I don’t know what is going on with this council, I need to speak to my mother about it. But for now, there is a room full of people who I haven’t seen in months, family and friends that have never met my son. Before we’re even out of the courtroom, my mother has taken Leander from Cayd and is cooing over him, Aunt Angel right beside her. “Thank you, Emlyn.” That’s all Richie has time to say before we’re swept into hugs and congratulations. “Are you back, Emlyn.” My father asks me. “Yeah, Dad. I’m back.” He glances over at Richie. “Want to talk about it?” “Maybe tonight we can catch up. I’m going stay a night or two in Safe Haven, letting you and mom spend some time with Leander before heading over to Canyon Ridge.” My father lifts his eyebrow at me. “Yes, I think we need some time together this evening.” From there, I get hugs from Emerson and Leana before getting scooped up by Cohen. “So, does this mean I no longer have an acting Luna?” He asks me as he puts me down from the s

I’m nervous to see Richie this evening. I’m not sure how to interact with him now. Everything used to be so easy for us, but now, it’s just awkward. I’m helping out in the kitchen, making sure that the meals will be ready for the pack when I see Emerson heading to the front door. I look at the time and I know that Richie is here. I walk out in time to hear the end of their conversation. “Emlyn invited me for dinner, Emerson.” “I’m aware. She’s willing to give you another chance, Richard. Do us both a favor and don’t fuck it up. I won’t forgive you a second time.” “I have no intention giving Emlyn or anyone else a reason to doubt my love and commitment to her ever again.” “Welcome, Richie. Come on in.” I step up and say. I’ve had enough of my brother’s Alpha posturing. I invited Richie here and while I understand his need to protect me, my issues with Richie are just that. Mine. “Leander is sleeping right now, but he should be up soon.” I gesture for him to come inside, and he gi

When we arrive at Canyon Ridge, I let Richie get Leander out of the car seat as I walk up to Cohen who is waiting for me. “Rich isn’t going to try to fight me for you, is he?” He whispers in my ear as we hug. I chuckle. "I don’t think so, he’s on his best behavior right now." Richie walks up behind me. “Cohen.” He nods his head in greeting. “Hey Rich. Long time, no see.” I frown, they just saw each other a couple days ago at the council meeting. “Here, take Leander, I’ll get your bags.” Richie says. “Need some help, Rich?” Cohen asks him. “She’s moving in Cohen, what do you think?” Cohen snickers before turning to me. “You’re on my floor, last room on the right.” He says before moving off to help Richie with my bags. I walk in, saying hello to everyone. They all seem very excited for me to be here. I’m excited to be back in a Luna role. It feels right and since I was meant to be Richie’s mate, I was also meant to be a Luna, so it makes sense. I head upstairs, chatting with so

When I hear Gwen screaming for me, I feel the pull of the spell. I immediately go to Leander, holding him against me and taking a deep breath of his scent. Since he’s nursing so frequently, he constantly smells like bourbon-soaked peaches, sometimes it’s stronger than others. Right now, it’s strong and it’s exactly what I need to ignore the pull of the spell. I bury my face against his body, breathing deeply. It isn’t long before I feel a surge of power wash over me. Suddenly, it feels like a fog is lifted from my body. If I thought my son’s scent was strong before, it’s nearly overwhelming now. I can smell him clearly and Emlyn’s scent is all over him, her peach smell so much stronger than I’ve ever smelled it before. And I know that Gwen is dead. I breathe a sigh of relief as I stand up, heading down to see my mate. As I walk down the stairs, there is a lot of chatter from the pack members. It smells like Emlyn had the twins plan a feast, whether she meant it to be a celebration or

I knew this was the first night that Emlyn could get a break from feeding Leander, so I took it upon myself to listen for him. I’m not used to the sounds my son makes, so while I would fall into a deep sleep, as soon as he made a noise, I would jolt awake. And, since I know my time is limited with both of them, I’m going to take advantage of the time I have. I can sleep after they go back to Canyon Ridge. Okay, that’s a lie. I’ve barely slept while they’ve been gone. I’ve gotten more sleep in the one day Emlyn has been here than I did all three days combined since I saw her last. I take Leander into my closet and notice that Emlyn’s scent lingers here because of her clothes. I’m hoping she leaves them. I’m hoping that this space feels like a place she wants to come to every day, a place where she can be with me and Leander. As I pull the shirt and jeans I plan to wear today off the hanger, I think about last night. Her scent has lingered on my face and hands. I dread her leaving and