out, using it as a safe place to hide away for a short while, or a social hub for a conversation. It was the final touch needed for their home to feel entirely their own.
It had been one of Dylan’s favourite days in a long time. There was no pressure on anyone, just time spent with those he loved the most. Blood relative or otherwise, everyone there was family as far as Dylan was concerned; a far cry from the small family unit he’d grown accustomed to as a child.
As the evening drew in and the sun began to set, the house started to empty out. Caroline and Ed were the first to leave, taking a worn-out Libby home to bed. Drew followed suit; he had a lengthy journey back home, after all. Lily and George took Belle home; she had slept for most of the day, but Dylan felt so proud to be her uncle already. Helen left not much later, returning to her new smaller home on the other side of town.
Everybody else stayed a little longer, but eventually, Brett and Oscar had to get going. Dylan was delighted they were going to be back in Crystalshaw again, and he’d assured Oscar there would always be a job at Chadwick-Drummond for him. Sammi and Fredie were the next to depart, though Jonah stayed for a short while longer, maximising his time spent with Edmund. Jeremy and Felix dropped Jonah home; it had been an intense day for Jeremy with his first therapy session with Sammi, so Dylan was pleasantly surprised he stayed for as long as he did. Last to depart were Yasmin and Josh, returning to Yasmin’s small flat, but not for much longer.
The calm that followed was typically a lonely feeling. Normality ensuing sometimes felt deflating, but not that time. Dylan was back up in the treehouse with Jono, laying on the floor either side of Edmund as they all gazed out of the window at the stars and moon. Dylan had all he could ever need right there.
“How do you think it works?” Edmund wondered, “The moon, I mean. How does it affect us?”
“There are so many myths and legends,” Jono replied, “Nobody knows for sure. The supernatural defies science and logic.”
“People must have tried to investigate it, though,” Edmund continued.
“They have,” Dylan answered, “There used to be a place called the Lunar Sanctum. They were trying to find scientific explanations of the supernatural, but they were just experimenting on werewolves. Held Jeremy and I captive for months.”
“What?” Edmund’s mouth widened.
“It’s true. We thought they were dead,” Jono recalled, “Worst time of my life.”
“What the hell?” Edmund tried to process.
“The stories we could tell you,” Jono smiled.
“Tell me one now,” Edmund suggested. Dylan met eyes with Jono, sharing a knowing look; Dylan knew precisely which story to tell.
“So, there was a teenage boy. Shy, naïve, new to Crystalshaw,” Dylan began, “He went out into the woods next to his house at night, clueless as to what was waiting for him outside.”
“What happened?” Edmund was gripped.
“The fangs of an alpha pierced his leg. His life changed forever,” Dylan explained, “With his best friend, he had to figure out what happened to him, all while getting to know the cute boy he had a crush on.”
“The cute boy who had no idea what he was letting himself in for,” Jono added with a wink.
“Did they get together?” Edmund queried.
“Yes,” Dylan smiled uncontrollably at Jono, “It wasn’t always easy. They had to spend a lot of time apart.”
“And they lost people along the way,” Jono added with a gentle nod to Dylan. Dylan’s heart warmed; it was an acknowledgement of Harry, among others, and he appreciated the sentiment.
“But they’re still going strong today,” Dylan continued, “Despite everything thrown their way.”
“Wait,” Edmund realised, “This is about you two, isn’t it?”
“Surprised it took you so long,” Jono chuckled.
“So cringe,” Edmund sighed, but Dylan caught a smirk on his face as he sat up, “I’m going inside.”
“Don’t forget, there’s a slice of cake for you on the counter,” Jono called after him.
“As if I’d forget that,” Edmund replied, climbing down the ladder.
Dylan shuffled up closer towards Jono, directly into the comforting security of his arms. They’d spent so much time in that treehouse over the years, from the crushing low of the night Jono left for London, to the insane high of their first kiss. There wasn’t a place that defined their relationship better than there.
“Good day?” Jono queried.
“The best,” Dylan replied, contented.
“The best ever?” Jono raised an eyebrow.
“Well, after our wedding. And the day we first spoke too each other. And the day Edmund moved in. And, well, quite a few others,” Dylan recalled with a beaming smile.
“I’ll take that,” Jono chuckled.
“You know, if we never moved from here, I think I’d be happy,” Dylan pondered.
“This house, or this precise spot?” Jono chuckled.
“Both,” Dylan laughed, “It could be snowing, I wouldn’t care.”
“You would when we’re hyperthermic,” Jono reminded.
“Can we even be hyperthermic?” Dylan shrugged.
“I don’t know, but I’m not desperate to find out. I love the sentiment, though,” Jono smiled, “I’d be in your arms all day every day if I could.”
“Please can we be this sickly-sweet forever?” Dylan laughed.
“Forever,” Jono nodded, “Hey, do you remember that night when I found out you were a werewolf?”
“I think I’m still drying off from the rain,” Dylan reminisced, “Was that our first argument?”
“The first of very few,” Jono answered, “I knew then that you were my person. I knew before that. If you’d have told me then that we’d be married and living together a decade later, I wouldn’t have been surprised at all.”
“The journey wasn’t so easy, though,” Dylan added.
“But we’re here,” Jono noted, “I’d have spent another seven years in London if it meant I could have the rest of my life with you.”
“Same,” Dylan agreed, “You have always been my one. From the day I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted you so badly.”
“You’ve got me, baby,” Jono leaned in close, the tip of his nose gently brushing against Dylan’s.
“Where do you think we’ll be when we’re old?” Dylan pondered.
“Maybe here, maybe somewhere else. Somewhere we’re together,” Jono considered, keeping the proximity with Dylan, “A quiet life.”
“Do you really think we’ll ever have a truly quiet life?” Dylan chuckled.
“I think we’ll have earned one,” Jono justified, “But I’m not convinced we’ll ever truly manage it.”
“I’m not sure we’ll want it,” Dylan smiled, “I mean, this is Crystalshaw.”
“And we’re Dylan and Jono,” Jono added with a grin.
“Dylan and Jono,” Dylan repeated, “Against the world.”
Dylan leaned in the final few centimetres to kiss Jono, his hands slipping into Jono’s thick long mane of curls. As the kiss broke, Dylan laid on his back once more, staring up at the moon. It had a lot to answer for, but whatever it had in store for them both, one thing was certain.
Dylan and Jono were ready for anything.
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