Damn you, ever-nagging plot bunnies … I just can't get this one out of my head. I am focusing on one story, but I wanted to get a foundation on this new one. So, here we go … This will be similar to Buying Love, Friends with Benefits, Mafia Princess and The One That Got Away, with shorter chapters and weekly updates: I'm planning on keeping the update schedule with this one … Sunday updates, Wednesday teasers.

This is it … the epilogue for The Magic Within. Before I get on with it, a few things … there will not be any sequel. Things will be wrapped up in this full-length chapter. Also, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this story. It's been a bit different from the norm, discussing magic and with a twist on the Twilight lore. Thank you to Clo and Rita Marie for their banner-making and manipulation-making skills. You both are awesome and I'm in awe of your abilities, ladies. Thank you for all you did for this story.

Now, the final chapter …

Chapter Thirty-Five: Epilogue

EPOV

Three Months Later …

"Edward," Bella whispered. She poked me. I groaned, snuggled deeper into our bed. "Edward, wake up."

"Only with my sexy mate, my sihrena," I said, tugging on her hand, trying to drag her back into bed. She held fast. I opened my eyes, seeing she was dressed. "What is it? Are you okay?"

She sat down, her normally luminescent skin looking sallow and her eyes tired. "I'm not feeling well," she said. "Peter is going to check me out."

"You were feeling fine last night," I smirked, remembering our lovemaking.

"I was. I did, but something's not right," she said. "I want you to come with me."

I sat up and kissed her. "Anything for you, sihrena," I said.

We were staying in our large and rustic home near Bozeman, Montana. It was beautiful and over-the-top, large enough for all our families, but small enough for a first home for me and my mate. In addition to the house, we had twenty magical creatures working on building the magic school. We'd broken ground for the school just after Thanksgiving, in late November. It was just before Christmas and the foundation of the school had been laid, but a major snowstorm stalled any progress and would probably stay that way until the heavy snows melted in the springtime.

After I dressed into a pair of jeans, a heavy sweater and some hiking boots, I met Bella down in the kitchen of our modest home. She was nibbling on some cereal, her nose wrinkled. "Not a fan of the cereal?"

"It tastes funny," she shrugged. "But, everything else just doesn't seem appealing." She looked to me, walking to me and wrapping her arms around my body. She felt so warm and it was welcomed since the weather outside was frigid, even to me – the human/fae icicle. "Do you want to blink to Peter's office or drive?"

"That blinking ability is amazing, but with as tired as you look, I think we should drive," I said, brushing my lips to hers. "Come on, love." We put on our coats and made our way to Peter's office in downtown Bozeman. Bella snoozed, her cheek pressed to my bicep as I made my way in the SUV I'd purchased. I parked in the rear of the office, gently waking her up. She scowled but got out of the car. We walked into the office and was greeted by the elf, Kebi, who was the receptionist for the medical office. She ushered us into an examination room. I lifted Bella onto the table and kissed her forehead, sliding my arms around her body. She sighed, snuggling into my arms.

Peter breezed into the office, wearing a white lab coat and a stethoscope, along with his clothes. He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "How are you two doing?"

"I'm fine, but Bella said she's not feeling well," I said. "She said that something's not right."

"I already know what's wrong, or rather your condition," Peter replied, breathing in deeply. "And it's not something wrong."

"You haven't even examined me," Bella scoffed, her eyes flashing angrily.

"Inhale," Peter said to me, a smile ghosting over his face.

I did, and I smelled him, a slightly musky scent. I also smelled Bella, which was more floral with a touch of citrus. There was also a third, but faint unknown scent. It smelled like sunshine, hope and love. He arched a brow. "Do you smell it now?" Peter grinned.

"What is that?" I asked, focusing my attentions to that indistinct, new scent.

"I'm lost, boys. Explain," Bella grumped, her arms crossed over her chest.

"You won't be able to scent it, but Edward and I have. You're pregnant," Peter said. Bella's eyes bugged out. "From the weakness of the new scent coming from you, you're about two to three months along in the pregnancy."

"Pregnant?" she squeaked, placing her hands on her flat tummy. "But, shouldn't I be showing more?"

"Fae pregnancies are longer than human pregnancies," Peter said. "A little over fifteen months. You also won't be showing as much as a human mother."

"What do you mean? I won't have a huge preggo belly?" Bella pouted.

