-Ember-
I'm about halfway through my breakfast when Oaklynn finally returns to the dining hall. My eyes immediately zero in on the angry red mark on her neck---exactly where Killian had his mouth. Subtle.
"Holy shit, is that what I think it is?" Ivy perks up inside my mind. "Someone got claimed! And by the size of that thing, it wasn't a gentle little love bite either."
Oaklynn slides into the seat beside me, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the two men sitting across the table. There's something different about her---a new confidence in the way she holds herself, like she's finally comfortable in her own skin.
"I'm sorry, Oaklynn," Killian says, looking genuinely remorseful. "I shouldn't have crossed the line like that. Total dick move on my part."
Oaklynn sighs, her fingers absently touching the mark. "Just don't do it again, okay?"
"Are you alright?" Jamison leans across the table, concern etched across his stupidly handsome face.
A small smile tugs at Oaklynn's lips. "Everything's fine, Mom. I survived."
I study my friend's face, noticing the slight flush to her cheeks and the way her eyes seem brighter somehow. "What the hell happened with you two? And why didn't you tell me Carter is your mate?"
Oaklynn's head whips toward me, her eyes wide. "What? How did you---"
"Oh please," I roll my eyes. "I'm not blind. The way he looks at you? The way he reacted when these two idiots were touching you? Classic mate behavior."
"We're not... I mean, he hasn't..." Oaklynn stammers, her fingers nervously tracing the mark on her neck.
"Where is he anyway?" I ask, glancing around the room.
"Well," Oaklynn says, lightly touching the red mark on her neck, "after he scrubbed my neck raw"---she shoots Killian a pointed look---"thanks for that by the way... he said he had to go take care of something and disappeared."
I narrow my eyes at Killian. "Seriously, did you have to leave such an obvious mark? That's going to take days to fade."
Killian holds up his hands defensively. "That wasn't me."
"What?" I look between him and Oaklynn, confused.
Oaklynn's cheeks turn crimson as she touches the mark again. "It wasn't Killian," she admits softly. "After Carter... um... cleaned Killian's scent off me, he sort of... replaced it with his own."
"I knew it!" I exclaim, perhaps a bit too loudly. "And you're just now telling me he's your mate? Some best friend you are."
"I didn't know for sure," Oaklynn defends herself. "I mean, I felt something when we first met, but he was so angry and standoffish. And then last night happened, and this morning..." She trails off, her blush deepening.
"This morning what?" I press, leaning closer.
"Nothing happened," she insists, though her voice lacks conviction. "He just made it very clear that I'm... his."
"I'm still worried. "But he wasn't mean? He didn't hurt you?"
"No," Oaklynn says with an eye roll. "Contrary to his perpetual scowl, he was actually... decent." The way she says "decent" makes me think Carter was a lot more than just decent.
Adrian's warm hand covers mine. "I promise you, little wolf, you and your friend are completely safe here. No one will hurt you."
"Carter's actions aren't exactly reassuring," I grumble, remembering the way he manhandled Oaklynn last night.
Adrian kisses my temple, his lips lingering just long enough to make my stomach flutter. "He would die before he allowed Oaklynn to get hurt. Trust me."
I melt into him despite myself. "Fine. But if you're wrong, I'm letting Stella have fun with all of you." The threat hangs in the air, and I'm only half-joking.
"Stella would have a field day with these boys," Ivy snickers. "She'd have them crying for their mothers within the hour."
Adrian and Jamison laugh like I just told them a hilarious joke instead of threatening their lives.
"I don't have a death wish, Luna," Jamison says, still chuckling.
Killian looks between Adrian and Jamison, confusion written across his face. "Stella?"
I exchange a glance with Oaklynn, who's also fighting a smile. "Stella is... creative when it comes to protecting her friends."
"Creative how?" Killian's voice takes on a flirty tone that makes me want to gag.
Adrian laughs, shaking his head. "Creative is one way to put it. She'd definitely fit in here, that's for sure."
