Denderick’s POV
I had just finished the council meeting, but my mind was already at home. The moment I stepped out of the room, I felt the familiar pull toward Aria. It was always there, but today, it seemed stronger-almost like a force urging me to get back to her.
“Off in such a hurry, Denderick?” Alpha Kieran voice called from behind.
I turned to see him standing with Alpha Callum and Alpha Harris. They were grinning, clearly amused by my haste. I chuckled, shaking my head.
“Yes, yes, I am,” I said, grinning back. “I’ve got a beautiful wife waiting for me.”
Alpha Harris laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “Lucky man. Go on, then. Don’t keep her waiting.”
“Tell Aria we said hello,” Alpha Callum added with a smirk.
I waved them off and headed for the carriage waiting outside. The ride back to the pack house was peaceful, but I could feel the excitement building in my chest. The past one year had been everything I could have hoped for.
I was ruling the largest territory in the area, with three packs-mine, Alpha Marcus’ and Logan’s. Edward, our son, was growing fast, stronger every day. At just two years old, he was already showing signs of becoming a true alpha. And Aria… Aria had come into her own, balancing her powers as both a witch and a werewolf. It was incredible to witness.
The carriage pulled up to the house, and I stepped out, a smile already forming on my face. I couldn’t wait to see her. I pushed open the front door, expecting to find her there, maybe playing with Edward or lost in some spellwork. But the house was quiet.
“Aria?” I called out, stepping inside and looking around. No answer.
I walked through the hallway, listening for any sounds. Edward was usually full of energy, always running around, but there was nothing. I checked the sitting room-empty. The kitchen-empty. Where could she be?
I started to feel a twinge of concern. Aria didn’t usually just disappear without a word. I headed upstairs, wondering if maybe she was resting or taking care of Edward. But when I reached my bedroom, it was empty too. The silence in the house was unsettling now.
“Aria?” I called again, my voice louder this time, a slight edge creeping in. Still no answer.
I was about to head to the nursery when I heard the front door open behind me. I turned to see Aria standing there, her hair slightly windblown, a soft smile on her face. I closed my eyes in relief, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
“There you are,” I said, walking toward her. “I’ve been looking all over the house for you.”
She laughed softly. “Sorry, I just went for a walk. Needed some fresh air.”
I raised an eyebrow, pulling her into a hug. “Without telling me? You had me worried.”
She leaned into me, her arms wrapping around my waist. “I didn’t think you’d be back so soon. The council meeting usually takes forever.”
“Not today,” I said, holding her close. “I couldn’t wait to get back home.”
She smiled up at me, her eyes sparkling. “Well, I’m glad you’re here now.”
We stood there for a moment, just holding each other. It was moments like this that reminded me of how far we’d come. From everything we’d been through; the battles, the betrayals, the losses, we had built something strong. Something that no one could take away from us.
“Where’s Edward?” I asked after a moment, glancing around.
“He’s with the nurse,” she replied. “Taking a nap. He’s been asking for you all morning, though. I think he knows when you’re gone for too long.”
I chuckled. “Smart kid.”
Aria nodded, pulling away slightly but keeping her hand in mine. “He takes after you, you know. Every day, I see more of you in him.”
I smiled, feeling a rush of pride. “I hope that’s a good thing.”
“It is,” she said softly, her eyes meeting mine.
We stood there in silence for a moment, just enjoying the quiet. Then Aria broke it with a question.
“How was the council meeting?”
“Long and boring, as usual,” I replied, shaking my head. “Nothing important, just the usual territorial disputes. Honestly, I spent most of the time thinking about getting back here.”
She laughed, a sound that made my heart feel lighter. “You’re a terrible liar, Denderick.”
“Okay, maybe I did listen a little,” I admitted with a grin. “But still, being here with you is far better.”
Aria rolled her eyes playfully. “Well, I’m glad you’re back. There’s something I’ve been wanting to show you.”
I raised a curious eyebrow. “Oh? What is it?”
She gave me a mischievous smile and tugged at my hand. “Come with me. You’ll see.”
Together, we climbed the staircase and walked to her room. Aria led me to the open window in her room, smiling all the way. The sun that filtered through the window illuminated her face. She looked angelic in her white dress and lush brown hair that flowed around her shoulders just the way I liked it.
I remembered how I thought I had lost Aria when she had been given to me as mate. I remembered everything that we had gone through together, as mates. Aria completed me, and I would forever be grateful to the Moon Goddess for bringing her my way.
Aria was a blessing to me from the Goddess, a blessing I would never even think of trading for anything. She was mine and I was hers.
Aria silently opened her arms to me. I settled comfortably into her embrace and wrapped my arms around her. I could feel a very obvious bump between us.
I stepped back, my arms still loosely around her and scrutinised her body, then smiled an uncertain smile.
“Aria, is there something you’re not telling me?”
She giggled and scrunched her nose. “Take a wild guess.”
“You had a very big lunch?” I ventured.
“That’s not it.” She answered.
“You swallowed a watermelon?”
“Shut up, silly.” She slapped my shoulder playfully, then rubbed her hand around the small bump that was her belly. His eyes slowly widened as I realised what she meant. A flutter of fear came alive in my heart, which was promptly squashed by happiness. No amount of fear could kill the joy I was feeling right now.
“You’re pregnant.” I announced. She nodded with enthusiasm and laughed.
Happiness flared up in my chest at her affirmation. I pulled Aria into the circle of my arms and hugged her to my chest. “You have made me the happiest man in the world.”
“What should we name her?” She asked.
I snorted. “And who says it’s a her?”
Aria laughed again. “Because we already have a boy?”
“Alright, my love.” I replied. “Let’s name her Freydis.”
“Freydis.” Aria murmured. “It’s perfect, Denderick.”
And I nodded in affirmation as I held my mate close. Everything was perfect again.