"You'll have a belly, but not as large," Peter chuckled. "If I had to guess, your little one was conceived when you were reconnecting after the battle." He beamed, rubbing his hands together. "The first baby of the next generation of fae. How exciting!" His happiness was its own entity. I looked at him and he sighed. "Fae babies are quite rare. They are cherished, obviously, since it takes a perfect combination of situations for a child to be conceived."

"What type of situations?" I asked.

"There is a small window in a fae female's cycle where conception can happen," Peter explained. "It's less than a few hours, really." He looked at both of us, his eyes light and happy. "This is a joyous occasion."

"With this pregnancy, I still feel off," Bella said. "Are you sure that there's not something else that's wrong?"

"Well, like human pregnancies, you will experience morning sickness and exhaustion. Once you hit the five-month mark, morning sickness should dissipate, which is the end of your first trimester, and you should have more energy. At ten months, you'll hit the final stage of pregnancy and you will need to be put on bed rest."

"Why?" I asked, threaded my fingers with Bella's.

"To ensure that mother and baby …" Peter said. "Well, since fae pregnancies are rare, there is a possibility of complications. I'd rather err on the side of caution."

"Could I die?" Bella squeaked. Peter hesitated but nodded slowly. "I thought that fae were …"

"Pregnancy is a weakness," Peter replied. "A fae weakness." He took Bella's hand and squeezed it. "You're strong, healthy and have the devotion of your mate. You will be fine. I'll be by your side and your connection with Edward will give you more strength." He inhaled, and he gave us a smile. "With your baby, I smell hope, determination. Now, you will need prenatal vitamins and I'll also check your blood periodically."

"Will we be able to see the baby? Have ultrasounds?" Bella asked.

"Of course. Right now, the baby is very small. Barely the size of a pea, but by the end of your first trimester, you will be able to see the baby," Peter said. "And it will look like a baby and not a blob. However, Edward can smell the baby and in about a month, both of you will be able to hear the baby's heartbeat."

"Okay," Bella said, her hand resting on her still flat tummy. "What about changing from fae to human? Will that impact our little miracle?"

"During your third trimester, you will need to stay fae since the baby doesn't know its own powers," Peter answered. "I wonder what your child's powers will be?"

"Let's just get the kid born," Bella deadpanned. She snuggled against me. "A baby …" I placed my hand over hers and kissed her temple. "I think we should wait to tell people."

"I agree," I nodded. "Wait until after the first trimester."

"For now, just go home and enjoy the news. If the morning sickness is bad, I can prescribe some anti-nausea medication. However, I'd rather you use homeopathy and natural cures. I'll also stop by with pre-natal vitamins on my way home," Peter said. He hugged her and shook my hand. "Congratulations, my lord, my lady."

We stayed in the office for a few moments. Bella was saddened that she couldn't smell the baby, but it was too intermingled with her own scent. I enfolded Bella into my arms, pressing my cheek to her head and gently stroking her back. "A baby," I whispered.

"It doesn't seem real," she said. She pushed back and cradled her belly. "But, you can smell the baby?"

"It's subtle, an extra layer of sweetness and fresh air mixed in with your scent," I replied. "It's a … it's a wonderful scent, Bella. We created that." I cupped her face, brushing my lips over hers. "I love you, sihrena."

"I love you more, Edward," she breathed. Blinking down to her belly, she cried. "And you, too, little one."

As I stayed in the examination room, I felt my cell phone vibrate in my back pocket. I pulled it out, seeing a text from my sister. My brows furrowed. "What is it?" Bella asked.

"Something about my adoptive parents," I murmured. "Alice is going to meet us at the house."

"Should we tell her about the baby?"

"Not yet," I said. I helped her off the table, wrapping her into her winter coat. We got into the SUV, driving back to the house. Alice and Jasper were already there. Inside the house, we settled on the couch and Alice looked somber. Jasper was holding her hand. I made some coffee for my sister and her mate while I made ginger tea for Bella and I drank some water. "What's up?"

"I heard from Esme," Alice said. "She called me from Seattle, or at least a Seattle number, asking for forgiveness."

"Did you give it to her?" I asked, my voice cold. It was colder than my body temperature and frigid climate outside our home. I was still pissed off at my parents, who'd been so ashamed of me even though I was sick. It would be a long time, if ever, before I'd forgive them. Yes, it was petty, but I was their son. I needed their support, not their ridicule or judgment.

