Chapter 63
The early evening air was filled with the soft sounds of nature, a calmness that seemed to seep into my very being. Something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I had gone for a walk, needing to clear my head of the dark thoughts that intruded upon me.
I stood at the edge of our pack's compound, my guards far enough behind me that I couldn’t feel them, but close enough to jump to my aid if needed. They were alert to all the dangers we could possibly face.
I was gazing out at the forest that edged our compound, its expanse bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to regain control of the storm of emotions that had consumed me in recent weeks.
The triplets, my mates had been patient and understanding, weathering the turbulence of my hormonal mood swings with unwavering support, even though they kept their distance. But it was time to make amends, to reclaim the harmony that had once defined our bond.
My discussion with Armand had awoken something in me that had lain dormant for too long. The triplets and I had a connection that overrode anything else in my life, and I needed to reconnect with that.
With determination in my heart, I turned back toward our home, where the warm glow of a fire beckoned. I was constantly cold lately, which was strange given my size at this point in my pregnancy.
My mates, showing they still heard and loved me, kept the fire going even though I didn’t ask them to. I found them inside, lounging on the fur-covered floor, their expressions a mix of surprise, anticipation, and apprehension. They never knew what to expect from me these days.
Nicholas was the first to speak, his voice laced with concern. "Beryl, are you feeling better?" I nodded, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. "Yes, Nicholas. I've been doing some soul-searching, and I want to make things right."
Brian's eyes softened, standing, he reached out a hand to caress my cheek. "We've missed you, Beryl." Cheney's smile mirrored the sentiment, and he beckoned me closer. "Come join us."
As I settled into their embrace, the warmth of their bodies enveloping me, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was as though the tension that had gripped our bond was slowly dissipating, replaced by the familiar closeness that defined our relationship.
Their immediate acceptance of me after all I had put them through, humbled me. I didn’t deserve them, or their forgiveness, but they didn’t think twice about it.
"Thank you for being patient with me," I whispered, my voice filled with gratitude. Nicholas leaned down to kiss my forehead, his words filled with reassurance. "We love you, Beryl. We'll always be here for you."
Brian's fingers entwined with mine, his gaze unwavering. "We're a team, through thick and thin." Cheney's arms tightened around me, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll face anything together, Beryl."
I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by their love and support. It was a reminder that despite my struggles, I was cherished and valued. Tears welled up in my eyes, but this time, they were tears of gratitude.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Thank you for not giving up on me." Nicholas brushed away a tear that had escaped down my cheek, his gaze unwavering. "We could never give up on you, Beryl. You're a part of us, and we'll always be here for you."
In that moment, I knew that our bond was stronger than any challenge we had faced. With their unwavering support, I felt a renewed sense of confidence, a belief that we could overcome anything that lay ahead.
A few days later, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, we gathered in our home. My mates, Armand, Lily and Sophia, and even Solomon and Seraphina, had joined us.
I had asked them all there, to try and mend the bonds that I had broken with my outbursts. I asked our cook to create a table with all our favorites so we could enjoy a meal together, as a family.
The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie as we settled in, the tension of recent events momentarily forgotten. We had begun discussing something joyous - a baby shower or a celebration for the new life that would soon join our pack.
Lily and Sophia, their faces bright with excitement, began to share ideas for the party. "We could have games, like a scavenger hunt," Lily suggested.
Sophia nodded in agreement. "And we should decorate the den with flowers and candles. It should be a magical night." Nicholas chimed in with a grin. "How about a feast? I can hunt for fresh game."
Brian added, "And I can handle the music. We can dance the night away." Cheney's eyes twinkled mischievously. "I'll make sure there's plenty of cake."
The room filled with laughter as we brainstormed ideas, each person contributing their own vision for the celebration. It was a welcome distraction from the challenges that had plagued us in recent weeks, a reminder that life was still full of moments worth celebrating.
As the discussion continued, Seraphina leaned in, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'd like to help plan the party, if that's okay." I nodded, grateful for her involvement. "Of course, Seraphina. Your expertise would be invaluable."
I saw a small smile cross Armand’s face, during the exchange, and I knew that this was helping him overcoming the issues he had after the betrayal. He really did care for Seraphina, and I could see that she cared for him as well.
Solomon smiled in agreement. "We're here to support you, Beryl, in any way we can." Armand’s smile grew wider. This gathering had been what I needed for sure, but it seemed to be helping him immensely as well.
In that moment, I felt a sense of unity and harmony that transcended the boundaries of our packs. We were a family, brought together by love and shared experiences, and as we planned for the joyous occasion that lay ahead, I knew that no challenge, no matter how formidable, could break the bonds that held us together. The future was uncertain, but with the support of my mates, my friends, and our newfound allies, it was a future filled with hope and happiness.
