Nicklaus’s POV
As soon as she left the kitchen without arguing or lingering, I could tell something was amiss. I’d find out from her later, but she’s in no mood to talk about it right now.
“Just leave her be,” Lethal advised.
“Why would I do that?”
“Most of the time, ladies need their privacy,” he said, and I agreed with him.
“Lethal, do you think Gabriella will ever want to leave the South and return to the Blood Moon Pack with us?” I questioned.
“Well, I can’t really tell, but since she’s your mate and will become your Luna once the ritual is complete, I’m guessing she might come with you.”
“Hmm, this is getting more complicated than I thought. I know I caused all this from the start. If only I had listened to her when she approached me, we wouldn’t be in this mess and damn war.”
“Everything that has happened, happened for a reason, and thankfully she’s by your side now. Not only Gabby, but you’re also a father,” Lethal’s words managed to both encourage and criticize me at the same time.
Leaving the kitchen, I decided to have a private conversation with Margaret without Gabriella’s knowledge. “Come in,” she invited.
“Thank you,” I replied, though I despised the smell of the spell room. It was truly repulsive, and I could feel myself almost wanting to throw up.
“So, are you here for a witchy task or something else?” She inquired as her first question.
“Well, something else,” I began.
“I see. So, tell me what it’s about. Is there a way I can assist?”
“You once mentioned that Gabby is the Moon God Luna,” I started.
“Yes, she is. Why do you ask? Are you doubting her because she’s just an omega and can’t shift?”
“Not at all. I wanted to know if she’s the Moon God Luna, then does that mean there’s a chance she can shift, right? I really want to help her, just in case I’m not there for her when she’s in danger. I want her to be able to protect herself.”
“Well, I have no solution. I do know she’s stronger than you think and skilled in certain witchy spells. There’s nothing to be worried about,” she assured me, but I still harbored worries deep within me.
“Okay, is there no witchy spell that can help her access her wolf form fully?”
“I wish there were, but I haven’t found one. If such a spell existed, I would have used it already.”
“But you’re a powerful witch.”
“Yes, I am powerful, but the creator knows things that we don’t. When the time comes, you will see. For now, you should be focused on the war happening. It’s going to get even bloodier than before, and you will suffer losses, but stay strong to win,” Margaret warned.
“I’ve heard you,” I said, standing up to leave.
“Are you planning to leave with her soon?” She dropped a bombshell.
“Yes, we’re not witches, so you can’t expect us to stay here forever.”
“I understand. Anyway, you have my blessings. I won’t stop you from leaving with her. Her destiny lies elsewhere.” I struggled to grasp the full meaning of her cryptic words, as she spoke in an ancient-like manner.
I mind-linked Martins, “Where are you?”
“At the woods.”
“Okay, I’m coming,” I replied, ending the mental connection. As I strolled toward the woods, I took in the surroundings. I could see why Gabby loved it here. It was unfortunate that I’d been sidetracked by the pack matters and the search. Now that it’s over, I can refocus on the pack’s business.
“Alpha Nicklaus, do you need me to run an errand for you?” Martins, my loyal beta, asked, always ready to serve.
“Yes, I want you to visit the Blood Moon Pack and find out about my ex-wife and her father.”
“Should I leave tonight?” he asked. It made me reflect-why should I send my beta in my place? Wouldn’t that make me seem weak? I should go myself.
“No, you won’t be going anymore. I’ll go myself,” I decided.
“Alpha Nicklaus, let me accompany you. I can’t risk your safety.”
“Look who’s talking. I should be the one protecting you, not the other way around. You know I’m stronger than you, right?” I tried to reason with him. He then knelt down on one knee and said, “I’m prepared to lay down my life for you.”
Why is he so stubborn when I’m doing this for his own well-being? I’ll never win, no matter how I try. I suppose I should just concede.
“Alright, fine. You can go, and be back tomorrow night. Also, have a meeting with the elders. Let them know I haven’t forgotten my duty as the alpha. Try not to reveal my location. We don’t know if we have a traitor among the elders.”
“I’ll follow your instructions, Alpha. I’ll give you feedback as well.”
“Please, be careful out there. I don’t want any harm to come to you or the pack members going with you.”
“Thank you, Alpha Nicklaus.” He said, and I embraced him.
“Wait, before you go, let’s all have a drink,” I suggested, and everyone liked the idea.
“Alright, let’s do it. I spotted a lively bar on my way here earlier,” I said, and they all agreed. I suppose I’ll be seeing my mate very late tonight.
We entered the bar, and I could sense that most of the patrons were witches. Not that it’s any of my concern. “We don’t serve animals here,” one of them remarked.
“Excuse me? Who are you calling animals? Do you have a death wish? I got angry, as did my pack members and my beta.
“Only animals groan like that, and my guess is right. Leave already. Not everyone is willing to accept your kind,” he retorted. My beta, Martins, stepped forward, saying, “How dare you speak to my Alpha that way? I don’t mind tearing out your heart right now.” He unsheathed his claws, and just then, a beautiful woman emerged, shouting, “What the hell is all this noise for? Can’t I get some peace in my bar?”
“Boss, I’m sorry. I tried to send the animals away, but they’re being stubborn. I’ll use force if necessary. You can go inside and rest,” the man replied. When her eyes met Martins’, it was evident that she was attracted to him. The way he looked at her made it clear. Finally, this town did something good for my beta-a beautiful mate.
The man tried to touch Martins to force him to leave, but she intervened, striking the man instead. “Are you an idiot? Do you want to lose your job already? How many times do I have to tell you to treat everyone equally?”