*Selena*
I woke up gasping for air as if I had just regained my physical form. I instinctively touched myself with my hand, reassuring myself that I was in my room, dressed in my sleepwear, while the divine temple from my dream had vanished. Still confused, I grappled with the uncertainty of whether it was merely a dream or a profound sign. The only way to unravel the mystery was to seek answers from the high priestess; finding her became my immediate priority. Zander hadn’t returned since last night, but he had sent a message that he was occupied with documenting necessary amendments.
“Mom!” Austin rushed towards me and leaped onto the bed beside me. “You’re awake.”
“Yes, baby boy. I am awake. How are you feeling here? Do you like your new home?” I asked, taking him onto my lap and hugging him affectionately.
“Yes, Mom. This packhouse is like a palace, and I like it more than our old home,” he told me, his eyes shining brightly with joy and excitement. I smiled as I ruffled his hair.
“Can we live here forever?” he asked innocently.
“Of course, munchkin. This is your home, and you are the prince and heir of the Moonglow pack,” I assured my son.
“So, you need to stop calling me munchkin because one day I am going to become the Alpha King,” he said, trying to talk like an adult.
“Hey, hey, you naughty boy! Come here.” I took him into my embrace and tickled him as he laughed. “You will always be my munchkin, no matter how old you become. Don’t forget that,” I said softly as I kissed his cheek. He giggled.
“Okay, Mom. Now leave me. I will die from laughing,” he said, screeching between laughs.
“Alright, did you have your breakfast?” I asked, smoothing his hair and kissing the top of his head.
he grinned, excitement bubbling in his voice. “Dad fed me breakfast today, right from his hand, and then we strolled to the park nearby while you were still asleep.”
My eyebrows shot up, forming a perplexed furrow. “Dad’s back?” I blurted out, a mix of surprise and confusion coloring my words. “Then why didn’t he come to the room?”
Austin nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling. “Yeah, he’s back, but he didn’t want to disturb your beauty sleep. Said you looked exhausted last night.”
A warmth spread through my chest at his consideration. My cold Alpha had a soft side.
“Where is your dad now?” I inquired, suddenly feeling incomplete without him.
“He left for pack duty, but he told me to let him know when you woke up,” Austin explained, his voice tinged with a hint of responsibility.
“Alright, I’ll hop into the shower. By the time I’m done, your dad should be back,” I said, planting a quick kiss on his forehead. With that, I untangled myself from the sheets and made my way to the bathroom.
The entire time, I tried to unwind in a soothing hot bath, but my mind couldn’t shake off the strange dream I had earlier. After a quick shower, I stepped out of the room, only to be greeted by the heart-melting voices of my mate and our son. I paused, taking a moment to savor the sight of them together. Zander had never seemed so patient and tender as he looked now when he was talking to our son.
Zander’s voice pulled me back to reality, “Why are you standing there and staring at us?”
He tilted his head in my direction, and I tried not to squirm under his intense gaze, feeling like he was undressing me with his sharp blue eyes.
“You both were so engrossed in conversation that I thought not to interrupt,” I smiled, slowly striding toward the bed where my two worlds sat.
“We’re never too busy for you, my love,” Zander husked out, and Austin giggled, reminding us he was also part of the conversation.
“Mom, Dad, and I were brainstorming what to do today. Yesterday, Aunt Blair gave me a tour of the whole pack house. I went to the nearby park with Uncle Maddox, and now, I’m bored,” Austin sighed, wearing a truly bored expression. Zander and I exchanged glances before bursting into laughing at our little munchkin’s adorable complaints.
“Goddess, I’ve missed so many moments, and now I don’t want to miss anything. So, I worked the whole night to make arrangements and assigned duties to my best warriors. I gave strict instructions that no one should bother me unless it’s very urgent,” Zander said with a stern expression. “I don’t want to miss a thing and want to live every moment of my life with my family.”
My heart ached to hear him because I knew the reason behind his actions.
But, my mate, this time I won’t let you go away from me; I’ll fight destiny. No one can take you away from me.
“Yay! I’m so happy, Dad will be with us!” Austin squealed, standing on the bed and starting to jump.
“Yes, honey. Dad will always be with us,” I affirmed, locking eyes with my mate. Zander frowned.
Yes, my mate, I knew what you were hiding from me. But what I just said is also true.
“So, where are we going to explore today?” Austin asked cheerfully.
But I had another idea.
“Baby boy, today Aunt Blair and Uncle Maddox will take you to the amusement park because Mom and Dad have to go somewhere else,” I said softly.
“What?!” Austin looked upset. “No, Mom. I want to go with you and Dad.”
“Honey, try to understand. Mom and Dad will accompany you another day, but today we have urgent work,” I explained with a helpless smile.
“Selena, where are you talking about going?” Zander asked, his eyes filled with so many questions.
“To the Moon Goddess Temple,” I announced.
“Moon Goddess Temple?!” he mumbled in confusion.
“Yes, because I need to find some answers,” I declared, determined.