"Well, hell," Killian says, rubbing his hands together like he's dreaming of a feast, "why isn't she here already?"
"Whoa, buddy." Jamison holds up his hands. "That girl is way too much for you to handle."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Killian asks, looking offended.
"You think a fun time is algorithms and spending all day hacking systems," Jamison explains. "Her fun involves dismemberment."
Killian's eyes light up. "Mmm... tell me more."
All three guys laugh while Oaklynn and I just stare at them. Clearly Stella has made quite the impression on the Alpha of Dark Moon if even he's warning his guys about her. I make a mental note to text her later---she'd get a kick out of knowing she's infamous here.
Our breakfast banter is interrupted when a man approaches and leans down to whisper something in Adrian's ear. Adrian's expression shifts instantly from playful to deadly serious, his jaw clenching in that way that shouldn't be hot but absolutely is.
"I'll head there now," Adrian says to the guy, his voice hard. "You stay here with Ember and Oaklynn." He turns to me. "This is Jax, my Gamma. He'll be in charge of your security."
I give Jax a smile, trying to ignore the flutter of anxiety in my chest. "Hello, I'm Ember, though I'm sure you're aware." I gesture to Oaklynn. "This is my friend Oaklynn."
Jax bows his head respectfully to both of us. He's tall with dark hair and the watchful eyes of someone who notices everything.
Adrian cups my face. "I have to go, little wolf." He kisses me softly. "Stay with Jax. If you need anything at all, he'll make it happen." He turns to Jax. "Have Carter come be your second."
At the mention of Carter's name, Oaklynn blushes and tenses simultaneously. Interesting.
"Am I not safe here?" I ask, my brows furrowing. Because seriously, what the hell?
Adrian takes both my hands in his, bringing them to his face. "No, baby, that's not what this is. No one in my pack would ever hurt you. This is just me being overprotective."
I think about the fact that Tanner is currently sitting in Adrian's cells, probably plotting my demise. "You know what? I'll gladly accept the security. You never know what kind of animal could weasel their way out of a box."
Adrian stands and drops one last kiss on my lips before he, Killian, and Jamison head out of the dining hall, leaving me with more questions than answers.
"So, Jax..." I motion for him to take a seat. "What are we doing today?"
"Well, Luna, what did you do day-to-day in Silver Moon?" he asks.
My face twists in annoyance. "I was Alpha Garrett's secretary. Glorified coffee fetcher and appointment keeper."
"I bet his whole office is a disaster zone right now," Oaklynn snorts. "After you spending three days in the clinic and then coming here." She laughs. "That man would lose his wolf if it wasn't bound to him."
"He probably hasn't had his coffee in days," I say with mock horror. "The pack must be in chaos."
An idea strikes me. "Can we go to your pack's hospital? Show Oaklynn around?" I know she'd love to see how a larger pack runs their medical facilities.
Jax shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Maybe later."
"Okay..." I say, confused by his reluctance.
"Would you like to see the pup center?" he suggests quickly. "It was one of the places Alpha's mom was in charge of."
I look at Oaklynn with a smile. Silver Moon is so small that there aren't many kids. We send them to human schools close to our territory. "Do you want to?"
"YES!" Oaklynn practically shouts, her eyes lighting up. She's always had a soft spot for kids.
"Let's go," Jax says, standing. "I'll introduce you to Laura. She's the one currently in charge."
As we're about to leave, Jax waves down a woman wearing scrubs. She looks to be in her late twenties or early thirties.
"This is Kyrine," Jax says. "Kyrine, this is your Luna."
Kyrine bows, which makes me feel incredibly awkward. "Nice to meet you, Luna."
"You too, Kyrine," I say with a smile, fighting the urge to tell her to please never bow to me again.
"I'm placing you in charge of all the Luna's meals for the day," Jax tells her. "She'll be taking lunch in the south library around 1:15."
"No, no, please," I interject. "I can come back here for lunch. Don't go out of your way."
"It's fine, Luna," Jax insists. "This is a great honor for her. She'll get a pay raise for the day."
