Arabella’s POV When Leo caught me crying in the bathroom, I was mortified. I didn’t want him to see me like this. I didn’t want him to think I was weak. I had held everything together for so long, I just couldn’t do it anymore. My dad had always been on my mind, but seeing Trudy say goodbye to her father struck me. I needed to say goodbye to mine, but it was too late and I’d never get the chance to change that. The moment Leo wrapped his arms around me I felt safe. Like nothing in the world could touch me. It kept the darkness at bay, for a little while. With all the crying I became worn out and didn’t even remember falling asleep. When I woke and looked at the time I couldn’t believe I’d slept the entire day away, so I quickly dove into the shower. Though when I realised Leo had stood there and listened to me sing, I felt my cheeks heat. When Leo said he had something to show me, I began to panic. Even though I didn’t let him see it, judging by the way he watched me, I knew he co
Arabella’s POV“Sara, you shouldn’t be here. Just because you’re healthy enough to be discharged from hospital, doesn’t mean that you are well enough to be rushing around.” With my hands on my hips, I glared at Sara.“And if I don’t help here, Susie, will drive me up the wall.”“She’s worried about you. We both are. You know how she is, when she’s worried, she mother’s.” Taking Sara’s hand, I gave it a squeeze.“I know, I know… it’s just. I feel so bloody useless. I’m not the sit down and take it easy kind. I’m the…”“The move around and fix things kind. I know.” Sara just rolled her eyes and chuckled. “If you promise to stay sat down, I’ll let you stay. Deal?”“Deal.”Unlike the rest of the pack house which was just days out of being finished, my new office was now ready for use. All except for the filling system.So, Sara and I shifted our attention to organising the mess of paperwork. She had suggested going digital, but I didn’t agree. I understood that technology was the wave of
Leo’s POVSince the day that Kate had accepted the role of Beta, finding a moment alone with Arabella had become a challenge. I had the ring, I had rehearsed my speech countless times, but what I lacked was her undivided attention.I couldn't blame her entirely; being an Alpha to a pack, especially one in the process of recovery, was an immense responsibility. Arabella handled everything with remarkable dedication, but her time management skills left much to be desired.It seemed that every time I tried to steal a moment with her, something urgent would demand her attention. Pack matters, training sessions, and unexpected crises would arise, leaving our personal conversations on hold. I understood the gravity of her responsibilities, having watched my parents go through the same but it made planning a proposal all the more challenging.So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I approached Sara, who I knew now handled Arabella’s diary, and after swearing her to secrecy, I share
Chapter Fifty-SixArabella’s POVThe past few weeks had been a whirlwind. Between the pack house's upcoming opening day and Kate's beta ceremony on the same night, it felt like I was being pulled in a thousand different directions. There was just so much to do, so many responsibilities to juggle, and it seemed that every waking moment was consumed by pack business.I could see the toll it was taking on Leo. We barely had any time together, and when we did, I was too exhausted to do anything more than collapse into bed. It wasn't fair to him. He had been so understanding, so patient. But I knew he was feeling neglected. I could see it in his eyes, the way they dimmed slightly whenever I had to cancel our plans or when I was too tired to stay up talking like we used to.It felt like I was drowning, like I was being swallowed by a sea of responsibilities and obligations. I knew I had to find a balance, find a way to dedicate time to Leo without neglecting my duties to the pack. But with
Leo’s POVThe ceremony had gone well, the pack cheered and chatted amongst themselves with complete happiness . But as Arabella's voice rang out, calling for everyone's attention, a hush fell over the crowd.I felt a knot in my stomach as she mentioned my name, along with Susie and Sara’s. I looked over at Susie, seeing my own surprise mirrored in my sisters eyes.Arabella's words, her invitation for us to officially join the Spring Lake Pack, hit me like a tidal wave. A flood of memories washed over me - all the times we had stood by this pack, fought for them, bled for them. We had always been there, on the periphery, never truly a part of them, yet never entirely separate either. But, even after I marked their Alpha, I still felt a sliver of unease with my place here.As I looked around, I could feel the weight of the pack's gaze on us. A part of me had yearned for this, to be a part of something bigger, something that felt like home. But another part of me was scared, scared of wh
Arabella’s POVAs my eyes fluttered open, the warm rays of morning light filtering through the curtains, memories of last night flooded my mind. Leo, with his gentle hands and tender lips, had made every moment unforgettable. His touch had been feather-light, caressing every inch of my body with a reverence that left me breathless. His lips had mapped out a trail of kisses, never missing a spot, turning my skin into a canvas of his affection. Each whisper of love, each soft sigh, every shared laugh was imprinted in my memory. The way his eyes had burned with desire, the way his voice had softened when he whispered my name, the way his body had moved against mine... it all felt like a beautiful dream. I turned my head to the side, my eyes meeting Leo's. He was already awake, his dark eyes watching me with a softness that made my heart flutter. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my arm, sending shivers down my spin
Arabella’s POVOnce I was downstairs, Leo was waiting for me with a playful smile on his face. He held out a silk blindfold in his hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Trust me?" he asked, stepping forward.I chuckled lightly, replying, "Always." I allowed him to wrap the blindfold around my eyes, plunging me into darkness. I felt Leo's hand gently take mine, as he led me out the foyer and towards the car.The hum of the car's engine provided a soothing rhythm to my thoughts as we drove. I spent the entire ride trying to piece together clues from the turns and accelerations, but it was futile."Come on, Leo," I pleaded, "Can't you give me a hint?"From the driver's seat, I heard his chuckle. "Nice try, Arabella," he teased, "But no. I want this to be a surprise."I pouted a little, although he couldn't see it. Despite my curiosity, I respected his wish to keep our destination a secret. The suspense was part of the fun, after all.When the car finally came to a halt, I felt Leo's ha
Arabella’s POVSeated comfortably on the blanket that Leo had spread out against the bottom of the cliff wall, I found myself lost in thought. The ring on my finger felt heavy, not with weight, but with meaning. As I twirled it around my finger, my mind began to wander.Leo had gone to fetch our food basket from the car, leaving me with my thoughts and the tranquil beauty of the lake. It was breathtakingly beautiful, much like the man I was about to marry.As I gazed at the diamond on my finger, I couldn't help but wonder about our future. Would we have children? Would we decide to not have them? Was I even ready to start a family? Would the pack expect me to become pregnant right away to secure their futures?I had always imagined myself as a mother, but now that the possibility was in front of me, I found myself questioning if I was ready.Then there was the question of Leo's role within the pack. Alphas were typically men, and their mates became their Lunas. But Leo was different.