Page 48 of Ruthless Reign

And speaking of… what the heck was that back there?

At first, I thought it was Maverick touching my back. But he wouldn't make such a gentle gesture. Grabbing my arm made more sense, and part of me wants to run away from my responsibilities because after that, I'm even more confused.

I can't deny the pull I feel toward Cade. From the moment we locked eyes in the cell, I was conflicted—I just never realized because of my anger. But the more we spoke, the harder it was to view him as the enemy. And now… after seeing the confirmation with my own two eyes that it was Alpha Orson's pack that killed Tyler, it validates his accusations. Suddenly, I'm more inclined to believe all the other things he said too.

But still… The wholebeing an ancestor of the Goddess Opheliathing is a touch overwhelming.

Why me? I can barely function at the best of times, and now I'm expected to what? Save the world?

Life was hard enough with the prospect of being a luna to two packs. But three? How will I manage that? It's not like I can just say'hey guys, everyone move to Shadow Creek and we'll live in one big house'. Alphas are territorial, and none of them are going to be willing to follow me. But how do I travel between three packs—four if I include my home. There's no way I'm abandoning my hometown. All my friends and family are there. And Lena… she's going to move to Summer Valley with Beau. The idea of moving felt a little less stressful when I had a friend with me—when I had one mate. But I don't have any mated friends moving to the other packs.

"How did it go?" Beau asks, walking up to Lex.

The other wolves notice our return, gathering around as they wait for information. A few exchange heated, anxious glances but most are stoic.

"Exactly what we expected," Lex confirms, eyes darting to me. "He's definitely responsible."

I search for Alpha Daxton, finding him as he brings up the rear behind us. "He killed Tyler," I say, watching as he nods, a somber look on his face.

"Yes," he responds. "And he will pay for it."

A silence falls over the group, unnerving me as not a single sound comes from any of the fifty-odd wolves. Alpha Daxton's tone is serious—deadly. And I realize this is it… what we have been training for. There is a war coming after all… just not the one we expected.

The sun is just starting to set when we arrive back in Shadow Creek. It feels so good to be home.

We emerge from the woods by the training field, and to my surprise, there's a small group of people waiting.

Luna Grace is the first one I see, followed by Lena, who jumps up and down in excitement. Then when they move out of the way, my heart starts to race.

"Mom! Dad!"

I rush forward, leaving everyone behind as I cross the grass in record time, launching myself off the ground into my dad's awaiting arms.

"Oh, we're so glad you're okay!" Mom gushes, rubbing my back as my feet dangle off the ground. When Dad puts me down, her hands cup my face, physically inspecting me. I place my hands over hers, tears welling in my eyes.

Even though everything worked out somewhatokay, there was a large part of me that was convinced I was never going to see them again.

I finally let them go by the time the other wolves reach us, and I quickly pull Lena into a hug, before I let her run over to Beau.

"Are you okay?" Luna Grace asks softly, putting her hand on my shoulder.

My eyes drift lower, spotting her two young children dancing around her legs. They peer up at me with big, round eyes, and I'm choked up again. Like usual, Alpha Daxton left them behind to deal with my bullshit, and it hits me hard that his family constantly suffers the consequences of his duties.

"Yeah…" I mutter, quickly wiping a tear away. "I'm fine—thank you." I say, insinuating more than just a polite response to her question, and she gives me a warm smile in understanding.

Lex steps up beside me, putting one arm around my shoulder, while shaking my Dad's hand with the other. To my astonishment, Maverick appears on my other side, also offering his hand.

I decide it's time to formally announce him to them. "Mom, Dad… meet my second mate—Maverick."

There's a look of disbelief in their eyes, as well as Lena's as she stares over at me with a giant silent gasp at the claim. Oh, babe… you have no idea what else is coming.

"Pleasure to meet you…officially," Dad says, gripping his hand firmly. Neither of them comment on the grenade I just dropped, and while things are out in the open, I take a deep breath and turn around.

"And this is Alpha Cade from the New Moon Pack," I start, pausing while I gather and compose myself for the next words. "It appears he's also my mate."

A few people gasp in surprise, while Lena finally breaks with a"Holy shit!".

"Lovely to meet you," Cade says warmly, grabbing Dad's hand before he can offer it, who appears to be in shock, and giving him a huge shake. He then picks up Mom's hand and places a small kiss on her knuckles. "Your daughter is very intriguing. I look forward to getting to know her better."

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