The tears did not stop flowing from her eyes. Hearing Mrs. Edna explaining everything that had happened and listening to my side of the story had been quite emotional.
“Baby, it’s been so hard without you. I have never stopped looking for you.” I held Pandora tightly and refused to let her go.
“If you keep squeezing her like that, you are not going to take her out of here alive”. Mrs. Edna cautioned, and I quickly loosened my grip on her waist.
I touched her belly gently and kissed it. Not being part of her journey for six months is something that I might never be able to come to terms with and forgive myself for.
She had been alone and scared. It was not part of the promises that I had made to her.
“I did not believe it when Caleb said he had found a scent that was quite similar to yours. I had to come down immediately.” I explained.
“So how did you get into the pack? Did you follow the gate, or do you know something that we do not?” Wilson asked, and I sensed the anger in his voice.
“I went through the gate. It was empty on both sides. Looks like we have a common enemy, Wilson.” I stated, asserting my authority. My wolf growled as it suspected a battle of egos.
“Alpha Rolan, you are Pandora’s mate and the father of her pregnancy?” Ashley asked, still in disbelief.
I found it difficult to reconcile her shock with the gravity of the situation, but I did not comment on anything since they were responsible for saving the life of my mate.
“Yes, I am,” I answered calmly.
“But… But Pandora said her mate rejected her. Why would you do that?” Ashley asked, her face taut with emotions.
“Ashley, I was mated to someone else before him. He rejected me in front of the pack, I met Rolan that same night and was mated to him.” Pandora explained on my behalf.
“A Re-mate!” Mrs. Edna exclaimed.
“Yes. He was my second chance. I did not understand why until now. It seems like a lot of people did not believe it. Including my parents. I’m just happy they finally gave their blessings. Rolan, what about my parents? Did you inform them of my kidnap?” She asked me, her face filled with worry.
“No, I did not. They will be back in about two months. I have arranged everything for their arrival. I was hoping to find you before they came and if I did not, well, I planned to drink myself to death before that day.” I assured her and watched her relax her nerves.
“Oh, thank you. They would have been so worried sick. What about Kiara? How is she?” She asked me.
Caleb walked in, and I waited to hear what he had to say before addressing Pandora’s concerns.
“Alpha, the vehicles have arrived. Griffin just confirmed sending them in. We are ready to leave whenever you are.” He informed me politely.
“You are taking Pandora away today?” Mrs. Edna asked me, her eyes tearing up.
“Yes. I am. So many people are waiting to see her. We have all been so worried about her. My triplets too. I want to be with her every day for the rest of the pregnancy. She has been without me long enough.” I announced.
Pandora stood up and hugged Mrs. Edna tightly.
“I understand that you do not want me to leave, if I had my way, I would stay too, but I need to see my family. They must have been worried sick about me all these months. I promise you that I will be back soon, and you can always come to see me whenever you like.” She comforted the crying woman and hugged her tightly.
“Pandora. We have to go back. Griffin just texted me about an emergency that needs both our presence to sort out.” I said, looking at the text on my phone and the time.
“Don’t worry Ashley, you are coming on Wednesday. There really isn’t any separation happening between us. And Wilson, thank you so much. I owe you my life, and I am forever indebted to you. Thank you all so much for your welcoming and loving arms. You made recovery so easy for me.” Pandora thanked them profusely, giving Ashley a hug and Wilson a quick handshake.
When we entered the car, I kissed Pandora so deeply. I had missed her so much and my wolf was fighting to take control so he could spend time with his mate. It felt inappropriate to kiss her even though she was my wife, I had been starved of her beautiful lips for quite a while.
She kissed me deeply, hungrily, almost like she had been waiting to do these things with me again without knowing it.
“Rolan, we lost one of the twins.” She said, and I covered her mouth with another drugging kiss.
“I know. Mrs. Edna told me about it. Do not worry baby, I will get justice for our child, I promise.” I assured them when I pulled away from kissing her.
“Oh, Rolan. Uncle Joe! Did you get him?” She asked me, her eyes darkening and her aura suddenly dangerous.
“Yes, I did. He is in the dungeon. I can finish him off now if you like.” I said to her, smiling gently.
If I spent the next five years just kissing and doting on Pandora, I would feel that it was not nearly enough to satisfy the craving I had for her when she was missing.
Mrs. Edna had mentioned that she had temporarily lost her memory. She might have mild amnesia at some point but Mrs. Edna reassured me that it was nothing that I should worry so much about.
My heart had broken when she had mentioned that we lost one of the babies. It just has been so traumatic for Pandora.
I swore in my heart that I was never going to let anything come in between us again. I got out of the car, and before I realized what was happening, someone had flung herself on me, wrapping her legs tightly around me.
“Marilyn?” I hissed.