Page 60 of Sun's Roar

“Not just any wolf.” His voice dropped to a growl that sent heat rushing through her veins. “Mine.”

The possessive declaration should have concerned her. Instead, it felt so right. Just like the way his lips felt so right when they suddenly crashed down on hers, claiming her with a kiss that promised forever.

That afternoon, Helena followed Sol through the winding paths of the castle grounds toward the shimmering blue pool nestled in a corner of the massive backyard. Her heart fluttered with a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. Meeting Sol’s family felt momentous—more so than any job interview or culinary competition she had ever faced.

“Relax,” Sol murmured, his hand warm against her back. “They already love you.”

Helena smoothed her sundress, a delicate floral pattern that complemented her pale skin and red hair. “How could they? They haven’t even met me yet.”

“You’re my Luna.” Sol’s voice carried that possessive edge that made her heart race. “That’s enough for them.”

As they rounded a hedge of tall boxwoods, the sounds of children’s laughter filled the air. The expansive pool area came into view where a statuesque blonde woman reclined on alounge chair, her belly swollen with pregnancy, while a tall man with Joshua’s unmistakable features tended to a massive grill.

Two identical dark-haired boys cannonballed into the pool, sending sprays of water everywhere while a little girl with blonde pigtails carefully arranged a row of toys along the pool’s edge.

“Uncle Sol!” The little girl spotted them first, abandoning her toys and racing toward them. Her face lit up like sunshine.

Sol swept the child into his arms with practiced ease, twirling her around. “How’s my little princess Emma?”

The transformation in Sol took Helena’s breath away. Gone was the fierce, domineering alpha, replaced by a doting uncle with a gentle smile and tender touch.

“Is she your wife now?” Emma asked bluntly, pointing at Helena with undisguised curiosity.

Helena felt her cheeks warm as Sol grinned. “This is Helena, and not quite. She’s my mate.”

The boys, dripping wet, had scrambled from the pool and circled them like excited puppies. “Can you really make fire?” one asked, eyes wide with fascination.

“Finn! Filip! Give the woman some space,” Claire called, pushing herself up from her chair with some effort. Joshua immediately appeared at her side, supporting her with quiet strength.

Claire waddled over, her smile genuine and warm. “I’m Claire. Sorry about the chaos. We’ve been waiting forever to meet you.” She embraced Helena like a long-lost sister.

Helena hugged her back, finding herself instantly comfortable with Sol’s sister. “Thank you for having me.”

“About time this one settled down,” Joshua said, clapping Sol on the shoulder while shooting Helena a conspiratorial grin. “He’s been a grumpy bastard for centuries.”

“Language,” Claire reminded him with a playful swat, nodding toward the children.

Helena couldn’t help but laugh. She had been afraid all morning that they would be stiff or formal—this was royalty, after all—but they were wonderfully, refreshingly real.

Throughout the afternoon, Helena watched Sol with his family. He tossed the boys into the pool, their shrieks of delight echoing across the grounds. He listened seriously to Emma’s detailed explanation of her toy arrangement. But most touching was how he hovered near Claire, constantly checking if she needed anything, adjusting her umbrella for better shade, and bringing her fresh lemonade before she even asked.

“He’ll be an amazing father,” Claire said quietly, catching Helena watching Sol as he demonstrated the perfect cannonball to his nephews.

Helena’s heart skipped. Children. With Sol. The image came unbidden—a little boy with Sol’s green eyes and her red hair, and a tiny girl with her own stubborn determination and Sol’s strength.

“You think so?” Helena asked, unable to keep the yearning from her voice.

“I know so.” Claire patted her hand. “I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Like you’re the sun and moon and stars all wrapped up in one package.”

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose, Helena found herself reluctant to leave the comfortable bubble of family warmth. The afternoon with Sol’s family had filled a void she hadn’t realized existed in her heart.

“We should get ready for tonight,” Sol announced, his hand finding the small of Helena’s back. The casual touch sent a flicker of heat through her. “The pack is gathering in the ballroom at eight.”

Claire’s eyes lit up with excitement. “The official Luna announcement! Oh, Helena, you’re going to love it.”

“Is it very formal?” Helena asked, suddenly apprehensive. She’d never been one for elaborate celebrations, preferring the controlled chaos of her kitchen.

Joshua chuckled. “For these wolves? They’ll be howling by midnight.”

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