Chapter 37
I never meant to stay at the packlions all week. But Aurora’s fever broke slowly, and lace needed help. Each night I told myself the most day, set o morning I woke wrapped in his arms, and it felt too right to leave.
You re really not coming home again? 1 asked Gabriel over the phone, heat rising to my cheeks.
His voice carried no judgment. The Alpha needs you more than I do right now.”
Evenings fell into a pattern. Aurora and I watched Disney movies while Jace handled the rogue wolf crisis. His phone rang constantly. Sometimes he’d return exhausted, collapsing on the couch, resting his head in my lap while I ran my fingers through his hair.
Thank you for staying, Ria, he’d whisper, his eyes saying more than his words.
Sunlight streamed through the window. I stretched, remembering what day it was. Aurora’s birthday had arrived, and we had final preparations to complete.
You frown in your sleep, Jace said from the doorway, holding out a coffee mug. ‘Bad dreams again?”
I nodded, taking the mug. “Doesn’t matter. Today is Aurora’s big day.”
The garden buzzed with activity. Under my supervision, pack members set up inflatable castles, pink ribbons, and silver star decorations.
“We’ll need extra patrols here,” I told Hunter. “Lots of pups and families will be in one place.”
Hunter raised an eyebrow. “Who’s giving orders now? Little Miss Luna?”
I blushed, shoving him. Shut up. I’m just trying to help.”
Food preparation was underway too. The children’s table held mini burgers and fries. The adult section featured grilled meats and Moon Shadow specialties. The dessert table showcased a blueberry cake – Aurora’s favorite.
“Eliana says you sing?” Betty asked, arranging the cake.
“Oh, I just promised Aurora…”
“Wonderful!” she exclaimed. “We haven’t had music at celebrations since Vanessa left.”
“Aria!” Aurora’s shriek came from upstairs. “My hair won’t work!”
I rushed to her room, finding her struggling to braid her own hair. “Hey, princess,” I said softly, taking the brush. “Let me help.
I gently worked through her brown curls, weaving them into an intricate braid adorned with gold moon clips. “Perfect,” I said, kissing her forehead.
“Do I look like a real princess now?” she asked, turning to me with hopeful eyes.
“Better than any princess,” I answered honestly. “You’re a moonlight princess.”
I handed her a small wrapped package. “Happy birthday, Aurora.”
She tore off the paper and gasped. Inside was the wolf crown I’d found at the market, inlaid with turquoise that gleamed with moonlight.
“This is the prettiest crown ever!” she squealed, immediately placing it on her head. “How does it look?”
‘Just like an Alpha’s daughter should,” I said, my throat suddenly tight. “Your dad will love it.”
“Will you stay?” she asked suddenly, her voice small. “Like… forever?”
I didn’t know how to answer. ‘I’ll stay with you as long as I can, little one. That’s my promise.”
12
Chapter 37
By afternoon, the entire pack gathered in the garden. pups jumped on the bouncy castle while adult wolves clustered together, occasionally starins and me, whispering.
Ignore them,” Jace muimured, his arm around my waist. Let them talk
But an Alpha with a human” I whispered back. That’s big new.”
He turned to face me, his fingers brushing my cheek: “You’re my news. The only news that matters.
Gabriel arrived with Lucas and Eliana–their hands tightly clasped together. “The decorations look amazing! Eliana ezclaimed.
“All Aria’s doing.” Jace said proudly. “She arranged everything perfectly.”
Scarlett lurked at the entrance, hatred in her gaze. I pretended not to notice, focusing instead on Aurora.
JACE
I hate surprises. Especially the kind that walk through my door without warning. Twenty–eight years old, Alpha of the most powerful pack in three states, and somehow the elders still think they can arrange my life behind my back.
Chapter Comments
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sooooo did they go to the locked shed orrrrr…?
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arm winkynustamed Alpha King
