The housekeeper had meticulously prepared a stunning room for Maggie. It was situated on the second floor, complete with a spacious balcony offering picturesque views of lush greenery. As Maggie stepped onto the balcony, a gentle breeze kissed her face, carrying with it the delightful scent of flowers. In the distance, nature’s symphony played, creating a serene atmosphere.
One of the kind maids, Elizabeth, approached Maggie, bearing a plate of freshly picked flowers. “Welcome, dear lady,” she warmly whispered. “We hope you find comfort and tranquility in this room. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know.”
Maggie accepted the flowers with a grateful smile. The air was filled with a subtle, sweet fragrance, mingling with the natural scents wafting in from the open balcony. She found herself captivated by the breathtaking scenery-endless, vibrant green that whispered tranquility and offered a refuge from the outside world.
Immersed in the beauty of the moment, Maggie took a deep breath, allowing the serenity to envelop her, calming her restless spirit. She realized that she was not alone on this journey, even though her independent nature made it challenging to accept. The support of those around her had become a gentle reminder of the love and care she received from others.
Maggie, her determination strengthened once more, turned her gaze back to the maids, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of gratitude. “Thank you, Elizabeth, and thank all of you for your kindness. I understand now that accepting help is not a sign of weakness but a reminder of the love and support we receive from others.”
Aldrich’s bedroom was adjacent to Maggie’s, and this proximity stirred conflicting emotions within her.
On one hand, being close to Aldrich brought her comfort and a sense of security. On the other hand, she couldn’t shake the lingering feeling that her growing dependence on him might erode her own strength and self-reliance.
Maggie found herself pondering their future and decided to initiate a conversation with him. Stepping into Aldrich’s room, she mustered the courage to address the question that had been bothering her.
“Aldrich, I’ve been thinking,” she began, taking a deep breath to steady her emotions, “once the children are born, how are we going to care for the wolf cubs during their early stages of life?”
Aldrich turned to face her, pride and a glimmer of knowledge shining in his eyes. “Maggie, raising wolf cubs and tending to human infants are different processes. We have specific methods to unlock their potential and facilitate their development. Training plays a vital role in their growth.”
Maggie listened with fascination, her curiosity piqued. She realized that the children’s growth would be nothing short of extraordinary. “I’m eager to learn,” she boldly declared.
“I have an idea-what if I pretend to be a wolf, your partner, to care for the cubs? And, you have Luna, even though she’s not real, it can boost your credibility among the voters.”
Maggie admitted that this idea had a selfish aspect. But compared to the alternative of being separated from her children, she couldn’t bear the thought. She understood the challenges and dangers ahead, but her profound motherly love compelled her to overlook them.
Aldrich’s gaze softened, showing surprise and admiration.
Maggie’s proposal caught him off guard, but he recognized the depth of her commitment. “Maggie, I’m amazed by your willingness to take this unconventional path,” he admitted, his voice filled with gratitude and astonishment. “Pretending to be my partner, becoming the mother our cubs need-it’s a significant sacrifice, and I’m deeply moved by your selflessness.”
As Maggie awaited Aldrich’s response, her cheeks flushed with anticipation and nervousness. Her proposal hung in the balance, the outcome uncertain.
Maggie’s suggestion piqued Aldrich’s curiosity. He was currently without a partner, having lost his destined one due to infertility, which had become a disadvantage in his current campaign.
At that moment, a wolf’s howl resonated in Aldrich’s mind, urging him to consider Maggie’s proposal. His wolf exhibited a remarkable closeness and concern for Maggie, which was highly unusual.
As Aldrich contemplated the significance of this internal conflict, his brow furrowed. He knew that his desires were intertwined with the primal nature of his wolf, deeply influencing his decision.
Had his wolf chosen Maggie? Why was Aldrich himself oblivious to this fact, and why did it spark his curiosity and caution?
Aldrich’s rationality prompted him to consider the challenges that lay ahead. He carefully weighed the hardships of this bold path and observed the vulnerability Maggie displayed when presenting this arrangement. Perhaps in embracing this unconventional plan, they could both find the comfort and purpose they sought.
Undeniably, when Aldrich described the difficulties of this adventure, Maggie felt genuine concern. Fear and uncertainty reflected in her eyes, but she neither retreated nor surrendered.
Placing one hand on her belly, Maggie quietly sensed the presence of the babies inside her, drawing strength from their existence. She nodded. “I know the road ahead is far more challenging than you’ve described. You’ve tried to instill fear in me, and you’ve succeeded. I do feel worried and afraid.”
“However, don’t think for a moment that you can scare me away!” Maggie’s tone shifted, her resolve unwavering. “I’ve lost the children-lost them as good as dead. Why not take the risk? Even if we encounter unexpected obstacles along the way, as long as I can spend one more day with the children, it’s worth it!”
Aldrich chuckled softly, admiring and appreciating Maggie’s courage but feeling helpless in the face of her innocence. “Your body is fragile, and it’s easy for the werewolves to have doubts about you. Can you withstand such high-intensity physical training?”
Maggie nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Don’t underestimate my determination!”
“Good!” Aldrich stood up, taking each step closer. “When you’re surrounded by a pack of werewolves, and you’re the only human, can you stay calm, composed, and not show fear? Werewolves enjoy the thrill of hunting prey and savoring the taste of fresh animal blood. Even if you can’t drink blood, you’ll have to face the brutal and bloody hunting and besieging scenes. Can you remain calm? As my partner, you not only need to assimilate with the werewolves but also grow into a responsible Luna who can rally the werewolves’ strength, carrying the weight for my campaign and our children’s future.”
Aldrich advanced step by step, standing directly in front of Maggie, the distance narrowing to just a step. He asked solemnly, “Maggie Nelson, are you truly prepared to challenge all of this?”
Aldrich’s gaze remained fixed on Maggie, observing the determination in her eyes and the sincerity in her words. Her vulnerability in proposing such an arrangement resonated with him. Perhaps, in embracing this unconventional plan, they could both find the comfort and purpose they sought.
However, Maggie couldn’t provide an immediate answer. She knew the possible outcome of this challenge, an outcome that could lead everyone into the depths of darkness. She met Aldrich’s gaze, and as their eyes locked, they both wondered if a solution could be easily found.