Lucy’s POV
Weeks passed by in a blur. Normalcy returned to Moongrowl and its environs.
After Vladimir’s plot met its end at the cliffs, the next thing we had to face was actually freeing the slaves from Bloodbath pack. Shaun was relentless, storming brothels and homes that didn’t comply.
I handed over the responsibility of Luna to Rosa, whom I trusted with my heart and my soul. Even in captivity, she had always believed in me, even when things got tough. She deserved to lead. She left along with those who wanted to return to Bloodbath and rebuild, promising to visit whenever time permitted.
Not everyone left, though. Some of the slaves preferred to remain in Moongrowl, picking the established land over one wrought with so much uncertainty. Some explained that they had already found their place in Moongrowl, and expressed trust in me being able to take care of them, while others simply wanted to leave the past behind because reliving the memories would have been too painful for them.
I understood those people, because i also shared the same sentiment. There was nothing for me back in that territory, and I had known this since that day Nameless had captured me. I couldn’t imagine myself back in our home, struggling to create a future from the ashes of my parents and my brother. The pain wouldn’t let me. There were some wounds that took years to heal-and I didn’t think this one was ready to close over just yet.
–
“We can send scouts over the border to confirm the alert from the South,” said Seth enthusiastically as he pointed to the wall where he had scribbled some plans on how we could tackle and issue brought for us to table. “This will ensure that we effectively make use of our resources and also remain steps ahead in case it does turn out to be true.”
His cheeks were flush with life as he spoke, and it was almost impossible to believe that he was the very person who had been fighting for his life weeks before, kissing the edge of death.
“But doesn’t that put the scouts at risk?” asked Shaun, seated to my left at the edge of the meeting table. “We’re trying to investigate the claims that there are rogues roaming the edge of the Southern Packs-our neighbours. We wouldn’t want to send the scouts straight into danger.”
“We wouldn’t be. They’re trained for this kind of missions. All they need to do is confirm if the news are true and report back. Even footprints are enough to prove these claims.”
After a moment of contemplation, Shaun conceded. “Alright. I trust your judgement on this.”
Seth nodded triumphantly, smiling. “I’ll send out the scouts by first light tomorrow. We should get feedback before the end of the day.”
Shaun turned to Scott, who until that moment had been quietly observing the meeting as usual.
He had allowed his hair to grow out a little, which gave him a much softer look. He had even started wearing brighter colours instead of his usual dull greys and blacks. I didn’t know what brought about the change, but I had a feeling it was connected to having found closure concerning their mother’s death and knowing that her murderer was ten feet below ground.
“Scott, any feedback from the Eastern Sky Pack?” asked Shaun. During the time Seth had been incapacitated, he had stepped into the role as a leader completely, filling all the gaps that needed tending to. It didn’t take long for even pack members to begin seeing him as the sole Alpha of Moongrowl, often coming to see him concerning their issues.
Scott shook his head. “No. I’ll have to go and pay them a visit to remind them about our terms.”
“Their Luna has been absent from regional meetings two months in a row now. I’m getting a bad feeling about her health, and I’m not sure that son of hers is ready to take the reins.”
“Yes. She has been very ill. Her son’s not making things easier. From the trade decisions he makes you’d think he was a twelve year old child.” He remained stoic as he spoke, even though technically he had cracked a joke.
Shaun sighed. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing much we can do. All we can hope for is that his mother gets better soon. I’m not sure what’s going to happen if the pack falls into his hands.”
“Chaos.”
Our meeting came to a close soon after that, and Scott and Seth left almost immediately to attend to the other responsibilities they had. This left only Shaun and I in the quiet, slightly cold, study.
After a long while of silence, Shaun finally put down the papers he had been reading and turned to face me. A small smile was already playing on his lips.
“I have something to show you,” he simply said, taking my hand in his. “Will you come with me?”
Of course, I agreed.
–
The water rushing by the creek created a calm ambience I enjoyed. I had taken off my shoes and plunged my feet unto the cool water once we had reached there.
“Why didn’t you leave?” Shaun asked, calmly watching our reflections ripple in the water.
“I didn’t want to.”
“You didn’t want to return . . . home to your territory?”
“There’s nothing there for me anymore. I’m no longer the girl I once was. The person who cried every night for her family. Going there would have opened wounds I wanted to keep closed.”
A small pause passed between us, and I took the moment to relish the soft breeze passing through the trees surrounding us. It looked like a perfect spot to take my wolf out for a run. Perfect shade. Good, soft grass that surrendered perfectly underneath one’s feet.
“I like it here,” I said after a moment of thought. “It’s very calming.”
“I had a feeling you’d enjoy it here. It’s good I followed my instincts,” he replied with a smirk. “But that’s not entirely why I asked you to come here with me.”
“Oh? Is there a problem?”
He shook his head. “Not at all, I just wanted to ask you one simple question.”
I leaned against his shoulder, feeling very much at home. “And what is that?”
“Be mine, completely, Lucy. Marry me.”