Afternoon sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees as Aldrich made the decision to bring Maggie to meet his father, Elwin Barrett. They had an important matter to discuss with his brother, Marvin.
Maggie looked worried, “Will Marvin help us?”
“He might not be willing to bother with me,” Aldrich closed the folder.
“What should we do then?”
“It’s okay, but he would do anything for Grace.”
“Their feelings for each other must run deep.”
“Beyond the destined bond, they could have been the happiest couple, but now they are both in sorrow.”
Maggie frowned, “They deserve a better ending.”
“There’s no such thing as deserving or not, Maggie. Being kind doesn’t always mean being cherished, and deeply loving someone doesn’t guarantee being together. Doing good deeds doesn’t always lead to rewards. If everything worked that way, the world wouldn’t be so complicated.”
Maggie opened her mouth but found herself unable to argue. Wasn’t she the perfect example?
She had genuinely cared for Max before, but in the end, she only received misery without any equivalent returns. “You’re right, there wouldn’t be so many heartbreaks then.”
Aldrich patted Maggie’s head, “So, I believe even more in my own strength.”
They drove to the secluded Elwyn Manor, passing through the city and into the quieter suburban forest. The winding roads were surrounded by towering mountains.
As they got closer to their destination, Maggie couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy. Her concern shifted from Marvin to herself, and she doubted if she truly belonged to Aldrich’s moon. The fear of exposure had been tormenting her, and she expressed her concerns to Aldrich.
“Aldrich, I feel like I can see your father waving a cane, telling me to get out of the mansion!”
Aldrich laughed, “Father doesn’t have a cane; he sits in a wheelchair. Perhaps he’ll welcome you with applause.”
“You know, my wolf identity is fake; it’s just your scent masking my human scent. I’m not a wolf. The more pure-blooded and noble the family, the more they care about this, isn’t it?”
Aldrich reached out, his fingers gently intertwining with Maggie’s. “Don’t worry, my love,” he reassured her, his voice filled with warmth and affection. “You are the only one who holds my heart, and my father will see that.”
His words offered her a glimmer of comfort, but her unease remained. The car continued its journey, winding deeper into the heart of the forest until it finally arrived at Elwin’s grand estate. The sprawling mansion stood as a testament to the family’s wealth and prestige, its stone facade blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings.
As Aldrich parked the car, the engine’s soft purr faded, replaced by the tranquil symphony of nature. The estate exuded an air of serenity, the rustle of leaves and the distant sound of birdsong adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The fragrance of wildflowers mingled with the earthy scent of the woods, creating a heady mix that permeated the air.
Aldrich turned to Maggie, his eyes filled with tender concern. “We’re here, my love,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Remember, my father’s approval means nothing compared to what we share. He will see the truth in your eyes.”
Maggie’s nervousness mingled with a hint of excitement as she stepped out of the car, her heart pounding in her chest. She followed Aldrich’s lead, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone path that led to the grand entrance. The heavy oak doors loomed before them, a gateway to a world unknown.
Taking a deep breath, Aldrich reached out and grasped the brass doorknob, turning it with a sense of anticipation. The doors swung open, revealing a spacious foyer adorned with elegant furnishings and intricate tapestries. Soft light spilled in through stained glass windows, casting vibrant hues upon the polished marble floor.
Elwin Barrett, a distinguished gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and piercing blue eyes, stood in the center of the room. His presence commanded attention, his authority evident in every line of his tailored suit. As Aldrich and Maggie approached, Elwin’s eyes focused on them, curiosity mixed with a touch of skepticism.
Aldrich stepped forward, his voice filled with conviction. “Father, I’d like you to meet Maggie. She is the one I’ve chosen to be by my side, the woman who has captured my heart.”
Maggie stood beside Aldrich, her gaze meeting Elwin’s. Her heart fluttered with trepidation, but she refused to let her fears define her. In that moment, she summoned her inner strength, her eyes shining with determination.
“Mr. Barret, it’s an honor to visit you. You look very well,” Elwin said with sincerity, carefully examining Maggie. Maggie tried to maintain her poise and elegance while feeling overwhelmed by Elwin’s strong presence. She wanted to retreat, but her inner resolve kept her standing before Elwin, allowing herself to be scrutinized. This was the path she had to go through.
“Good child, you make me feel very close to you. I want to know more about you,” Elwin’s voice was deep and powerful, as if it could pierce through one’s chest and reach their heart.
Aldrich stepped forward and personally pushed Elwin’s wheelchair. “Father, how have you been lately?”
“I don’t like wolves coming to see me. The wolf I want to see is nowhere to be found, but it’s fine. I enjoy the peace and quiet.”
