Standing outside Marvin’s study, Aldrich knocked on the door.
“Marvin, it’s me. Can I come in?”
The study was eerily quiet. If it weren’t for Aldrich and the servants confirming that Marvin was inside, the silence would have puzzled him.
He knocked on the door again, waiting patiently. Finally, the sound of books being put down came from inside the room. Aldrich understood that it was an invitation to enter.
In Aldrich’s study, the soft glow of the lamp illuminated the room as he found Marvin seated by the window, his eyes absorbed in the pages of a book. “Good evening, Marvin. You will meet my mate at tonight’s dinner.” Marvin was a refined and handsome man, and his surprise at Aldrich’s arrival was evident, though he remained silent, gazing pensively at Aldrich.
“I remember you’ve been reading this book for a long time, repeatedly, right?” Aldrich chose a different topic, confident that Marvin would respond, because-
“This book was a gift from her.” The mention of “her” naturally referred to Grace.
“Lately, I received news from her.”
“What…” Marvin’s calm face finally showed excitement, but he quickly suppressed it. “She chose to contact you, not me…”
“Marvin, it’s not what you think. In fact, you may not have been in touch with the outside world much. I have a partner now, and we are expecting two cubs soon.”
Marvin’s eyes burned with intense flames as he stared at Aldrich. “Well, congratulations to you. Grace left heartbroken, whereas you now have a wife and two babies!”
“I know you’re upset that I hurt Grace, and I feel deeply guilty too. But, Marvin…” Aldrich understood Marvin’s confusion and pain. “I need your help.”
Marvin wasn’t swayed by Aldrich’s words. “You’re a powerful alpha, capable of solving any difficulties.”
“Don’t you want to know about Grace’s current situation? I need your help to rescue her. She’s in trouble.” Aldrich’s voice tinged with urgency. “Grace loves you deeply, and I believe you hold the key to understanding what’s truly going on.”
Marvin’s emotions surged within him, and tears welled up in his eyes as he absorbed the weight of Aldrich’s words. His heart ached with the gravity of the situation, torn between the joy of Grace’s return and the dark uncertainty surrounding her.
“What happened to Grace? If you’re sincere, you should have brought her here to see me!”
“She seemed to have lost her sanity, turning into a ruthless and cold-blooded killer. She attacked my Luna twice, and even nearly killed my assistant, Charlie.”
“Are you sure it’s Grace? Aldrich, you better be accountable for what you’re saying!”
“I never joke around, Marvin. It’s the truth!”
Marvin tried to find a hint of teasing in Aldrich’s eyes, but there was none. His heart clenched tightly, and he felt like he was struggling to breathe. “I can’t imagine Grace, who is decisive and brave, doing harm to others.”
“She might have been controlled by someone.” Aldrich voiced his speculation.
“I… I can’t bear the thought of Grace being in danger,” Marvin finally confessed, his voice breaking with raw vulnerability. “If she needs me, I’ll do anything to protect her.”
Aldrich placed a reassuring hand on Marvin’s shoulder, understanding the depth of his feelings. “Together, we’ll find the truth,” he promised, his voice firm and resolute. “We’ll bring her back safely, whatever it takes.”
Marvin nodded, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. Determination now shone in his eyes. “Thank you, Aldrich. I’ll do whatever it takes, too. Grace means everything to me.”
Marvin’s eyes locking with Aldrich’s. The depth of his love for Grace radiated from his every fiber, and in that moment, Aldrich truly understood the magnitude of Marvin’s devotion. With a determined smile, Aldrich assured him, “We’ll find Grace, and she will be safe. I promise you that.”
As Marvin agreed to accompany Aldrich on this perilous journey, a surge of hope ignited within Aldrich’s chest. The bond of father and son, forged by shared experiences and unconditional love, would now be their guiding light.
They stepped out of the study together, their footsteps echoing through the hallway. Marvin’s determined stride and the quiet resolve in his eyes spoke volumes about his unwavering determination to protect the woman he cherished. Aldrich, too, held his head high, knowing that their unity would be their strength.
As Marvin and Aldrich emerged into the light, Elwin approached them cautiously, his eyes wide with astonishment. “Marvin, Aldrich, what’s going on?” he asked, struggling to comprehend the sudden turn of events.
A flicker of anticipation danced in Marvin’s eyes as he shared the incredible news with Elwin. “Grace has returned,” he announced, a mix of shock and elation coloring his voice. “Aldrich and I are going to find her. We won’t rest until she’s safe.”
Elwin instantly understood; the two brothers’ emotional rift was because of Grace, and now, it was Grace that brought them back together.
“Grace is back, so why didn’t you bring her to see me?” Elwin questioned Aldrich, sensing that things were far from simple. “Is it because Grace can’t come at all?”
Aldrich nodded. “Nothing can be hidden from you.”
Marvin swiftly responded, “Grace is in danger right now. I want to act together with Aldrich and try to bring her back home the next time she appears.”
Elwin’s gaze shifted uneasily to Maggie, now Aldrich’s luna and carrying their unborn children. Concern etched lines on his forehead as he contemplated the potential conflicts that could arise from this complicated quadrangle of relationships. The thought of any turmoil that might affect Maggie, especially during her delicate condition, weighed heavily on his heart.
Maggie, perceptive as ever, caught the flicker of worry in Elwin’s eyes. Stepping closer to him, “Elwin, I understand your concerns,” she said, her voice soft yet resolute. “But I promise you, Grace and I will not let any conflicts arise between us. We are all family, and I will do everything in my power to ensure everyone’s well-being.”
Elwin and Marvin exchanged skeptical glances, doubt clouding their expressions. How could Maggie guarantee such a harmonious dynamic when the circumstances were so complex? After all, she was just a young woman, and this tangled web of relationships seemed insurmountable. However, as Aldrich observed Maggie’s determined gaze, an instinctual belief stirred within him. He couldn’t help but trust in her ability to maintain peace amidst the storm.
Aldrich smiled as he explained, “Don’t doubt the feelings between Maggie and me. In fact, because of the situation with Grace, we did have significant conflicts, but those are all in the past.”
Maggie walked up to Aldrich and linked her arm with his. “That’s right. After learning about their past, I’m determined to help Grace. She sacrificed so much for the Bluemoon pack, and now she needs her family’s support.”
Aldrich locked eyes with Maggie, his voice a gentle reassurance. “I have faith in you, Maggie,” he said softly, his tone filled with unwavering conviction. “I know you can make it work. We will support each other and find a way to navigate this challenge together.”
Maggie’s face lit up with gratitude, her eyes sparkling with determination. She understood the weight of the responsibility that now rested on her shoulders, but she was ready to face it head-on. “Thank you, Aldrich,” she replied, her voice filled with unwavering resolve. “I love you all, and I will do everything I can to ensure harmony and happiness for our family.”
Elwin and Marvin exchanged glances once more, their concerns gradually fading in the face of Maggie’s unwavering commitment. They couldn’t deny the sincerity in her words, nor the determination that radiated from her every fiber. Perhaps, just perhaps, this intricate dance of emotions and relationships could find balance.