"No, but I listened to her," Alice muttered. "Dad's been sentenced."

"Did he get life?" I growled, staring out the window and watching the snow fall. It was growing heavier because of the connection to the weather.

"Edward, he didn't kill anyone. He just took bribes," Alice said, a wry smile spreading over her face. "He did get ten years in some club fed, white collar criminal penitentiary."

"And what of Mom?" I asked, taking Bella's hand. "Is she still in Seattle?"

"I think so," Alice answered. "She just said that she's staying with friends. She didn't say who." She looked at me, her nose wrinkled. "Mom wants to see you."

"I don't want to see her," I said, scrubbing my face. "You may have forgiven her and Dad, but they didn't disown you because you were sick, Alice. I was abandoned by them when I needed them the most. They took you away from me, when I needed family, support and love. What did I get? I got a hospital bill that I couldn't afford, and the cold shoulder with no access to my trust since I wasn't their blooded-child. No, I do not want to see her or even think about her. If you talk to her, tell her that she has no son. I have my family, with Bella, you, and everyone who fought by our sides."

"Edward, that seems harsh," Alice chided.

"They didn't seem to care that their behavior was harsh," I snapped.

"Alice, do you blame him?" Bella asked softly. "Listen to what he said." Alice's brow furrowed, and I took Bella's hand, kissing her neck. I get it, Edward. I'm sorry that your mother can't come to grips with what happened to you and what she and your father did to you. I love you.

I love you more, I mentally whispered.

"Edward, brother, I understand why you're upset. I don't blame you," Alice said, shooting Bella a harsh glower. "It's just that …" She twisted her engagement ring on her finger. Jasper had proposed to her shortly after the battle, just prior to our departure to Bozeman. "Mom didn't realize … She was under the influence of the darkness, of that evil. Ever since she was cleared of that influence, she's been beating herself up over what she did to you. She wants to apologize."

"Be that as it may, I'm not ready to listen to it. Not yet," I said, shaking my head.

"Edward, I'm telling you this. Not out of anger or whatever, but you don't have a lot of time," she muttered. "With Dad's actions and that fallout, Mom is not as resilient as she used to be. She won't live to see the summer. Her future is dark."

I looked at my sister, my heart twisting at her premonition. I kept my face impassive. Bella held my hand, her fingers gliding along my wrist. "I have some time, Alice. I'm going to need it. The type of pain our parents caused me will not be resolved overnight." I shook my head. "Now, how are your mating ceremony plans going, Alice?"

Her demeanor changed, prattling about her upcoming ceremony plans, with the news of our adoptive mother's dark future falling to the back burner.

Suffice it to say, today was a day of news. Some good … some bad … As I held Bella's hand, I inhaled deeply and smelled proof of our good news. Bella was carrying our baby. I had to focus on that. For now, …

xx TMW xx

Five Months Later …

"The pronunciation is not as guttural, Masen," Bella said as she demonstrated a simple mesmerizing charm. He blinked and was caught in her magical web. She murmured the reversal spell and he blinked his eyes. "I forgot to shield you."

"I don't know if I'm ever going to get this," Masen grumbled. "You say I'm this powerful mage, but I can't get the simplest spells. Are you sure that I'm magical?"

"You are," I said.

"Are you sure that I'm not fae?" Masen snapped. "You said that I visited you as your reincarnated dead father."

"I performed the ritual to release fae magic, but there's no fae blood within you," I argued. "Masen, I know that you're frustrated. We're all learning about magic. It's why this magic school is being built."

"Who's going to be teaching the classes?" Masen asked grumpily.

"Fae who were around when magic wasn't lost or bound," Bella answered, her hand resting on her slightly swollen belly. "We have about thirty teachers, specializing in enchantments, spell casting, shapeshifting, magical armaments, and a whole bunch of other classes. What I know about magic could fill a thimble, but we've got the best teachers to help the younger members of our fae generation along with mages, elves and shapeshifters." She reached over and took Masen's hand. "I know you're frustrated."

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "You guys have been nothing but welcoming. You've been more than amazing, and I've been such an asshole. I finally feel like I have a home, a place to belong." He frowned, looking to me. "I wish I could remember what your father said."

"I do," I smiled. "Masen, what you gave me was a gift. I got to speak to him and know that my father did love me. I also know that you carry a part of him inside you with that kernel of magic that you're perfecting."

