Berlin

The pain.

The pain was unbearable.

But only a moment later was there was a bright white light that cocooned my body in an almost motherly embrace, sliding along my limbs with a soothing touch. I felt myself being lifted up, a thread snapping in my chest as I was lifted out of the mortal realm.

Flowers.

I felt flowers.

And there were voices.

"-Lin."

Was it... Fresh cinnamon rolls I smelled?

"Be-"

No, this scent was much sweeter.

I turned my head towards the sweet scent, selfishly wanting the addicting aroma all to myself. A whine escaped my lips as my arms reached out in search of it, my eyelids slowly prying themselves apart.

"Berlin!"

My eyes snapped open at the familiar, deep voice and I nearly jumped ten feet into the air.

There he was, in all of his handsome glory.

Osias wore nothing but white sweatpants that clung to his muscular calves like a second skin as he lounged next to me in the gently swaying flowers. York was already entangled up with Casey in a loving cuddle, and I giggled when I heard Casey whine in happiness, snuggling up to his large mate and pawing gently at his underbelly as York licked him back affectionately. The sound of Osias's deep, soul-vibrating laughter shook me from my fixation, and I instead focused all of myself on his beautiful eyes as they trained on me. He looked so vibrant.

So alive.

Tears of happiness sprang from my eyes as I tackled him backwards into the fragrant flowers, my arms around his neck tightly. He let out a grunt when his back hit the ground before laughing whole-heartedly once more.

"Well, that was quite a welcome" he teased, smiling up at me as he brushed a soft tendril of my hair behind my ear. His touch was electrifying, and I whimpered at the feeling of his hard body pressed against me.

It was so deliciously distracting that I almost forgot about how we got there.

" Osi..." I breathed out, cuddling myself into his chest much like Casey did to York, attempting to mold myself to him so that I didn't have to ever let go.

"Hm?" he replied, his chest vibrating as if there wasn't a care in the world.

Maybe there wasn't. Not in this world, at least.

"Where are we?" I whispered out, although my heart already knew the answer. We were with the Goddess, where we belonged.

"Home." he replied, wrapping his strong arms around my body tightly as if I was the most precious thing to him. 

It filled my heart with joy as I tangled my legs with his, my cheek gently resting on his broad expanse of a chest. His answer felt so right, and I simply closed my eyes and rested, his arms around me providing the perfect comfort. It felt so good to finally be in his arms again. 

I felt the presence of our child in the air around us. Although it was only spiritual energy, I knew they were happy. We really were a family up here.

We could've laid there for hours, but there was no time in the Goddess' realm. I just knew I was with him.

My other half.

My soulmate.

We watched the run rise over the vast expanse of ocean that surrounded our little heaven, still tangled up in each other's arms with soft smiles on our faces. No words were spoken, we had eons for that. It was the most peaceful moment I'd ever experienced. I knew I'd see Papa and Daddy when the time came, along with Corey and Ortiz and all the others! 

I couldn't help the giddy giggle that escaped me when I thought of showing them all around the Goddesses' Gardens, finally all together again. I silently called out to the Goddess, thanking Her for delivering me to peace at last.

"Why hello there."

A soft, ethereal voice snapped me out of my trance, and I lifted my head up from the pillow of Osias's chest to search for the source. My eyebrows scrunched when I saw nothing but the same beautiful expanse of land that we'd laid on since I got here. I glanced up at Osias's perfectly handsome face, his smile widening at the sound of the voice which didn't have a body to match.

I was scared.

What was that voice?

"WAS THAT A GHOST?!" I half-screamed, burying my face into Osias's chest as I tried to make the idea go away. Ghosts always scared me, ever since I was little. I though they would haunt me down and eat me!

However, the deep chuckle that rumbled out of my mate's chest said otherwise, his eyes sparking with hidden knowledge. I pouted.

What was he keeping from me?

"Love, technically we are the ghosts." he said, his fingertips sliding down my back slowly and relaxing my nerves almost instantaneously.

"Oh." I breathed out at his logic, only to whine out when a bright ball of light appeared in front of me. It was so bright that even when I closed my eyes, the back of my eyelids glowed orange.

"Ouch..." I whispered, opening my eyes when the light died down substantially.

But my eyes nearly bulged out of my head when I saw the figure in front of me.

The most gorgeous being I'd ever seen stood in front of us, their light grey eyes holding an authority of knowledge and wisdom. Raven black hair that fell to the small of their back contrasted with the pale skin of the being, clad in a modest robe that wrapped up their body immaculately. In all honesty, I couldn't tell if this person was a man or a woman, as their young features seemed incredibly androgynous.

Still, they were absolutely stunning.

Almost radiant.

"Sweetheart, meet the Goddess- Ah, or God, whatever they're feeling at the time." Osias addressed, rubbing the back of his head while sitting up in the grass with my small body tightly held in his lap.

The being giggled, the sound also androgynous in it's nature. I couldn't help but stare as the Goddess - Or God - approached us, sitting down crossed-legged in front of us with a bright, pure smile. I hid my face in Osias's chest shyly, tightening my arm around his neck with a whimper.

I couldn't meet the Goddess! Not like this!

