Gabriella’s POV
“I will.”
“Gabby, do you have any idea when Mateo will be back?” Nicklaus inquired.
“Not at all, but I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.”
“Okay, thanks.” They both left, and I had a feeling that Nicklaus had kept the news from her to prevent unnecessary worry and impulsive actions.
I hoped that Jessica could indeed help Estella. Once this ordeal was over, I knew it would be time for me to leave the witch tribe and return with Nicklaus to handle matters within the pack. We needed to ensure everything was in order.
Nick returned, and we embraced. “You doing okay?” I asked, searching his eyes for any signs of stress. He nodded in response. “And you?” he inquired.
“I’m doing alright,” I affirmed.
“What’s the latest development? Is there any hope for Estella?” he questioned, his eyes locking onto mine.
“Yes, there’s a glimmer of hope. Jessica might provide us with the time we need, and then we can head back to the pack,” I explained with newfound confidence, seeing a spark of hope ignite in his gaze.
“Really?” he asked, seeking confirmation.
“Yes, everything is going to work out well for our daughter. It makes me so happy,” I added with a smile.
“I’m thrilled too. I had no idea Jessica held a solution. This is really good news. Also, there’s something I need to share with you,” he said, a note of intrigue in his voice. I was instantly curious, eager to know what he had discovered.
“What is it?” I prompted.
“I’ve managed to gather some information about Mateo’s location. I’ve dispatched some of our people to retrieve him. If they encounter any difficulty, they’ll notify me,” he explained.
“This is falling into place perfectly. I’m genuinely ecstatic. With all these pieces coming together, we can resolve everything and finally return home,” I exclaimed.
“I’ve missed you,” he confessed, drawing near and wrapping an arm around my waist before sharing a deep kiss. I felt a rush of longing; amidst the chaos, we hadn’t had the chance to enjoy our usual romantic moments.
“I love you so much, and I promise to do whatever it takes to protect both you and Estella,” he declared with determination.
“I trust you completely,” I responded, reassured by his commitment.
“Shall we head out and see what’s happening? What do you think?” he asked, momentarily checking his phone as a message came through.
I nodded in agreement. “You take care of Mateo, and I’ll look after Estella.”
We exchanged good luck wishes and separated for the time being, each focused on the task at hand.
Nicklaus’s POV
A FEW DAYS LATER
We readied ourselves to depart from the witch’s tribe. “Finally, we’re heading back home after a long time,” Gabby exclaimed with a smile.
“I’m aware of that, but are you truly okay with returning to the pack’s world? You’ve been away for quite a while, from your father and sister,” I expressed my concern. She silenced my worries with a kiss.
“Let’s take it one step at a time, alright? I believe things will fall into place. I know you’re worried about me, but I’ve got this,” she assured, though I knew deep down it wouldn’t be an easy transition for her. Being married to her father’s enemy and entering the pack’s dynamics would present challenges.
“Alright, just remember, I’ll always be here for you, no matter what happens,” I reassured her.
“I know, my love, and I’m grateful to have you,” she responded with a smile.
“Mom, Dad, Ma Margaret is waiting for you outside,” Estella’s voice interrupted our conversation, and I picked up our daughter, playfully remarking, “My baby is growing big.”
“Yes, she is,” Gabby agreed, sharing our parental pride.
I was relieved that we had managed to free Estella from Dedusa’s influence with Jessica’s assistance. However, it was unfortunate that we couldn’t reverse the curse Dedusa had placed on her. We would need to protect her as she grew older and faced the effects of the curse, making sure she avoided falling in love during that time until the curse subsided. Afterward, she could choose to date anyone she pleased.
We stepped outside to meet Margaret, who shared a private conversation with Gabby. I noticed that Mateo and Jessica were engaged in conversation nearby, and I couldn’t help but wonder if their interactions were blossoming into something more profound.
Eavesdropping slightly, I overheard Jessica saying, “I want to come with you.” Her words took me by surprise. Was she genuinely willing to leave her tribe to be with Mateo? It was evident that she was deeply in love with him.
“You can’t come right now. The war is still fierce,” Mateo responded, indicating his concern for her safety.
“I want to help and protect you all as usual. I could be of assistance, you know,” she suggested, revealing her determination.
Shifting my focus, we bid our farewells to everyone and embarked on our journey back to the Blood Moon Pack. Arriving home, I could sense that despite the ongoing turmoil, the war’s intensity had slightly abated since Mateo’s rescue. However, both sides were still reinforcing their positions.
“Welcome home, my love,” I told Gabby, holding her hand.
“Daddy, is this our new home?” Estella inquired curiously.
I knelt down to her level and replied, “Yes, sweetheart, it is. And you’ll love your room here.”
“Daddy, I want to see it.”
Smirking, I teased her, “Well, well, now you’re choosing Daddy over me?”
Laughter filled the air as we embraced our family dynamics. Entering our new home, the pack members greeted us respectfully, saying, “Welcome home, Alpha Nicklaus.”
I acknowledged their greetings with gratitude, saying, “Thank you, everyone.”
“We should celebrate the return of Alpha Nicklaus, his mate, and their daughter,” someone suggested. As we mingled with the pack, I felt a sense of relaxation settling in. Nonetheless, I couldn’t shake my concern for Gabby’s well-being in this new environment. I was determined to make her feel at home and loved amidst all the challenges.