Oaklynn and I exchange confused looks. "You pay your omegas?" I ask.
Kyrine laughs like I've just told a hilarious joke. "Everyone gets paid for anything they do for the pack."
"Silver Moon only pays the trained doctors, warriors, and ranked wolves," Oaklynn explains. "Most of the pack has human jobs in the nearby town."
Jax scoffs. "Sounds about right for most packs. Alpha Adrian's parents started a work program when they took over."
"How does the pack make money to be able to do that?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"Alpha didn't tell you?" Jax asks, raising an eyebrow.
I shake my head, fighting back a smile. "We haven't done a lot of... talking."
Oaklynn giggles beside me, and I elbow her in the ribs.
"His parents started a lumber business," Jax explains, "and when Alpha took over, he expanded it to carpentry. We make custom furniture and have a very large, very wealthy client list."
Oaklynn looks around at our surroundings---the intricate woodwork, the custom furniture. "That explains a lot."
I turn to Kyrine. "I would be honored if you helped Oaklynn and me with our meals today." I give Jax a pointed look. "She gets double the raise because I'm including Oaklynn."
"You're the Luna," Jax says with a shrug. "Whatever you decide is basically law now."
"On that note," I say, scooting my chair back, "this Luna wants to go play with some kids."
We say our goodbyes to Kyrine, who takes our breakfast dishes to the kitchen, and follow Jax through the halls to the opposite side of the packhouse. As we walk, the laughter and squeals of children grow louder. The walls transition from wood to glass as we approach the pup center.
My breath catches as I take in the room beyond the glass. It's a massive indoor playroom with a large ball pit in the center, slides going down into it, an art station in the far corner by a window overlooking the landscape, and a cozy reading area along the back wall lined with bookshelves containing hundreds of books.
"Wow," Oaklynn breathes as we enter the room. "This is incredible."
"This place makes Silver Moon's daycare look like a prison yard," Ivy comments. "These kids are living better than most humans!"
A woman wearing a flowing yellow dress adorned with several long necklaces spots us and makes her way over, her smile warm and inviting.
"Jax, darling, what a welcome surprise!" she says, pulling him into a hug.
"Laura," Jax says, stepping back, "meet Oaklynn, and this"---he gestures to me---"is our Luna."
Laura's eyes widen. "Luna?! Oh my!" She wraps me in a tight hug before pulling away. "Adrian finally found us a Luna."
I don't know why, but her statement doesn't sit right with me. Like I'm just some random woman Adrian decided to bring home to fulfill a role. Like I'm interchangeable.
"Excuse me?" Ivy bristles. "Found us a Luna? Like we're some accessory he picked up at the mall? I don't think so, lady."
Jax must sense my discomfort because he quickly adds, "Laura, Luna Ember is Alpha's true mate."
Laura's hands clasp in front of her chest. "True mate? Oh, Goddess above! We have truly been blessed."
"That's better," Ivy grumbles.
Before I can respond, a high-pitched squeal cuts through the air. I look over to see a little girl---around four years old with long curly blonde hair, the purest blue eyes, and rosy cheeks---making a beeline for us with a huge smile on her face. A teenage girl chases after her.
"Iris! Come back here! Leave them alone!" the teen calls, dodging toys and kids.
"Pretty lady!" Iris squeals, laughing as she crashes into Oaklynn's legs in a tight embrace that causes my friend to let out a surprised "oof."
Oaklynn looks down at the little girl with a sweet smile. "Well, hello there."
Iris suddenly turns shy. "Hi. I'm Iris. You're really pretty."
"Thank you," Oaklynn says softly. "So are you."
The teenage girl finally reaches us, trying to pry the little girl off Oaklynn's leg. "I am so sorry. She saw you and just ran." She looks down at Iris. "Come on, Iris. Let's go back to playing over there."
Iris shakes her head stubbornly. "No, I want to play with the pretty lady."
Oaklynn places her hand on Iris's head, stroking it gently while addressing the teen. "It's okay. I don't mind. I'm Oaklynn. And this"---she gestures to me---"is Luna Ember."