"I don't have a long, immortal life," Masen snorted.

"You may not be immortal, but you are long-lived," Bella said. "For every year a human ages, it takes you a decade. You will be around for a long time."

"Really?" Masen asked. "I want proof."

Bella got up and glided to a bookshelf, pulling out an ancient tome. She found the passage, handing it to Masen. She smiled softly as he read it. "Do you believe me now?" she quipped, pressing my hand to her belly. I felt our child kick against my palm and I kissed her temple.

"So, my life span will be about …" Masen whispered, trying to figure out the math. "Damn!" He handed Bella back the book. "All mages?"

"Yes," Bella chuckled.

"Female mages?" he whispered.

"Yes," Bella said, arching a brow. "Have you met someone?"

He blushed and nodded. "Someone from Bozeman. Her name is Elizabeth. We met in one of my gen ed classes. According to Carmen, she's also a mage, but her magic hasn't been released," Masen explained. "Can you do that?" He blinked to me, looking at me expectantly.

"To be honest, magic comes when it's ready. For you, you needed it released. For Elizabeth, she may need to reach a certain age. How old is she?" I asked.

"Nineteen," Masen answered. "If I bring her, could you try?"

"I'm more than willing to do that," I nodded.

"Thank you, Edward," he said, checking his watch. "Shit! I've got to go! I've got class! Final review before our exams. I'll bring her over after my finals." He hugged Bella gently and waved hastily before he darted out of the door to head out. He was taking classes at the local university, majoring in music.

"Do mages mate?" Bella asked.

"I don't know," I shrugged, "but he seems smitten."

"Oh, boy. Our little miracle is quite active today," Bella said, pressing her hands to her belly. "She's doing flip-flops."

Yep, you heard right. We're having a girl. Peter gave us an ultrasound and we were able to see what we were having. Bella could also feel the baby's power. It was manifesting itself in Bella. She was able to call upon our child's power, which was a combination of our powers. She could freeze time, was a telekinetic and had the ability to shapeshift. It was weird. I was making love to my mate and she transformed, momentarily, into a being of pure energy as she climaxed, which enhanced my own orgasm. When she calmed, Bella came back, and her eyes were wide. She said it was the baby. I pressed my hands to her belly. I heard the baby and she said that she loved both of us already.

"Edward?" Bella whispered.

"Sorry," I said, shaking my head.

"Were you listening to the baby?" she asked.

"A bit," I smiled, kissing her belly. "Daddy loves you, little one." I felt a push against my cheek and love all around me. I sighed happily, pressing my cheek to Bella's baby bump. Bella hummed, her fingers toying with my long hair and tracing my facial tattoos. My cell phone rang, and I sighed, picking it up. "Hello?"

"Edward, it's Mom," Alice breathed. "She's … if you want to talk to her. Now's your chance."

"Are you there?" I asked.

"With Jazzy," Alice muttered. "Soon, Edward. Please?"

"Okay," I whispered. "I'll be there … I just …" Alice whimpered, and I hung up my phone. I looked at Bella, my brows furrowed. "I have to … I need to go to Seattle."

"You don't want to," Bella said. "Why?"

"I don't know if I can forgive my mother," I shrugged. I took her hand, kissing her wrist. "Bella, I don't want you to come. With the baby, I want you to stay here. I love you, but I'm afraid that the stress …"

"I get it," Bella nodded. "I love you and please know that I'm just a phone call away. Peter said I could blink. He'd prefer I not do it, but I still can."

"You're not blinking," I said, kissing her lips. "I'll be back soon, sihrena."

"How are you going?"

"Flying," I replied. I walked to the door and opened it. I morphed into a falcon, squawking at Bella and taking off. I flew above the clouds, making my way to the castle in Seattle. I landed on the protected grounds just before sunset. I showered and changed into my human form. I picked up the keys to my old Volvo. Alice sent me a text with an address. I drove to the address, seeing a nicer townhouse. I parked behind a Cadillac CTS, walking up the steps. I knocked on the door and Alice opened it up. She hugged me, clinging to my body. "Alice …"

"Come in, Edward," she said, guiding me into the townhouse. It was pretty barren. There were some couches from the house that I used to live in with them, but no personal touches. "I can see your mind spinning, Edward. What are you thinking?"

