Chapter 225
Skye’s POV
The desert welcomed us home with open arms. After a month and a half of intense competition, political intrigue, and life–threatening situations during the Alpha King election, the quiet of our territory felt like a blessing. I rolled down the window as Adrian drove the final stretch toward Oasisborn Pack lands, letting the cool winter air wash over me.
“It feels good to be back,” I said, watching the landscape of our desert home come into view.
Winter in the Texas desert was nothing like the snowy landscapes of my Alaskan childhood. Instead of blankets of white, the desert wore subtle shades of gold and rust. The occasional cacti stood tall against the horizon, their silhouettes sharp against the clear blue sky.
“Look,” Adrian pointed toward a cluster of desert wildflowers stubbornly blooming despite the season. “Even in winter, life finds a way here.”
I nodded, my thoughts drifting back to the day we left for the election. We had driven away from this same view just over a month ago, our car packed with supplies and our hearts filled with determination. We had been so confident then, so certain we would return with victory.
“When we left here,” I said quietly, “I never imagined everything that would happen.”
Adrian reached over to squeeze my hand. “We may not have won the crown, but we gained something more important.
As we approached the pack house, I spotted a familiar figure waiting by the entrance. Venus stood with her hands on her hips, her face breaking into a wide smile as our car pulled up. The moment I stepped out, she rushed forward and pulled me into a tight hug.
“Thank goddess you’re back,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I was so worried.”
“I’m sorry we couldn’t call more often,” I said, returning her embrace. “Things got complicated.”
Venus pulled back to look at my face. “Don’t you dare apologize. You’re alive and that’s what matters.” She turned to hug Adrian next. “You don’t know how terrified I was watching the news. Some Alphas came back half dead or didn’t come back at all.”
I noticed something different about Venus as she moved. Her usual lithe frame seemed fuller, and even in her loose sweater, I could tell she had gained weight. Before I could comment, she placed a hand on my shoulder.
“You’ve lost weight,” she said, concern in her voice.
I smiled. “And you seem to have gained some. What happened to my fitness fanatic friend?”
Venus laughed, a bright sound that carried across the desert air. “I’m not fat, I’m pregnant.”
The world seemed to pause. Adrian, who had been unloading bags from the car, froze mid–motion.
“Pregnant?” I repeated.
Venus nodded, her smile widening. “I found out the first week after you left. I was already three months along but had been too busy to notice the signs. I didn’t want to distract you during the election, so I kept it to myself.”
“Venus!” I exclaimed, pulling her into another hug. “That’s amazing news!”
Adrian approached, his face lit with genuine joy. “Congratulations,” he said, embracing Venus carefully. “This is wonderful for you and Marcu
Venus beamed. “The pack has been so supportive. Lucy’s already knitting baby clothes, and Dr. Chen checks on me weekly.”
“I was thinking about your wedding on the way back,” I said. “I didn’t expect you’d be pregnant already.”
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Chapter 225
“About that,” Venus said, her expression turning sheepish. “We’re postponing the wedding. I’m carrying twins, and Marcus wants to wait until they’re safely born before we deal with wedding stress.”
“Twins?” Adrian and I exclaimed simultaneously.
Venus nodded proudly, placing both hands on her growing belly. Two little wolves. Dr. Chen confirmed it last week.”
The sound of car doors closing behind us drew our attention. Beck and his two companions had parked their vehicle and were approaching cautiously. Venus’s smile faltered as she took in the newcomers, her eyes widening in recognition.
“Is that…” she began, her voice dropping to a whisper.
“Beck,” I introduced quickly. “And his friends, Jason and Tyler.”
Venus stepped back instinctively. “He looks exactly like Kane.”
“He’s Kane’s cousin,‘ I explained. “But he’s nothing like him, Venus. He helped us during a critical moment in the election.*
“How can we trust anyone related to Kane?” Venus asked, her protective instincts clearly heightened by her pregnancy. “Everyone in the pack will object.”
Beck approached slowly, his hands slightly raised to show he meant no harm. “I understand your concerns,” he said directly to Venus. “I know what that bastard cousin of mine did to your pack. But please believe me, I’m a victim of his actions too.”
Adrian stepped forward, his posture conveying his authority as Alpha. “Beck and his friends will be staying at the old Gravestone pack site, not in our main territory. I believe they deserve a chance, Venus.”
Venus looked between Beck and Adrian, conflict evident in her expression. After a long moment, she sighed. “If our Alpha vouches for you, I’l trust his judgment. But you’ll need to earn the pack’s trust.”
Beck nodded solemnly. “We understand. Thank you for the opportunity.”
The tension slowly dissolved as we made our way inside. Venus, ever the gracious hostess despite her initial reservations, insisted on preparing dinner herself to celebrate our return. The kitchen soon filled with delicious aromas as she worked, even while pregnant, she still seemed full
of energy.
As we gathered around the large dining table that evening, I felt a sense of normalcy returning. Several key pack members filtered in, each greeting us with relief and curiosity about our adventures. Beck and his friends were introduced with minimal explanation, and though I noticed curious glances, no one openly questioned Adrian’s decision.
Over dessert, Adrian cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention.
“I’d like to make an announcement,” he said. “Now that we’ve returned home safely, Skye and I will be performing our marking ceremony this
weekend.”
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