The spacious office bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight. Aldrich had just ended a call with Maggie, confirming their plan to leave work early and meet at Barrett Manor. They were about to sign the official contract to solidify their partnership.
Aldrich sensed Charlie’s discontent and turned to him, asking, “Do you think Maggie isn’t capable of this task?”
Charlie smiled and replied, “You know, in the world of humans, Miss Nelson isn’t particularly extraordinary compared to werewolves.”
After a brief pause, Charlie added, “Besides, Maggie is too kind and too fragile. Leading the werewolf community as an equal Luna will be a challenging journey for her.”
Aldrich acknowledged these concerns. Lately, whenever he felt uncertain, the voice of the wolf echoed in his mind, convincing him not to proceed.
Aldrich couldn’t suppress his curiosity as he met the invisible gaze of the wolf within him. “Tell me, why have you always supported Maggie?” he asked, full of curiosity and confusion. Aldrich believed this had something to do with Maggie bearing his offspring.
The wolf hesitated, its golden eyes reflecting wisdom beyond its physical form. After a moment, it responded with respect, “Maggie possesses a unique essence-a connection with nature that resonates with my wild instincts. It’s a rare and subtle scent that brings me closer to her.”
Aldrich raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had never imagined that Maggie possessed such mysterious allure. His thoughts swirled with complex emotions. With every interaction, Aldrich found himself believing more in Maggie’s worth.
He stood up and said, “Charlie, I understand your concerns, but you must not underestimate Maggie’s strength. She always manages to surprise people, doesn’t she?”
Charlie nodded in agreement but quickly regained his composure. “However, you still cannot fully trust Miss Nelson. Human loyalty to an Alpha isn’t as strong as that of a werewolf. It’s safer to have a formal written agreement with her.”
“No, Maggie and I have a connection. I trust her. Charlie, she’s the mother of my child, and that’s an unchanging guarantee,” Aldrich said, patting Charlie’s shoulder. “I also trust you, and I want you to witness the formal covenant between Maggie and me.”
Charlie couldn’t say much more and followed Aldrich to Barrett Manor.
Upon arrival, Aldrich explained the details of the formal contract to Maggie.
“Thank you, Aldrich. I won’t let you down,” Maggie said, gently placing her hand on her belly and silently vowing to protect their wolf baby.
The formal contract required the presence of moonlight. When the designated time arrived, Aldrich led Maggie to a moonlit clearing in the garden. All around, there was silence, and even the wind seemed hushed. Maggie could almost hear the faint chirping of insects. As they walked hand in hand, it felt as though they were exchanging marriage vows.
“Aldrich Barrett,” Aldrich stood firmly in the moonlight, gazing at Maggie with seriousness, and declared, “In the guidance and witness of Selene, I swear to become partners with Maggie Nelson, to protect the growth of our werewolf baby, and to remain faithful, for better or for worse.”
Maggie paused for a moment and then followed, her voice steady, “I, Maggie Nelson, under the guidance and witness of Selene, solemnly swear to become a partner with Aldrich Barrett, to protect the growth of our werewolf baby, and to remain loyal. Our bond, never to give up on each other.”
Under the moonlight, their gazes intertwined, their tightly held hands conveying unwavering faith and eternal vows. From that moment on, they would face unknown challenges together.
Charlie, as the witness of the werewolves, howled at the moon, symbolizing his connection with the lunar entity. In Charlie’s view, this was a solemn commitment, although it didn’t directly benefit Aldrich. As a human, Maggie couldn’t be bound by Selene. If she broke her promise or betrayed Aldrich, she wouldn’t face any divine punishment.
On the other hand, as a top Alpha, Aldrich would face unimaginable consequences if he broke the oath.
The contract had been sealed, and its terms were unchangeable. Charlie released his frustration and complex emotions through his howl, which he couldn’t express in words. Maggie was startled and couldn’t understand the meaning behind Charlie’s wolf-like cry.
Aldrich assured her, “Don’t worry, Maggie. Let’s head back.”
This was Maggie’s first time witnessing Charlie’s wolf form, but in less than five seconds, Charlie had vanished deep into the garden. Nervously, she turned to Aldrich and asked, “What happened to Charlie?”
Aldrich struggled to explain Charlie’s inner turmoil because he knew that full acceptance would take more time. “Don’t worry,” he said at last. “Let me shift your focus and do something else.”
“In three days, we’ll be hosting the most important campaign banquet,” Aldrich began, his voice steady and determined. “Every committee member will be in attendance, and your role as my companion is crucial.”
Maggie’s heart raced, a mix of excitement and apprehension. She had anticipated this moment for a while, but now that it had arrived, the weight of responsibility fell upon her shoulders. She knew she had to make a good impression, not just for herself but for Aldrich’s campaign.
She nodded and replied, “I understand, Aldrich. I’ll do my best to represent you and your vision.”
Aldrich’s expression softened, and he reached across the table to place his hand on Maggie’s. His touch comforted her, and she drew strength from his reassurance. “I have confidence in you, Maggie. Tomorrow, Charlie’s wife, Jolie, will arrive at Barrett Manor. She will help you prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Maggie smiled in gratitude, knowing that Jolie’s support would be there for her. She felt relieved. The idea of delving deeper into the supernatural world made her both curious and uneasy, but with Jolie’s guidance, she hoped to overcome any potential obstacles.
At the end of the meeting, Maggie found herself more anxious than ever before. She knew she needed a good night’s rest to face the challenges of the next day. However, despite her best efforts, she couldn’t fall asleep once she lay in bed. She turned her head to look out the window, drawn by the low-hanging moon in the night sky.
Tonight, the moon appeared different, casting an otherworldly glow upon the earth. Its usual silver radiance had transformed into a faint red, creating an enchanting yet unsettling atmosphere. Maggie couldn’t help but feel a strange connection to the moon, as if it held secrets yet to be discovered.
Maggie lay in the darkness, her mind drifting into a half-hazed state. In the distance, mournful howls echoed through the silent night. Each cry sent shivers down her spine, awakening her primal instincts. The melody of the wolf song lingered in her mind, intertwining with her racing thoughts, intensifying her anticipation and fear.
She imagined herself standing at the edge of a dense forest, moonlight filtering through the trees, casting elongated shadows on the forest floor. The scent of pine and earth filled her nostrils, a cool breeze rustled the leaves, as if inviting her into a world of hidden wonders.
The distant howls grew louder, and Maggie’s heart raced, the wolf cries resonating within her. These sounds held an undeniable power, an ancient energy that both captivated and frightened her. Her curiosity battled with her fear, an ongoing tug-of-war within her soul.
She couldn’t help but wonder if her fate was intricately linked to the moon, a world where legend met reality, by a thousand threads.