When Maggie woke up, it was already afternoon, and she found a silver wolf keeping her company. She had indeed enjoyed a good rest, and her morning sickness had lessened considerably.
She thought about calling Aldrich, but then she remembered Charlie’s anxious state earlier in the day. There must be something significant happening, and Maggie didn’t want to bother Aldrich.
“Madam, you…” Elizabeth hesitated.
Maggie instantly guessed Elizabeth’s intention and pressed her hand to her chest. “Well, perhaps I could have something light to eat.”
“Very well, it’ll be ready soon.” Elizabeth hurried off like she had received a decree of happiness.
Maggie sighed, “With so many caring people around, Maggie, you need to pull yourself together and stop causing trouble for everyone.”
When faced with the plain rice porridge and a small dessert that was served, Maggie found herself, for once, without any nausea but also lacking much interest.
Elizabeth was concerned, “You can’t just skip meals; you’re eating for three now!”
“I suddenly crave barbecue.”
“Really?”
Maggie nodded, “I really do.”
“I’ll inform the chef right away!”
The chef, upon learning that Maggie herself had expressed a desire for barbecue, was full of energy. He brandished his knife, “I finally get to showcase my skills. Rest assured, I’ll make sure the lady is satisfied!”
Fragrant grilled steaks were brought to the table, and Maggie sniffed them without any signs of nausea. She enjoyed the steak in small bites, which delighted Elizabeth and the maids surrounding her. Finally, the morning sickness that had left her with no appetite was alleviated.
Maggie put down her knife and fork and looked apologetically at Elizabeth. “I appreciate all your hard work.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Madam, you can enjoy your meal without any worry. That’s the greatest gift.”
Thomas also entered at the right moment. He had already come several times, but Maggie was finally able to eat, and he didn’t want to interrupt her. He informed Maggie, “Madam, Julie is waiting for you in the living room.”
“Julie? Right, she must have been waiting for a long time. Aldrich mentioned that she would come this morning to explain the rules of the Spring Hunt!” Maggie hurriedly headed toward the living room.
Thomas quickly clarified, “No need to rush. Mr. Barrett is concerned about your health and specifically instructed Julie to come in the afternoon. She has only just arrived.”
“Thoughtful Aldrich!” Maggie finally relaxed her pace.
In the living room, Julie warmly greeted Maggie and even brought some educational books for the wolf shifter babies, which delighted Maggie.
“Thank you, Julie. This is the first gift the babies have received.”
Julie stood up, feeling a bit embarrassed. “In truth, Charlie and I thought long and hard about what gift to give you, but it seems like Maggie, under Mr. Barrett’s care, lacks nothing. So, we decided on a gift for the babies, and we hope you don’t mind.”
Maggie thought to herself that what she needed most was an Energy Bead, but those were exceedingly rare and hard to come by.
“You don’t know, the day I received a mind link from Charlie, he told me he was about to sacrifice himself in battle and asked me not to grieve and to seek another partner… And then… then I healed him with an Energy Bead when Grace attacked,” Julie said, choking back tears.
Maggie realized that Julie was talking about the time they faced Grace’s attack, and Charlie was on the verge of death when she used an Energy Bead to heal him.
She held Julie’s hand and reassured her, “That’s all in the past. Charlie is in excellent health now.”
“Yes, thank you, Maggie. I love Charlie deeply, and we are destined mates. If he were no longer with us, I would never want to live in a world without him. You saved us.”
“Your love is truly moving.”
“We are grateful to have an excellent alpha like Aldrich and a strong, kind, and brave Luna like you.”
Maggie felt a sense of humility and lowered her head. “But I don’t have a wolf… I’m very worried about the upcoming Spring Hunt.”
“Don’t fret. During the last Wolfenfest, you performed admirably and won the favor and support of many shifters. This time, you’ll do great too.”
This wasn’t a matter of can or can’t; Maggie had to go on. The responsibilities on her shoulders demanded her growth, leaving no room for any retreat.
With renewed courage, Maggie asked, “Julie, what are the rules and procedures for the Spring Hunt?”
“The Spring Hunt has been around for a long time, dating back to the early days of the shifters. When spring arrives and all things come back to life, guided by the Moon Goddess, the shifters who have endured the long winter will engage in a grand hunt in the Moonlit Forest.”
Maggie was puzzled, “So you mean I have to hunt as well?”
Julie shook her head, “No, Maggie, you and all the she-wolves will be the prey in this wild celebration.”
“We’re the prey!” This realization made Maggie’s heart race. “I can’t possibly escape from the fierce pursuit of the shifters!”
“Don’t panic. The male shifters won’t actually harm us. Spring is the most abundant season of the year, with ample food and temperate weather. The shifter’s ferocity factor inside them is at its lowest due to the Moon Goddess’s purification. The male hormones drive them to seek mates and create new wolf pups.”
“So you mean… they will mate with the captured females?”
“Yes.”
Maggie felt that she had no chance against any of the male shifters. “Do I have to participate?”
“As the Alpha’s Luna, you represent the hope and unity of The BlueMoon Pack. Besides, you’re currently carrying twins, a beautiful blessing for the shifters. You are the chosen one to carry the sacred torch. If you don’t participate in the hunt, it will be hard for Aldrich to explain to everyone, and the support and trust of the pack members in you will significantly decrease.”
Maggie understood that she had no choice but to participate. Her long, fluttering lashes cast a fragile shadow, like paper in the sunlight. “I need to carry the torch?”
“Yes, you will need to wear a special gown, hold the torch high, and lead all the she-wolves into the Moonlit Forest. I should warn you that the forest is perpetually filled with a cold, gloomy aura, which breeds creatures that thrive in the shadows. Some she-wolves may be reluctant to enter. You will have to motivate them, be their role model, and light the way forward.”
Maggie let out a wry smile. “That sounds quite challenging.”
The Moonlit Forest was fraught with dangers, from avoiding poisonous snakes to fierce beasts. For Maggie, it was already incredibly difficult, but now she had to evade mating-driven male shifters who would pursue her and attempt to mark her. It seemed like an impossible task.
Julie noticed Maggie’s tense mood and smiled reassuringly. “Fortunately, Maggie, you have a very loving mate.”
“Aldrich? Does he have a plan?”
A bright light shone in Maggie’s eyes, and Julie couldn’t help but admire the enchanting beauty that captivated everyone.
“Yes, after delivering the speech, he will transform into his wolf form and enter the Moonlit Forest. He’ll lock onto you, and as long as he finds you, your only danger will be from him.”
“Aldrich will pose a threat to me too?”
Julie smiled mysteriously. “That depends on how long your mate bonding lasts.”
Maggie’s face instantly turned crimson, and she couldn’t find words to respond. Did she have to tell Julie that even though she and Aldrich had children, they were simply contract mates who had never engaged in a physical relationship in front of outsiders?
In Julie’s laughter, Maggie heard her own nervous, bashful heartbeat, growing louder and faster with each passing moment.
Wait a minute, Maggie suddenly realized, was she supposed to have her first time with Aldrich, in his wolf form, during the Spring Hunt?