"Oh Osias, you don't need to specify! I'm genderless." Giggled the Goddess, resting Their chin in Their palm as They gazed at us happily. It was surprising, the childish nature of the Goddess, but I suppose it made sense. The life that the Goddess creates is unpredictable, reeking the temperament of a child. 

"But I appreciate it! You two are so cute, I can't even deal." my cheeks burned red as They pouted, blowing a tendril of hair from Their forehead before waving Their dainty hand in front of Them, a bright white light once again appearing before settling into a swirling mass of grey.

"I came here to check on the new arrivals, but I know you both weren't part of the plan. What happened?" They asked, forehead creasing as they peered into the grey, swirling mass. I tilted my head and peeked out from Osias's chest to look down into it, noticing a splash of color appearing, taking shape into a scene.

It was the room. I'd recognize that blood-stained carpet anywhere.

I watched Max prance around the room, my lifeless body draped on top of Osias' with my neck split open in the front; blood gurgling from it like a never-ending fountain. Corey lunged for him over and over in a fit of rage, reaching for a gun at his feet before pointing at the Madman that is Max.

"Oh, I see." They whispered, tucking a strand of silky hair behind their ear before smiling up at the both of us. "There's darkness in his heart. Demon's magic. I can tell it wasn't always that way, but it's devoured him whole. I can barely see the original soul in there anymore." They squinted at the image as if they were searching for something specific. However, before the scene could progress, They snapped Their fingers, the image pausing immediately.

I jumped at the sudden sound, clutching Osias's arm as I listened to the Goddess' soothing words. "His time to come to me was long ago. Almost seven months to be exact." They sighed, tapping their long, manicured nails on Their leg gently.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I have no choice but to pull what is left of Max's soul from the demon and bring him back home to me. This should send the demon right back to where he belongs." I nodded happily, ecstatic to hear that Max would still get a chance to live in the Goddesses' gardens after all! 

The Goddess breathed before continuing.

"I must also bestow all of the lives he took back to their original form. He's messed with the natural balance of the universe by stealing a soul from me." The Goddess explained with a sigh, standing up from Their sitting position in the wildflowers before continuing. "I can't believe I didn't see this sooner, these demons are so tricky to catch!" They scolded, rolling Their eyes.

The action was so childish that I couldn't help but giggle, the sound of it causing Osias to kiss the top of my head. I snuggled into him, my hand absentmindedly traveling down to my now-flat stomach.

"So... We're going back?" I whispered, the Goddess' nod reassuring me. "A-and our pup-"

"Your pup will be full healthy." smiled the Goddess, tilting their head and causing the inky black hair to splay out into the wind. "I'm sensing an Alpha...or more in the making." They winked at us before taking a few steps back, a halo of radiant light beginning to surround Them.

"You two are such a cute couple! I did good! I'll make sure to keep an eye on you!" the Goddess' sweet voice faded away along with the light, and we were left in the field of wildflowers - alone.

I went to speak, but lost my breath as a moment later, as Max's form appeared a few paces ahead. I recognized him as my real Max in an instant, releasing Osias's arm and running to embrace him in a hug. Warm arms wrapped around me, snuggling me against the chest I remembered so well. 

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He breathed, his voice laden with guilt. I shook my head, pulling back to look at him as I sensed Osias walking up behind me. 

"It's okay, Maxie. It's not your fault. You tried your hardest..." I said, meaning every word. He smiled sadly down at me, his eyes still holding guilt before they shifted to settle on Osias, whose hulking figure stood behind me. 

"So you're the one who is taking my place, huh?" Max said, a teasing tone in his voice as he acknowledged my other mate behind me. Osias nodded in response, his arm snaking around my waist and I instinctually leaned into his touch. 

"I suppose I am." He responded, although there was not a hint of challenge or jealousy in his tone as he spoke, almost as if he held respect for the former Alpha who stood in front of him. Max chuckled, looking between the two of us as we stood together.

"I approve." Max said, a grin breaking out on his face as he sat in the grass leisurely, knowing he had all the time in the world. "You treat him right though, okay? He likes bubble baths and blueberries. Oh, and getting kisses before bed." 

My eyes watered as Max spoke, reminiscing about the times we spent together. However, the throbbing pain in my chest that lingered for months after his death was no longer there, replaced with a warm sense of nostalgia. 

"I promise." Osias stated, Max smiling at the words before going silent and looking up at the clouds. 

"It's really beautiful here. But I miss it back there. Tell everyone I said hello for me, will you?" Max nodded, tears - happy ones this time - falling freely down my face. 

"Thank you, Berlin. It's time for you two to go now." he looked at his arm playfully, gesturing like he had a watch before waving at us with a bright grin. 

A moment later, his form turned to gossamer ribbons before disappearing into the sky. 

I met eyes with Osias not a moment later, the love evident in them as they sparkled in the sun. I leaned into his hand as he cupped my cheek, a soft gasp escaping me when he tilted my head up before our lips met in the middle.

It was a sweet kiss, a soft one filled with nothing but pure, unadulterated love. I melted into it, feeling the air whistle around us as we connected in such a simple but meaningful way. The Goddess' bright light surround us in a soft cocoon, Osias's arms tightening around me as we shared the experience.

I knew that I'd finally been given true happiness.

The ultimate gift.