"Does Mom own this?"

"She's renting it," Alice answered. "But, it's a month-to-month."

"What's wrong with her?" I asked.

"Come on," Alice said, tugging on my arm and leading me into the bedroom. The woman who raised me was laying in her bed, a shell of her former self. She was alive, but not all there. "She lost her sense of self when Carlisle was arrested. She also knew what she had done had abandoned both of us. Her memories when the darkness was lifted damn near killed her. She needs to make it right. I've accepted her apology. She needs to talk to you." Alice hugged me, and I went into the room, sitting down next to my mom.

"Esme," I said coldly. The room around me got much colder, and the windows frosted over.

"I was afraid that you wouldn't come," she said, looking at me. Her eyes were unfocused, and her voice was weak.

"I almost didn't come," I replied. "I don't understand why … You wrote me off, Esme. You threw me to the fucking wolves. I was sick, Esme. I needed my family. I needed support and you and that asshole, you took it all away! No cares about my feelings. I was an embarrassment."

"You never were an embarrassment, Edward," Esme cried, reaching for my hand. I pulled my hand back. "Edward, I love you."

"Did you ever?" I spat. "I never felt that love. Alice may have forgiven you, but I don't know if I ever can. I have a long life to come to grips with what you did to me. Did Alice tell you about what we are? Did she tell you that I nearly died?"

"She told me everything," Esme whispered. "And I always loved you. Edward, we were controlled by … I don't know what happened, but when that man, Aro, died. A fog lifted from my head and I had to see you. I needed to see you. I had to make it up to you." She sat up weakly. "I never wanted … I never wanted to cause you pain. I wanted you to be with us after you got sick. Your dad, he …"

"He's not my father," I sneered. "He gave up on me. You gave up on me, disowned me because I wasn't blood." I stood up, growing to my full fae height. "This is what I am." My fangs flashed, and I glowered at my mother as she quaked in her bed. "This is why I got sick. My body was waging a battle against my human side and this fae side. My brain was changing, and I could …" I created a swirling ball of snow. "Now, I have people who love me. I have a wife …"

"You're married?" Esme sniffled. "I missed it."

"You did," I said, changing back into my human form and sitting back down in the chair. "I know I seem colder, but that's because I am. When you're abandoned by your family, you have to be. I know that you want to make things right. In my eyes, you can't. Not with me."

"I'm dying," she whispered.

"I can smell the sickness within you," I said. "It's residual from the darkness that infected your mind for so long, Esme. Your conscience is what's killing you. When you were infected, that conscience was gone, and it grew unhindered. Now? You're feeling everything, and it's caused a brain tumor."

"I'm ready to go, but I had to try," she cried. "I wanted to … I love you, Edward. I'm sorry that …"

"I loved you, too, Esme," I sighed. "In time, I may be able to forgive you, but I can't. Not now." I stood up, pressing my hand to her head. She gasped, and her eyes flew open. I used my goodness, removing the darkness from her mind, along with the tumor. I used my magic to give her back a life she deserved. I removed myself from her memory and I pulled my hand back. I looked into her eyes. "Leave Seattle. Start fresh. Be happy." Esme sniffled, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her eyelids fluttered shut and she fell back against the pillows, sleeping deeply.

Alice came rushing back. "What did you do?" she asked.

"I healed her," I said. "The darkness caused a tumor in her mind. I removed it, along with memories of me." I looked at my sister. "It's best that she forgot she had a son. She'll have you."

"Edward," she cried. "Why?"

"It's my way of accepting what she did to me. I gave her back her life," I said. "Check her future. Does she live a long life?"

"She does. She's happy," Alice said, her eyes vacant as she looked into the future. "She remarries." She glowered at me. "But, why did you remove yourself from her memories?"

"If I didn't, the dark tumor would return," I said. I hugged her and kissed my sister's cheek. "You'll get your mom back."

"But, you don't," Alice whispered. "How is that fair to you, Edward?"

"It's the only way for me to come to grips with what they did to me," I sighed, looking back at the woman who had adopted me, but would no longer have any memory of me. "I gave her back her life." I blinked to my sister. "She'll sleep for a while as her mind heals itself. When she wakes up, she'll be okay."

"Are you going back to Bozeman tonight?"

"I'm tired," I said. "I'll fly back to Montana tomorrow."

