Alaric’s POVI watched in horror as I saw two Erins before me. The sight of them together confused me. Who is the real, and who is the fake between the two? That was what came to my mind when I saw them together. Then, the intoxicating smell of lavender wafted in the air as an angry Erin leveled me with an icy glare. I knew that smell from the heart. It was my mate’s!Eric leaped in my head as he called out to our mate. He purred, showing his excitement. If I didn’t pull him back just in time, he would come out of confinement and run off toward our mate. My gaze shifted from the angry Erin to the one near me. If that was my mate, then who was the one in my arms who looked exactly like her?I watched in horror as my real mate approached me in quick angry strides and realized I had been duped. It made me angry, but it was no match to the expression registered on Erin’s face. She was so livid. She was a Luna on a warpath as she crossed the line that separated us. From the bla
Erin’s POVThe morning light cast a warm glow on my skin, and for a moment, I let myself soak up the warmth it bestowed upon me freely.Last night, I was in pain.Seeing my sister and mate together was a nightmare from the past. If given a choice, it was something I would never go back to revisit at any time in my life.It reminded me of Boris’s duplicity and the excruciating pain it cost me. I almost died in his hands.More than that, Boris' rejection has taught me that I would never have any place in my family. It dug up years of repressed hurt. For a moment, it blinded me.I almost killed my sister!Without Alaric's intervention, I would have strangled Lyla to death, bringing insurmountable repercussions for Alaric and his pack. If I succeeded, I would have unwittingly given my father another reason to cause trouble for Alaric's pack.It could trigger a war. &
Erin’s POVThe next few days were crazy.Ever since we learned that I was with a pup, Alaric had been acting over the top. He followed me around like a dog on a leash and refused to leave my side. Alaric even waited on me hand and foot, and it actually drove me crazy. This morning, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and decided I had enough. I yelled at him to get out and do his job.He had been neglecting his duties and delegated most of his tasks to Ben. I heard from Ben that the pack officials were looking for him, too. There was so much to do with so little time - what with the construction of new school buildings and the ongoing expansion of the hospital.The training for new warriors continues, as well.There is so much to do, and Alaric is slacking off.“I am fine. I won’t break. Please, give me some peace and get away from me.” I glared at him
Erin's POVOne of the magical things that can happen to a person is that of welcoming a new life into this world.The pain notwithstanding, childbirth is one of the most precious miracles in life. To bring another creature into this world, conceived through love and nurtured by love, gives purpose to our existence. It allows us to create meaning in our world. “Push!” Dr. Martin ordered. I pushed in time with the contraction that hit my stomach, gnashing my teeth in a pain that no other could rival, in my opinion. It is like being torn apart. I was strapped in a birthing chair, panting while my belly contracted within seconds of each other in preparation for the birthing process. “Arggh!” I screamed as another pain shot through me. My body trembled as I tilted my head back to gather strength. Tears mixed with tears and mucus coming from my nose covered my face while I tried to push the baby out. “Come on, one more push! We are almost there. The baby is almost out. ” Dr. Mar
Months passed by, and without realizing it, we arrived at the changing of the seasons. It was now raining outside. The dark sky loomed over us, but it did not cast a shadow to dampen our moods. This is a special day for our family.At last, the construction of new school buildings and the hospital expansion is completed. Alaric had been too busy lately and barely had time for relaxation. At night, he would help me tend to Cirala because the baby’s routine changed, and he would be awake from midnight to dawn. When I told him I would watch Cirala so he could go to sleep, he told me gently that those moments watching me for me are the only times he gets to bond with our son. Most of the time, he was out doing so many tasks. Cirala is growing up fast. I want to be there every step of the way, he said to end our argument about who needed to rest and tend to Cirala at night. So what more can this momma do? I let them bond while I catch some precious zzz. “Are you ready?” Alaric
“Do not tell me you are letting her get away just like that father?” Lyla’s shrill voice echoed in the vast hall halting Erin in her tracks.Alaric, not partial to the possibility of a confrontation between Erin and her family escalating, chose the best course - to leave. He guided Erin out of the hall, arms wrapped protectively around her waist while the other held their baby. His first plan was to mingle with other guests for a while, but seeing Alpha Leo and the effect of his presence on his mate, he chose to pull back.Today is Cirala’s celebration. They would not let anyone dampen it and cast a glow on the event. Let Alpha Leo make a fool of himself. They would not be a participant in his show. But Erin’s sister was the one causing a scene, putting shade on her character in front of everyone else. Lyla was painting an ugly picture of Erin for the guests to feast on. “Erin blatantly disrespected you. She disregarded your position as the oldest Alpha in the council.” Lyla
Erin’s POV“Is he asleep?” Alaric asked, referring to our son. I was holding Cirala in my arms, rocking him to sleep. He was a bit fussy earlier and would not want to be put down and placed on his cot. He had been like this since the day of his presentation. He clung to me more than ever. Maybe he knew that I would be leaving him temporarily, and this is his way of letting me know the impending separation did not sit well with him. Since he was born, Cirala never left my sight. I promised myself that I would take care of him myself despite Alaric’s constant reminder that I could ask a slave’s help in tending to my child. I preferred doing it alone.Alaric, when he has the time, helps, too. But for most of the day, it is just Cirala and I. It is our bonding time. I wanted my child to know that he was well cared for by his mother - that he was loved. As the weeks go by, I was amazed by the connection we established between us. Cirala seemed attuned to my thoughts and feelin
Erin’s POVA gasp escaped my lips at the sight of her unconscious body swimming in what appeared to be her own body fluids.“Is that her?” Alaric asked, hands pointing to the almost lifeless body on the floor.I could not take my eyes off her. I took in her appearance, which is nowhere near the once glorious matriarch of the Acklen Family.Luna Bella’s mottled hair looks like a bird’s nest. Her skin looked wrinkly, making her look years beyond her age.Her face was pale, and her dress was soaked in urine.“Mother!” A sob wrenched from me as I came nearer and saw her weathered skin. She groaned in pain, alerting me to the dried blood that clamped around her ankles and wrists. “She must be trying to take these shackles off,” I told Alaric, hand frantically searching how to unlock the wretched thing and free her.