Gabriella’s POV
“Where is Mateo? What happened to him?” I demanded, my concern for Mateo overwhelming me.
“How long have you been listening?” Nicklaus asked, his expression full of worry.
“Just tell me, what’s happened to Mateo? Are you keeping things from me now?”
“No, love, I’m not. It’s just that… you know what, I’ll explain everything to you,” he reassured me.
“I want to know everything, and I don’t want you hiding anything. If I later find out you’ve kept important details from me, I’ll be furious,” I warned him. While I might get angry, deep down, I knew I’d eventually forgive him. Our bond was strong, and I couldn’t stay mad at him for long.
“I promise to tell you everything,” he said with a reassuring smile.
“But before that, how is Estella?” I asked, moving closer to our sleeping daughter. She lay on the bed, still sleeping, her fever having come down slightly. “Her fever seems a bit lower, but I don’t know if she’s improving or worsening. It’s just… it’s hard feeling so helpless when it comes to our daughter. I wish there was something more I could do,” Nicklaus said with a sad expression. I could feel his pain, as I was feeling the same. Though I had faith in Margaret’s abilities, the sense of helplessness was overwhelming.
“Nick, things will work out. Don’t stress yourself too much,” I reassured him with a gentle smile.
He joined me by Estella’s bedside. I reached out to touch her forehead, noticing that she looked a little calmer though still quite pale. She shivered slightly, and I made sure to tuck her in more snugly. “Estella, everything’s going to be alright. Your father and I are going to do everything in our power to make sure you’re back on your feet. You’ll be free from any negative influences, especially Dedusa. No one will control you. I promise,” I whispered to her, holding her hand and gently casting a comforting spell in the hopes of easing her discomfort. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but I felt compelled to do something to help her.
“Are you feeling weak?” Nick’s hands rested on my shoulders, and I nodded, managing a small smile. “Don’t push yourself too hard, alright?”
“I’ll go to great lengths to keep her safe. So don’t worry about me,” I replied, reassuring him.
“Why wouldn’t I worry? You’re my mate, and she’s our daughter. Both of you are incredibly important to me. I’d sacrifice myself to ensure you both have a good life. Always remember that.”
“I know,” I responded, caressing his hands on my shoulders. A brief smile played on my lips before I stood up, suggesting, “Let’s continue this conversation outside.”
“Of course, let’s not disturb our daughter with our worries,” he agreed, and we left Estella’s room to have a more private conversation.
We stood outside, our attention divided between our conversation and the room where Estella was resting. Our senses were heightened, ready to rush to her aid if needed.
“Tell me, what happened to Mateo? Is he alive?” I inquired, a surge of concern for Mateo coursing through me. He had become like family to me during his time here, and I cared deeply for his well-being.
“Yes, he’s still alive,” Nicklaus replied, his words bringing a sigh of relief. Knowing that Mateo was safe eased my worry.
I took a deep breath, my hand instinctively moving to my chest. “Thank goodness. So, what happened that I’m not aware of?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“I didn’t want to burden you, and honestly, I didn’t know how to ask you to return to my pack. I thought you’d refuse because of your attachment to this place. So, I decided to handle things partially myself,” he explained. “Gabriella, the war has intensified, and we’ve lost a significant portion of our territories. I fear that I might not be able to hold back the demons.”
I felt a surge of empathy for him. While I loved my life here, I understood my responsibilities as his Luna. I had some magical abilities that could aid in protecting the pack. It had been years since I’d left that world, and while I had grown accustomed to my current life, destiny had other plans. I knew I had to return and face the reality of our situation. I also missed my best friend and her mate, and I assumed they had children by now.
Moving closer, I gently cupped his face in my hands, looking into his eyes with determination. “I’m yours for life, Nick. As much as I love it here, we need to return home. You should have talked to me about this.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed things on your behalf without discussing it with you first. I’m truly sorry,” he said, regret evident in his voice.
“It’s alright, love. I’m just glad we’re having this conversation now,” I reassured him with a smile, which he returned.
He continued, “The elders and the pack think I abandoned them to be with you, that I’m the kind of alpha who doesn’t care for his people.”
Guilt welled up within me. I realized that I had indeed enjoyed everything about my life here, and my dream had come true, but I had been selfish not to recognize that I had taken their alpha away. What kind of Luna was I? This was my fault, and I had no idea how to make amends.
“Hey, I know that expression on your face,” he interrupted my thoughts. “Are you feeling guilty?”
I nodded, unable to hide my guilt. He leaned in, planting a reassuring kiss on my lips. “You don’t need to feel guilty, alright? I’m the one who should feel guilty. I thought I had everything under control here, but I’ve failed. But trust me, mate, I created these problems myself. You had no part in this, so stop blaming yourself.”
“I understand that you’re trying to make me feel better, but let’s be honest. I kept you away from your pack, and now you’re losing territories one after another. You might even lose the war,” I admitted, the weight of my guilt heavy on my heart.