It wasn't an ideal situation, what I did to my mother, but it was the one I felt that would be the best for her and for me. I gave her a future. I closed a door on that situation that caused me pain – the fact that my parents abandoned me when I needed them the most. I hugged my sister once more, nodding at Jasper before driving back to the castle. I went into the room I shared with Bella, letting our combined scent calm me as I grieved the loss of relationship with my mother, not that I didn't have much of one to begin with.

xx TMW xx

Seven Months Later

"This facility is beautiful," Carmen said as we walked through the hallways of our magic school. "And it meets all of the students' needs. From elves, to fae, to mages, to warlocks and witches. You were wise in calling in fae from around the world."

"I know that I'm not an expert. I wanted to ensure that the fae who didn't remember magic got the best education possible. I'm also taking classes to become a stronger fae," I said. "Bella will take classes, as well, once the baby is born."

"Does she hate being on bed rest?" Carmen quipped.

"Definitely," I said. "I love my mate. She's my everything, but I'll be happy when she can move around without having someone watch her every move."

"Who's with her now?" Carmen asked, a sly smile spreading over her face.

"Emmett is guarding the door and Rose is keeping her company," I said. "They commiserate over Jacob's abuse. It helps Rose."

"She's getting stronger every day. She and Emmett are talking about having their glienne ceremony soon. Yes, they've mated, but they haven't been intimate since …" Carmen choked out.

"Do you blame her?" I asked. "She had her choice taken away by an animal."

"Have you heard from Alice?" Carmen questioned. "Any news about your mom?"

"Alice said that Esme is settled in Hawaii," I answered. "She's working for an interior design firm and has met her second husband." I pulled out my cell phone, showing Carmen a picture that Alice sent me. "This is her view from her condo."

"Beautiful," Carmen breathed. "And she has no memory of you?"

"She does, but as far as she knows, I'm dead," I shrugged. "When she woke up from the sleep I put her in, she asked about me and Alice said that I had died in an accident years ago. Alice was still pissed at me, but when it was having our adoptive mother die too early or have her live a full life without me, I'd give it to her in a heartbeat. She was not much of a mother to me. She doted on Alice. I was just …"

"I doubt that, Edward," Carmen said, her hand resting on my forearm. "She loved you."

"She loved Alice more," I argued. "I've come to grips with my decision. My dad is spending the next fifteen years in Club Fed. My mom still has a relationship with her daughter and she got her second chance." My cell phone chirped, and I saw a text from Emmett. "Holy crap!"

"What?" Carmen asked.

"Bella's in labor," I breathed. I looked up at her. "I've gotta go. I'm going to go. Yeah, I'm going." I opened a door and spread my wings from my back. I took off, flying back to my house, landing in the backyard. I went inside and found Bella in our bedroom, curled up and whimpering. She was clutching her belly. "Sihrena?"

"I was going to the bathroom when my water broke," she said. "Emmett went to go get Peter. Rose is getting everything ready in the nursery." She moaned as a contraction ripped through her. "This baby is coming fast. Edward …"

"What do you need me to do?" I asked.

"Sit behind me," she pleaded. I crawled into bed and balanced her between my legs. Rose and Emmett came into the room with Peter and Kebi. "Peter!"

"Take deep breaths, Bella," he said as Kebi strapped my mate into some sort of contraction monitor. She also put an IV into Bella's hand, giving her IV fluids. "Bella, you're ready to push. Have you been experiencing any pain prior to your water breaking?"

"My back hurt, but nothing out of the ordinary," Bella said, squeezing my hand. "Oh, FUCK! Peter, she's coming!"

"She is, Bella," Peter chuckled. "Push with the next contraction."

Which she did, moaning loudly as she leaned against me. Kebi and Rose held her legs as she pushed. Bella's body was on fire and she was sweating as she labored to push out our daughter. An hour later, Peter cradled our little one against his chest, as Bella collapsed against me, completely exhausted. He handed our baby to Kebi, checking her out and wiping her down while Peter delivered the afterbirth. "She's perfect, Lady Bella," Kebi breathed. "Ten fingers, ten toes, pointed ears and healthy lungs." Our daughter cried, her face pink and her arms flailing. When she was cleaned, Kebi handed our baby girl to Bella.

