Cherry
After seeing all the guests off late that night, I returned to our packhouse with my Alpha, never feeling this secure than ever before.
Dylan and I decided to leave the charity project to Bill and Maisy, so that I could focus on getting prepared for the Paris Fashion Week.
Waking up from a sound sleep early next morning, we took the first flight to Berlin. To join our family there and to get inspirations for my upcoming show.
While we headed towards the arrival hall after landing, my mate's eyes had been busy searching for our parents and pups.
“Don't you think that a week here in Berlin is too much? Should we just cut this trip short and go back to Seattle earlier?” This idea popped into my mind out of nowhere.
Maybe I'd been a martyr to my nerves for too long. Long enough that the ease of unease had run deep within me, and it surfaced from time to time.
Slowing down his footsteps, Dylan turned round and cupped my shoulders, fanning my face with his minty breath.
“Relax, baby. Bert and Jason are looking out for our pack. Bert can be trusted with the pack's affair, and Jason will certainly keep an eye on the order along our borders.”
“I know, but still—”
"There's not but." My mate bent his knees to level our eyes, shutting me up with his lips. Heat flushed on my cheeks quickly.
“Stop cutting me off like that!” I protested in mock irritation after breaking away from Dylan's lips.
“Nope! This is my trump card to keep you quiet.” Dylan shrugged his shoulders and tossed me an evil grin before continuing his stride.
Rendered speechless by him, I could do nothing but sigh and follow him closely.
“Mommy! Daddy!” My feet froze as Fern's exciting voice suddenly sounded as we approached the exit.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned around and spotted my pup. My baby had been away from me for just such a long time!
I squatted down and reached my arms as my baby girl ran straight towards me.
As I held her tight in my embrace, my heart got soothed by her sweet scent.
“Is she crying?” I asked my mate through mindlink as my shoulders felt a few drops.
Dylan nodded at me with a gentle smile. He stretched out his hand to rake Fern's hair.
“Are you upset that it took us so long to follow you here?” Dylan asked our pup softly.
“Yes. And mommy didn't even call me much!” Fern pouted and freed herself from my arms, running to her father.
“Dad, Heather, Chris. Long time no see.” I stood up and greeted the rest of my family.
"I'm proud of you, Cherry. For everything you've done for our family and our pack." Heather stepped forward and took me into her arms.
“It's my job as the Luna of Starsmoon to do so." I patted on her shoulder before leaving her warm hug. "Chelsea is gone; so is Fenrys. Starsmoon's back at peace. There will be only happiness and glorious days ahead of us."
“Mommy, we've got you a big surprise back at home.” My pup gave me a mysterious smile. We were now on our way back to the apartment where Fern and I used to live.
“Can I get a spoiler, my princess?”
"No. You'll have to see it for yourself."
"Okay, I'll just wait patiently then."
When we finally made it home, my daughter stopped her footsteps in front of the apartment door.
"Close your eyes, mommy.”
“Huh?”
“Just trust me, mommy! Close your eyes, I'll help you in.” My pup wagged my hand coquettishly.
"Fine. You win." I gave in and pinched her cute nose before closing my eyes.
“Careful, we're almost there. We're here. Just wait for me here for a moment, mommy. No peeping, okay?”
Fern let go of my hand after guiding me in patiently.
The next minute, my eyes opened involuntarily when a popping sound greeted my ears.
All I saw was confetti flying in the air.
“Cherry!” Kendra and Nina, my former friends and employees here in Berlin, called out my name in excitement.
This was really a big, big surprise! I just couldn't believe my eyes!
"Oh my god!" I exclaimed, throwing myself into their arms.
“I never thought we'll see you and Fern again, but here we are!” Kendra was no less thrilled than me.
“And you even got a mini Dylan!" Nina said while smiling at Oliver.
"I'm so happy to see you again, too." I was so touched as I held them tight in my arms, my eyes slowly shifting to Dylan and realizing that he was part of this surprise.
He simply nodded with a smile, mindlinking me to enjoy my time with Kendra and Nina.
After taking our seats in the living room, I decided to tell them about the Fashion Week thing and invite them to be part of it.
“I know it'll be a lot of paperwork to make it happen, but I want both of you to join my brand. Plus, Maisy would be—”
"We're coming to Seattle with you." Kendra cut me off in excitement.
"You are? You don't have to rush to make a decision." I was shocked that they accepted my offer immediately.
It was not a small deal to move to another country after all. I must make sure they had thought it through before going to Seattle with me.