Grace curled up into a foetal position while she lay in bed. The bed that she and Chris had formerly shared. The very idea made her feel sick to her stomach and depressed. Her suffering was nearly over, and she was pleased to be free, but she was anxious about the future because she didn't know what would happen to her. She couldn't stay here any longer. Her mate was dead, and she wasn't Luna anymore. Because of her past conduct, the pack hated her. There was nothing left for her here.
She hugged her knees to her chest as fresh tears rolled down her face. She heard the door creak open, but she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. She was in no mood for entertaining a visitor.
She could hear cautious footsteps coming and received a breath of the perfume that she had longed for so desperately. She popped her eyes open, and fresh sobs erupted from her when she saw the state Martin was in. Martin was still covered in blood and had several wounds. Even though the scratches and deep gashes he had healed, he had them all over his body.
"I killed him," he whispered as he kneeled on his knees in front of her. "I avenged you. I know it still hurts you, but I wanted to make you free."
She sat up slowly. "Thank you, my Alpha, I... I will leave with my father as soon as possible." Her voice broke at the end as she cried.
"Why would you leave? I won't let you leave." He closed the gap between them.
She looked up at him, shocked by the last words: "Wh-what do you mean?"
He gently wiped away her tears and said,.
"I love you, Grace. The first time I saw you, I felt a strange connection. It was like an electric current. My wolf wanted you, but you were mated to the Alpha. I couldn't do anything. I did everything for you. To prove myself worthy of your love. I can't let you go. Please accept my love."
She gaped at him. He loved her! She looked at him desperately. She longed to wrap her arms around him, but she didn't dare.
"But I am not good enough for you. I haven't been good to anyone. You deserve better," she replied softly.
He smiled as he caressed her cheeks. "But I want you. You are my true mate; my wolf knows it. Your wolf feels it, too. Right?"
She closed her eyes and embraced him tightly. She cried.
"Yes, I love you!" she insisted, still crying. "But I am scared. When I slept with you, I thought it was just a mistake. I was alone! I was hurt. I felt guilty for cheating on Chris. But it's also true that my wolf wouldn't have let that happen if I didn't have feelings for you."She paused at the look on his face. "I am desperately in love with you. But we can't be together," she whispered, caressing his bloodied cheek.
"Why not ? I am choosing you as my mate."
"Because I was mated to Chris. The pack will never accept me. I can't risk causing more chaos within the pack," she explained softly, tears still streaming down her face.
"I killed him so we could be together," he said, his eyes filled with determination. "I am claiming you as my Luna. It's valid as per law."
Grace's eyes widened. Her heart raced as she realised the depth of his feelings for her. As per the laws, if a wolf killed the Alpha, he could claim his packs, territories, and Luna. Though it wasn't practiced anymore in modern times, Most wolves didn't claim the former Alpha's widow, but the law still existed.
"I can't be the rightful Alpha without my Luna," he said, smiling and kissing her forehead. "There is no rush. I will convince the council and your father. Just stay with me." He pleaded. "Don't leave me alone," he repeated as her denial finally crumbled into smithereens, and she threw her arms around his neck while he enveloped her in his powerful arms.
She kissed his injured cheek gently. "How can I leave you when you hold me so tightly?" She finally relented.
"I will stay by your side, my Alpha," she whispered, feeling a sense of peace wash over her as she embraced her destiny.
Martin gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief. He whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I promise to protect you, always."
"I have so many mistakes to atone for." She whispered. "I have caused this pack so much pain. I have hurt your parents. I have hurt Rosalie and Melissa."
"They'll forgive you." He said it confidently. "You are their Luna."
"Yes, they may forgive me, but I am sure that I will have to fight for their approval and respect," she replied.
"You will do fine. Just show them your real self. Your kind, real self," he whispered, kissing her on the lips.
She sat like that for several minutes, feeling his warmth and reassurance.
****************************************************
The Silver Moon pack partied like never before. Chris was gone, and with his death, a dark cloud had lifted from the pack. They now had a new Alpha, Martin. Food, drinks, and music flowed freely as everyone revelled in the newfound joy.
Laughter and conversation filled the air, but suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as Grace arrived with Martin and her parents. The music stopped, and all eyes turned towards them. Martin held Grace’s hand firmly.
“Everyone,” Martin began, his voice strong and steady. “I have an important announcement to make.”
A ripple of anticipation went through the crowd.
“Grace will be my Luna,” Martin declared.
There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by murmurs of shock and disapproval. The pack members exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions ranging from surprise to outright scepticism.
Grace, sensing the tension, stepped forward. She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the faces before her. She could see the doubt and distrust in their eyes, and it pained her. She knew she had to address it head-on.
“I know many of you are shocked and perhaps even disapprove,” Grace began, her voice trembling slightly but growing stronger with each word. “And I understand why. I have not always been the kindest or most approachable person.”
The murmurs grew louder, but Grace continued, her resolve firm. “I want to apologise to each and every one of you for my past behaviour. I have been arrogant and selfish, and I am truly sorry.”
A few gasps were heard from the crowd, and some of the tension seemed to dissipate. Grace took another deep breath, feeling a bit more confident.
“I promise to redeem myself,” she said earnestly. “I promise to be the good, kind Luna that you all deserve. I will work hard to earn your trust and respect. I will support Martin in leading this pack to a brighter future.”
Martin squeezed her hand, his eyes filled with pride and love. Grace’s parents stood behind her, their expressions supportive and encouraging.
Slowly, the murmurs began to quiet down. The atmosphere was shifting from doubt to cautious acceptance. The party slowly resumed. The music started up again, and conversations began to flow, albeit with a new topic of discussion.
Alex and Rosalie stood at the back of the crowd, listening to Grace’s heartfelt speech. As the murmurs of the pack members slowly turned to acceptance, Alex nudged Rosalie with his elbow.
“So, what do you think about Martin and Grace now?” Alex asked.
Rosalie gave him a sideways glance, her lips twitching into a smile. “I suppose I’m warming up to the idea. I mean, she did just apologise in front of everyone."
Alex chuckled.
Grace made her way through the crowd towards Alex and Rosalie. She looked nervous.
“Rosalie, can I talk to you for a moment?” Grace asked, her voice steady but with a hint of apprehension.
Rosalie raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alex, who gave her a reassuring nod. “Of course, Grace,” she replied, turning to face her.
Grace took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Rosalie’s. “I owe you a huge apology. I’ve been awful to you and to so many others. I let my jealousy and pride get the best of me. I’m really sorry.”
“Thank you, Grace. It takes a lot to admit you were wrong. I appreciate it.”
Grace’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and she smiled back, relieved. “I promise I’ll do better."
Rosalie nodded. “We’re family now, Grace. Let's move forward and support each other, okay?" Grace nodded, grateful for the forgiveness she had received.
"Thank you, Rosalie."
When Grace walked away from them, Rosalie suddenly clutched her stomach and gasped. Alex quickly rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, worried.
"I am fine; I just felt a kick."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise as he realised what she meant. "You felt the baby kick?" Rosalie nodded, her smile growing wider as she placed Alex's hand on her stomach. "Our little one is saying hello."