Chapter 100
Olivia's POV
The sunlight filtered softly through the nursery window, casting a golden glow over the room. I sat in the oversized rocking chair, holding one of the twins – our daughter, Marley – close to my chest.
Her tiny fingers curled around mine, her soft coos a melody that calmed my heart. Across the room, Ethan stood by the crib, watching Callan stir as he slowly woke from his nap.
“How do they look even more perfect every day I whispered, marveling at the tiny miracle in my arms, utterly enchanted by her.
Ethan turned, his lips curving into a smile. “They get it from you.”
I rolled my eyes, but my heart swelled at his words. Motherhood had been a whirlwind; overwhelming, messy, and exhausting, but in moments like this it all felt worth it.
“Thorne Haven is thriving,” Ethan said softly, coming to kneel beside me.
I looked down at Marley, her soft breaths warming my skin as I pressed my cheek to her soft head.
“It’s all of us. You, me, the Pack. Even the twins – they’re already adored by everyone. And this one’s going to be trouble.” I added with a grin.
Ethan placed a hand on my knee, his warmth grounding me. “Just like her mother. Her beautiful, strong, brilliant, empathic Luna mother.”
His words reached deep into me, silencing the lingering doubts I’d once had about my place. The girl who had once questioned her strength seemed like a distant memory now.
“Speaking of trouble,” I said, leaning into Ethan’s comforting touch. “We should probably get ready for the gathering. Our Pack is expecting their Alpha and the little stars of the show.”
Ethan took Marley from my arms with ease, cradling her gently as I gathered Callan. The bond between us hummed with contentment, a steady, unshakable warmth that had only deepened since the birth of the twins.
“You’re right. Let’s not keep them waiting.” Ethan smiled as we made our way out of the nursery, ready to share this moment with our Pack.
The responsibility of leading the Pack settled lightly on my shoulders, but I no longer saw it as a weight.
It was ours to carry, together.
The Pack grounds buzzed with life, the air filled with laughter, the scent of grilled food, and the soft melodies of music. Banners adorned the trees, and children darted through the crowd, their joy infectious.
At the center of it all was Amelia, organizing a game for the younger wolves, her laughter blending with theirs. Nearby, Grace stood beside Mia, discussing plans for the mentorship program. Their confidence and presence spoke volumes about their growth and their future roles in the Pack.
I cradled a fidgeting Callan while Marley miraculously slept in Ethan’s arms. As we stepped out onto the porch, a hush fell over the crowd. Then, as if on cue, a cheer erupted. Ethan's hand found the small of my back, a gesture both protective and reassuring.
"There they are!" Grace’s voice rang out as the crowd parted, welcoming us with smiles and cheers. She bounded over, her eyes bright with excitement. "Oh, let me see those little cuties!"
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Easy there, Aunt Grace. They just woke up from their nap."
Amelia caught my eye and waved me over. “Luna, we need a tiebreaker!” she called, her grin wide.
“What’s the dispute?” I asked, stepping closer.
“These two can’t decide who should lead the next game,” she said, pointing to a pair of wide-eyed children.
I crouched to their level, smiling. “How about you lead together? A Luna knows teamwork is the best way forward.”
Their eyes lit up, and they nodded enthusiastically, darting off hand-in-hand. Amelia gave me a knowing smile. “See? That’s why you’re Luna.”
I felt Ethan’s presence behind me as he rested a hand on my shoulder. “The Pack adores you,” he said softly, his voice filled with pride.
“And you,” I replied, leaning into him.
Across the field, I noticed Marlus and Mia standing under a tree, deep in conversation. There was a softness in Marlus’s usually stoic expression, and a spark I hadn’t seen before.
Mia said something, and Marlus laughed – a genuine, unguarded sound that made my heart warm.
“Do you think...?” I started, nodding toward them.
“Definitely,” Ethan said with a smirk. “Goddess help us.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the sky, I stood on the edge of the Pack grounds, looking out at the forest that had become home. The celebration continued behind me, the laughter and music a comforting backdrop.
Ethan joined me, his arm slipping around my waist. “Penny for your thoughts?”
I leaned into him, my gaze still on the horizon. “I was just thinking about how far we’ve come. Everything we’ve faced, everything we’ve built... it’s unbelievable really.”
“We’ve faced it together,” he said, his voice steady. “And we’ll keep facing whatever comes next. Together.”
I turned to look at him, the man who had become my Mate, my partner, my anchor. “The great bachelor Alpha Ethan, Mated with babies. Who would have thought?”
Ethan’s thumb brushed over my cheek. “The introverted secret empath, Luna Olivia, running an empire with her Mate and leading with both feet. Who would have thought?”
We grinned at each other, at the unexpected way our lives had crossed paths and joined.
Staring into Ethan’s eyes I felt his emotions shift from love and adoration to a deep desire. Leaning into that feeling, I pressed into him and pulled Ethan down until our lips were a breath apart.
The sound of a baby’s cry reached us, and we both laughed, the moment temporarily broken.
“Duty calls,” Ethan said, taking my hand as we turned back toward the gathering.
The Pack surrounded us as we rejoined the celebration, their faces filled with warmth and loyalty. For the first time, I didn’t feel the weight of their expectations—I felt the power of their belief.
As the twins were passed from one Pack member to another, each offering blessings and promises of protection, I knew we’d created something extraordinary.
Thorne Haven wasn’t just a name; it was a legacy, a promise of unity, strength, and love. It was a living, breathing testament to everything we had overcome.
Ethan squeezed my hand, and I met his gaze, my heart full. “We’ve built something worth protecting,” I said softly.
“And we will protect it,” he vowed, his voice filled with conviction.
As the moon rose high above us, bathing the Pack in silver light, I felt the future stretch out before us—endless, bright, and full of promise. The road ahead was uncertain, but we’d walk it together.
And whatever came next, I knew we would face it—united, stronger than ever.
End.
