Chapter 12
“So, Keena was the one taking over you?” Deryl asked with a teasing smile, ignoring the whirlwind of emotions brewing inside me. His relaxed demeanor was like a lifeline pulling me from the chaos within.
But Keena had gone quiet in my mind, leaving me to face him alone. I grumbled to her, feeling slightly betrayed.
Deryl only chuckled, gently pulling me close. “Don’t be mad at Keena,” he whispered, his voice soothing. “She was only following instinct.”
His arms wrapped around me, made my head resting on his shoulder, so his warmth washed over me like a balm.
As I nestled closer, my eyes caught
something, it was a mark on Deryl’s neck. Our mate mark.
“Is that?” I whispered, realization crashing over me.
50% 11:08
1/8
11:08
Chapter 12
вода
52
Deryl’s expression softened, his calm gaze grounding me amid the storm of thoughts. He took my hand, his thumb tracing gentle circles.
“Let’s just say the bond has a way of making itself known,” he replied, his amusement easing the tension between us.
Still, I felt the weight of the bond‘ s raw power, realizing how much it had taken
over.
I looked up at him, my heart pounding, but nothing to say.
Then, a smile tugged at his lips as he reached for the pendant around my neck.
“Thank you for keeping this safe,” he said softly.
I could not help but smile. “So, are you finally going to tell me the secret of this pendant?”
Deryl’s face grew thoughtful as he gently held the pendant. “It belonged to my mother. She received it from my father
50% 11:08
2/8.
Chapter 12
when they were married,” he explained.
you
“I meant to give it to you, to tell everything after I returned from Grimfur Pack. I wanted you to know my feelings, even if we weren‘ t mated,” he continued.
My heart swelled at his words. His feelings had been true all along, even before the mate bond.
“But it seems the Moon Goddess had other plans,” he added with a chuckle, his eyes softening. “She wanted us bound in a way that could not be broken.”
A hint of sadness clouded my thoughts.
“But, Deryl, I may not be able to pass this on. The healer said it would be difficult for me to have children. I even have
miscarried twice.”
I took a shaky breath, confessing the burden that had weighed on me for so long. It was the very weakness that had driven Jeremy away.
50% 11:08
3/8.
11:08
Chapter 12
Deryl’s response was immediate and tender. His hand stroked my head as he spoke, “Difficult doesn’t mean impossible. And even if we don’t have children of our own, we will find another
way.
“We could adopt if you would like. Being an Alpha’s heir isn’t just about blood, it’s about heart.”
A tear slipped down my cheek, but that time it wasn’t born of sorrow. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with gratitude.
In that moment, it was my own heart that reached out, not Keena‘ s, as we drew closer, sharing our love until the sunlight softly crept through the window.
The next morning, I blinked against the warm rays, wrapped in Deryl’s arms.
“So,” I began, glancing around at the mess we had made. “What now? We‘ re naked, and the room looks like it’s
survived a hurricane.”
50% 11:08
52
4/8
11:08
((
52
Chapter 12
Deryl’s mischievous grin spread across his face. “I have one solution,” he said. Through the mind–link, he suggested we shapeshift and sneak out the window. Ever the troublemaker!
**
Later that day, the Blazemane Pack threw a banquet to celebrate the success of the mission.
Alphas and pack members alike gathered to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The air was filled with laughter, and a bright, peaceful future seemed to stretch out before us.
In the middle of the event, an unexpected spectacle caught everyone’s attention. Deryl and Jeremy, caught up in their own playful rivalry, began arm wrestling amidst a chorus of cheers from the other Alphas. Their laughter even echoed through the hall.
Standing beside me, Alexa smirked. “Men
50% 11:08
5/8
11:08
Chapter 12
will be men.”
52
“Right,” I agreed, chuckling as I left the Alphas to their contest and joined the other Lunas for a conversation.
The next day, we escorted the visiting Alphas back to their territories, including Jeremy and Alexa. We even promised to invite one another to our future weddings.
It seemed, in the end, that peace was possible after all.
***
“So that’s the story for today, kids,” I finished, looking down at the eager faces of my twins, Leo and Leah, who hung on my every word.
Leah sighed dreamily. “Wow, the love story between Mom and Dad is so sweet!”
Beside her, Leo raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a grin. “So, Uncle Jeremy could have been our dad?” he teased.
Deryl, who had been listening intently,
50% 11:08
6/8
Chapter 12
playfully smacked Leo on the back of his head. “You would not be here if that had happened,” he said, feigning a pout.
Leo laughed, shrugging. “Oh, I just realized it!”
Deryl settled in between us, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. With a mock grumble, he added, “Did you really have to share all those details about Jeremy? Could not we have just told them we have known each other since childhood and ended up as mates?”
I only smiled, nudging him playfully.
“Well, I thought it added to the excitement.”
Leah chimed in, “If it was told like Dad wanted, it would not be nearly as exciting!” she teased, laughing.
Deryl chuckled, gathering Leah up and tickling her as she squirmed and giggled in
his arms.
Leah, breathless from laughter, looked up
50% 11:08
7/8
11:08
Chapter 12
52
GORD
at him with a mischievous grin. “But what if I end up mated to Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Alexa‘ s son?”
Deryl and I exchanged a glance, unsure how to respond, but Leo rolled his eyes and interjected, “No way! He would never put up with you, Troublemaker.”
(The End)
50% 11:08
8/8