“It’s my fault, Father.”
Elwin snorted coldly. “You’re not bad. I can feel that your power has increased.”
Aldrich’s power had indeed increased, mainly because he benefited when Maggie absorbed energy every night. But he had no intention of discussing this with his father. “I noticed the vibrant flower pot on your upstairs balcony.”
“Ah, Aldrich is still so observant.”
“After all, you’ve never had flowers before, so it’s hard for me not to notice.”
“That’s a gift I prepared for Maggie.”
Maggie had been walking silently beside the wheelchair, listening to the father and son catch up after a long time of not seeing each other. Suddenly, she heard that Elwin had prepared a gift for her, and she felt deeply grateful. “Mr. Barret, it’s truly my honor.”
“So, are you planning to change your mind after the wolf pups are born?” Elwin didn’t wait for Maggie’s response, as they had already entered the hall.
Unlike the warm and bright style of the Barrett Manor, the exterior and interior of this mansion were solemn and minimalist, with cool color tones, reflecting Elwin’s personality and preferences.
They sat in the hall, the grand clock ticking solemnly. Pictures of deep forests and hunting adorned the walls. Servants brought in fresh fruits and cold beverages, nodding politely before leaving with a sense of detachment.
Seated in a wheelchair, Elwin emanated an aura of kindness and compassion that instantly put Maggie at ease. Yet, despite his current condition, she could still discern traces of the once formidable and robust Alpha. This was the former king of the Alphas, a man who had led the pack with strength and authority.
“Good child, please make yourself at home,” Elwin said as Maggie looked at the food brought by the servants. She conservatively chose some grapes. Elwin then asked Aldrich about Maggie’s situation, “I received news about Maggie during the election.”
“I apologize for not bringing Maggie to see you in a timely manner,” Aldrich began to explain Maggie’s situation, “Maggie is a wolf from a distant tribe. Due to her weak health and the turmoil of the election, it delayed my plans to bring her home.”
Elwin’s eyes sparkled brightly, and he didn’t comment on Aldrich’s words. Instead, he shifted his gaze to Maggie. His eyes softened, filled with care and curiosity.
“Tell me, dear, how are you faring with your pregnancy? When is the little one due to arrive?” he asked with a paternal affection that warmed Maggie’s heart.
Maggie’s hands instinctively cradled her growing belly, a mixture of pride and vulnerability washing over her. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for the genuine interest Elwin showed in her well-being. “Thank you for asking, Alpha Barrett. The baby is doing well, and I’m due in just a few months. We’re eagerly awaiting their arrival.”
Elwin’s eyes twinkled with delight, and his weathered hand reached out to gently touch Maggie’s arm. “A grandchild… I can hardly contain my excitement. Aldrich will make a wonderful father, and you, my dear, a remarkable mother. The pack’s future is in good hands.”
“Father, they are twins, and the little ones are full of spirit. Several times, they established a telepathic connection with me, helping Maggie avoid some trouble. They will undoubtedly become outstanding wolves in the future.”
Maggie couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by Elwin’s warmth and the weight of his words. In that moment, she realized that she wasn’t just carrying her and Aldrich’s child but also the hopes and dreams of the entire pack. She straightened her posture, determination shining in her eyes.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure the well-being of our child and the unity of the pack,” Maggie vowed, her voice steady and resolute.
Elwin’s smile widened, pride evident in his expression. “I have no doubt that you will, my dear. The strength and love you possess are palpable. You are indeed a worthy Luna.”
In that instant, a sense of belonging washed over Maggie. She felt embraced by the past and entrusted with the future. The legacy of the Barrett pack coursed through her veins, and she knew she had a crucial role to play in shaping its destiny.
The tensions between Elwin’s two sons, Aldrich and Marvin, had stemmed from a misunderstanding and resentment caused by the mate-Grace. This unfortunate circumstance had created a rift between them, preventing them from actively seeking new companions. It was a wound that had festered over time, fueled by misconceptions and unspoken emotions. Elwin’s heart ached with the weight of their strained relationship, burdened further by the guilt he harbored for the loss of his beloved wife. Her untimely demise had left him with an overwhelming sense of remorse, as if he had failed to protect and cherish her as he should have.
Now, with the news of Maggie carrying Aldrich’s child, a glimmer of hope flickered within Elwin’s weathered heart. It was as if the universe had granted him a chance at redemption, a possibility to mend the fractures that had divided his family. The heaviness in his soul began to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of optimism and purpose.
As the conversation continued, Elwin and Maggie delved into deeper discussions, sharing stories, wisdom, and laughter.