ALIYAH’S POV
I made my way downstairs, taking it slowly so I could be sure to keep our baby safe. My hand reached my stomach, and I struggle to keep a smile from bursting forth every time I thought about our little one inside my womb.
My joy did not even slightly fade away. Thinking that I would give birth to a baby and we would have a complete family in just a few months, I could feel the joy pulsing through my veins.
I'd be able to hold our baby in my arms... I could not wait to shower our child with unconditional love, kisses, and my everything.
I promised that I’d give my best to our baby... and at the same time, become the best partner I could be for Reid.
"Aliyah!"
My eyes followed the familiar voice of a woman and saw Charlotte, who had just walked into the pack house. I carefully walked towards her, my chest being welled by positive emotions that I ended up crying in front of her.
"Charlotte, do you... do you know
ALIYAH’S POVMy heart throbbed with happiness. I couldn’t think of a time that I felt this way before. The glimmer of hope and contentment bloomed inside of me as I stared down at Reid, who was on his bended knees, and had just asked me to be his wife and Luna.Still in astonishment over what was happening, I covered my mouth with my hands while tears streamed down my face—this time, I could confirm that they were tears of joy."Reid..." I trailed off, my voice shaking, making me unable to utter another word.He gave me the most genuine smile I'd ever seen. It was as if he'd never felt more alive than the day we met, and I could confirm that it was the same for me.When I was in the depths of despair, he was there for me. He cheered my soul and helped me heal from the wounds of my past.He became my sunshine. He showed me the light that I thought I’d never see in this lifetime.And I love him... I love hi
ALIYAH’S POVThe sun fell asleep behind the sloping and green mountains far too quickly. The scenery in front of me was serene and calm, and it gave me the warmth I sought. I drew in a breath and inhaled the cold breeze here from the balcony. The air blew my hair, and I had to tuck it behind my ear.Laughter could be heard inside. I turned around and walked to the bedroom, exited it, and so I could check on Liana and Alice in the living room who were playing Checker. They were resting for a while right before they went back to sewing the bridal dress I would be wearing for the unification ceremony.The ceremony would be held two days from now, and I was currently in the stage of purification, in which I needed to reduce my interaction with the other members of the pack, including Reid, and I had to be on a strict vegetable and herb diet. Reid would be staying in a different house for the time being as we have to abide by the ceremony phases as a respect to
REID’S POVWhen the day of the unification ceremony finally arrived, I came to realize a lot of things that did not cross my mind before. One of those things was the truth that even if I did not feel the mate bond the first time I met her, I would have still loved her; that Aliyah brought out the best version of me just when I thought I was the worst Alpha among all Alphas; and that when she set foot into my territory, she also brought meaning to my life, and made me feel at home once again after a long time."Are you nervous?" Klaus asked me as I waited for Aliyah’s presence."No," I answered, clearing my throat.Klaus gave me a wide grin and then tapped my shoulder. "You better get your shit together and don’t stutter later.""Fuck off," I cursed at him.I breathed in heavily and swallowed hard. My palms were sweating so hard that I had to rub them on both sides of my pants. I couldn’t wait to see my mate any longer
ALIYAH’S POVI did my best to keep my attention fixed on Liana, Alice, and Charlotte, who were talking to me, congratulating me as, finally, I’d become Reid’s wife and Luna of the Jewel Pack, but my gaze always found its way to follow Reid on the other side of the aisle.I couldn’t believe that we were, at last, married to each other. The unification was so unfeigned and surreal that I had to pinch myself just to ensure that this was not a dream; that I truly married the man who captivated my heart and soul.My chest rose as I breathed in when Reid checked over his shoulder and glanced over at me. I could feel the searing desire building up within me, and I knew it was the same case for him. The mate bond pull seemed to have become stronger right after the ceremony. It was as if our marriage had awakened the beast side of me, and now I desired him in the most intense way. I had never felt it even before I got pregnant, and it was embarras
ALIYAH’S POVTime seems to move so quickly. It had been a month since I married the alpha of the Jewel Pack, and everything was worth it. Reid and I had gotten much closer—both physically and emotionally.The feeling was satisfying... I got to wake up next to the love of my life. Reid had been taking good care of me, and I could feel that I was deeply loved. He made me feel so safe and at ease, and the comfort he always brought was a constant reminder that I made the right choice.Everything turned out great. The poor pack that used to bunk outside the border was now being led by Klaus. They have become the sub-unit of the pack and are being trained to fight as warriors that would protect the members of the pack in times of war, which I would never wish to happen.And I’ve never felt more at home after the unification. The old folks were so fond of me. They kept sending me goodies to eat and use, which helped me have a good lifestyle as
ALIYAH’S POVI shivered, walking into our home while my eyes surveyed the living room. The sound of something liquid pouring into a glass got my attention. When I glanced at the kitchen, there I saw Reid, who was drinking his brandy like it was only water.Pain went through me as I watched him trying to keep his emotions under control, but deep within, a big part of him was breaking. Perhaps the invitation to the annual assembly opened some wounds that have hardly healed even after so many years. I totally understood that even though time couldn’t heal the broken part of him, the wounds may close, but the scars would never fade away.It was just right there, waiting for the perfect time to trigger him and make him feel the searing pain of how his parents died.If only I had another choice... I would never convince him to do something that would bring back all the pain he once felt.But I had no option. As the Luna of this pack, I had to
ALIYAH’S POVI came to a halt. My eyes rested upon the familiar man who had bumped me and was now taking his way forward to where the tents were. My entire body stiffened because of the dreadful feeling that washed over me. I could not be wrong... that man was the Beta of the Silver Moon Pack, and my brother’s best friend.The memories of how my brother beat me up to death before I escaped lingered in my mind as if it all had only happened yesterday. My knees turned to jelly at the thought of Shawn being here with our father; that our paths would cross again at any moment; that they would hurt me again..."Aliyah," Reid called me, ripping me out of the terrifying thoughts that were slowly making me weak.I turned to him. He looked at me worriedly. His eyes were seemingly trying to read my mind, and could see the terror in my face."R—Reid..." My voice quivered.I wanted to say something, but the growing fear in my chest was
REID’S POVRage coursed through my veins as I went out of the tent to go to where I would meet the other Alphas. I took a few deep breaths, surveying the whole area as I walked to the red tent, checking over every man’s face and trying to figure out who the hell was Aliyah’s brother among them.That fucking bastard who made my mate suffer had to learn his lesson very well. He was the reason Aliyah experienced so much pain that kept her haunted for most of her life. He and his incompetent father scarred her.My wolf was howling for vengeance inside of me, and I could have sworn it was the same case for me. I wanted to seek revenge for what my mate had experienced, and I knew that the only punishment that would bring his family to the same level of agony as what she had gone through was death.Aliyah would not have felt the knot of anxiety if only we had stayed in our territory. If only we had another choice. Ever since I’ve become t