The news of Mira’s pregnancy spread like wildfire, lighting up the Pack with excitement and chatter. Wolves whispered among themselves, their faces alight with curiosity and joy. From the kitchen staff to the warriors, the entire Pack buzzed with the revelation that the Alpha and his mate were expecting an heir.
Mira had no idea how the information had leaked. Perhaps it was Kaelan’s joy or the exuberance of a well-meaning guard. Regardless, she couldn’t bring herself to care. For once, the attention wasn’t laced with pity or judgment. It was genuine happiness and celebration, and she basked in it.
Even Kaelan’s mother, who had once been her harshest critic, sought her out. The ex-Luna approached Mira one afternoon while she was arranging decorations for the upcoming Alpha King and Queen ceremony.
“Mira,” the older woman began, her tone uncharacteristically soft.
Mira turned, her brow arching in curiosity. “Yes?”
The ex-Luna hesitated, her hands clasped tightly together. “I owe you an apology,” she said, her voice tinged with genuine remorse. “I was… wrong about you.”
Mira set the decorations down and crossed her arms. “Wrong about me how?”
The older woman sighed. “I thought you were weak, unworthy of my son. I judged you before I even gave you a chance to prove yourself. But you’ve shown a strength I didn’t think possible.”
Mira’s gaze softened, but she remained quiet, letting Kaelan’s mother continue.
“And now, with the news of the heir,” the ex-Luna said, her voice breaking slightly, “I realize how wrong I’ve been. You are exactly what this Pack needs. What Kaelan needs.”
Mira regarded her for a moment before nodding. “Thank you for saying that,” she said softly. “It means a lot.”
The ex-Luna smiled, relief evident in her expression. “If you’ll allow me, I’d like to help with the preparations for the ceremony. Consider it a small way to make amends.”
Mira hesitated before nodding. “I’d appreciate that.”
________________
Later that day, as the ex-Luna busied herself in the kitchen, Mira sat in the living room, reflecting on her newfound abilities. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind, urging her to trust her power, to embrace it fully. Determined, she decided to try something small.
Focusing her gaze on the door across the room, Mira inhaled deeply. She imagined the energy flowing through her veins, pooling at her fingertips. With a flick of her wrist, she swung her hand forward, visualizing the door opening.
At first, nothing happened. Frustration nipped at her, but she forced herself to remain calm. “Focus,” she whispered to herself. “Feel it.”
With another motion, the door creaked open, inch by inch, until it stood wide. A gasp behind her broke her concentration.
Mira turned to find Kaelan’s mother standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with astonishment. “Did you just…?” she trailed off, pointing at the now-open door.
Mira grinned, a spark of pride lighting her features. “Just a little trick I’ve been working on.”
The older woman stepped inside, her expression shifting between awe and disbelief. “You continue to surprise me, Mira.”
Mira chuckled softly. “I’ve been told I’m full of surprises.”
As the ex-Luna moved to leave, Mira called after her. “And by the way,” she said, her tone light, “you might want to start practicing calling me ‘Queen.’”
The ex-Luna laughed, a genuine sound that filled the room. “I suppose I better get used to it.”