"Hello, Rina," she cooed to our baby. It was a name we agreed on. She wanted to honor her mother but didn't want to name her Renee. We brainstormed and decided on Rina for our daughter's name. "I'm your mama and I love you so much. We both do." Rina reached for Bella, pressing her hands to her face. Her chubby fingers came in contact with Bella's sweaty cheek. Bella gasped. "Oh, my word … she's …"

"What?" I asked.

"She's talking to me," Bella said, staring into our daughter's crystalline green eyes. "She loves us, and she can't wait to show us her magical talents."

Rina blinked and reached for me. Bella passed her to me. Her little hand touched my jaw. I heard her mental voice as she pushed her thoughts into my mind. Daddy … love, strong, protector … pretty voice. I chuckled. I'd sung a lot to Bella's belly. Apparently, Rina heard me sing. It's nice to see you. She registered my face, telling me that I was beautiful. "Not as beautiful as you, my daughter. Holy crap, I have a kid."

"We have a kid," Bella giggled.

"The first fae child of the new generation," Peter said. "Your people will want to know."

"Ugh, not right now," Bella said, shooting him a glower. "I just pushed Rina out of my hoo-ha. I want to shower, sleep and snuggle with my family. The intranet announcement can come later when my face is not bright pink from being in labor."

"Of course, Lady Bella," Peter chuckled nervously, stepping back.

"Bella, you're sizzling," I whispered. "Don't blow up Peter."

"Sorry," she said, reaching for Rina. She gave our baby girl a soft nuzzle and she smiled at her. Her sizzling stopped, and she leaned heavily against me. We stayed that way until Peter and Kebi left. Rose brought in the pack and play, along with baby clothes for Rina. She hugged us both, giving us time to bond as a family.

A month passed, and Rina was growing like a weed. She was almost purely fae and had an accelerated growth rate. She was a month old, but looked like a year old, in human terms. We were preparing to introduce Rina to the fae community. We were dressed in our finery, with Rina in an adorable dress with her bronze curls pinned back to reveal her pointed ears. "The live-feed is ready to go, Lord Edward," Eleazar said. "Are you ready?"

"Do we really need to show them our child?" Bella asked, balancing Rina on her hip.

"She's the first fae child. I understand why we need to show them," I said, grinning crookedly at my girls. Rina giggled, ducking behind Bella's hair. "I'll keep it short, giving our people hope for a future and promises of a happily ever after."

"We all know we got our happily ever after," Bella smiled. I nodded, brushing my lips against hers. "Love you, Edward."

"I love you more, sihrena. And you are my shining star, little one," I said, taking her from Bella's arms. Rina giggled again, turning into pure energy for a moment before patting my cheeks with her hands. I tugged on Bella's hand, sliding my arm around her slim waist. I rolled my shoulders, allowing my wings to push through the suit I wore. With a nod, I looked up at the camera. "Good afternoon. I'm certain that many of you are aware of what has happened during this past year. Magic had been released, darkness has been eradicated and we are building our world anew. With that, we have many great things that are happening in the world of magical creatures.

"First and foremost, if you are new to yours powers and need guidance, you can attend the magic school that has been built. There are programs designed for all types of creatures: fae, elves, mages, warlocks, witches and anything in between. A link for admission is available on this page. If you were around when magic was strong, you can apply to become an instructor at this school. We are looking for, specifically, assistance with mages, witches and warlocks. We'd hate for the power of these creatures to be lost.

"Secondly, we'd like to announce the upcoming glienne ceremony for Rosalie and Emmett, our protectors and closest friends. Their glienne will be occurring on the winter solstice at midnight. Invitations have been sent out, but all are welcome. We need to celebrate these mating bonds, as they are rare and cherished. With mating ceremonies, hopefully, we can usher in a new generation of fae. Which brings me to my final announcement …

"This beautiful little girl is my daughter," I breathed. She beamed happily, patting my cheeks. I kissed her forehead and passed her to Bella. "Rina is the first child born in this new world. She is powerful, kind, beautiful and growing faster than a blink of an eye. She will help to teach the world that magic is not to be feared but treasured. She will, eventually, become your next leader when Bella and I step down. She will be the one to help us to see and honor all that is inside us … the magic within."

Blinking to my mate, I kissed her tenderly and the camera blinked off. I pulled back and smiled at my girls, seeing nothing but a bright future ahead. "Definitely a bright future," Bella whispered. "We've got time, Edward."

"Forever," I said. "We have forever."

Fin