The teen's face pales slightly at my introduction. "Oh! I'm so sorry for this." She tries harder to pull Iris away. "Come on, Iris, let's leave these ladies alone."
"No, it's fine," I say, bending down to talk to the little girl. "Oaklynn and I would love to come play with you."
Iris looks up at Oaklynn and smiles, then raises her arms, clearly wanting to be picked up. Oaklynn bends down and scoops her up without hesitation.
"Can you read me a story first?" Iris asks, her blue eyes wide and hopeful.
Oaklynn snuggles her cheek to cheek. "I would love to."
"I'm Callie, by the way," the teen says, walking alongside us as we head to the reading area.
"Nice to meet you, Callie," I say with a smile. "Do you work here?"
"No, I volunteer on days I don't have school," she explains.
"Auntie Callie almost gets her wolf now," Iris announces proudly.
"Oh! You're almost eighteen?" I ask, and Callie nods with a smile. "That's so exciting! I remember when I got my wolf. Her name is Ivy. Are you nervous?"
"And what a glorious day that was," Ivy preens. "The day you got the best wolf spirit in existence. You're welcome."
Callie plops down on a beanbag chair as Oaklynn and Iris go search for a book. "I'm excited to get my wolf. I'm nervous about the mate part."
Memories of Tanner invade my mind like unwanted pests. "Hopefully if you find him, you get a good one." I bounce my eyebrows suggestively. "Do you have anyone in mind you hope to be your fated mate?"
Jax clears his throat, getting our attention. "I'm going to be out there." He points through the glass wall to a seating area that looks like a little café. "Stay as long as you want, Luna."
"Thanks, Jax," I say with a smile before turning back to Callie. "So... spill."
Callie blushes. "Just one, but I don't think he's my mate. There's a bit of an age gap."
I wave my hand dismissively. "There are about three years between Adrian and me. Age is just a number when it comes to mates."
Callie smiles and seems to get lost in her own thoughts. Oaklynn and Iris return with a book, settling into a beanbag with a blanket. Iris takes a seat in Oaklynn's lap, resting her head against my friend's chest as she begins to read.
I take a moment to really absorb the scene around me---children laughing and playing, the warmth and safety of this space. It's nothing like the cold, utilitarian approach of Silver Moon.
"It's nice seeing Oaklynn like this," I say quietly to Callie. "She seems to fit right in here."
"She's really good with Iris," Callie agrees, watching as Oaklynn does different voices for each character in the story, making Iris giggle. "It's actually surprising how quickly Iris warmed up to her. She doesn't usually take to women so easily."
"Really?" I ask, intrigued. "Why is that?"
Callie's expression darkens slightly. "Her mother... wasn't very maternal behind closed doors. Away from the pack's eyes, she was pretty cold to Iris. The poor thing learned not to trust women very quickly."
My heart aches at this revelation. "Where is her mother now?"
"She was killed nine months ago," Callie says quietly, making sure Iris can't hear. "It hit everyone hard, especially Carter."
"Carter?" I repeat, suddenly making the connection. Those same piercing blue eyes, the blonde curls... "Is Iris his daughter?"
Callie nods. "Yes. He's been raising her alone since Lilianna died. It's been... difficult for both of them."
Everything clicks into place—Carter's overprotectiveness, his reluctance to get close to Oaklynn despite their obvious connection, the pain in his eyes when he watches her.
"Has she been a doctor long?" Callie asks, changing the subject as she nods toward Oaklynn.
"Since she was sixteen," I reply proudly, still processing this new information. "Youngest doctor in Silver Moon's history. She's brilliant."
"We could use more medical staff here," Callie says. "Especially someone good with pups."
I watch Oaklynn, noting how natural she looks with Iris in her lap, how at ease she seems in this environment. The little girl is curled against her chest, completely trusting in a way that seems rare for her according to Callie.
"You know," I say thoughtfully, "I think she might be happier here than she ever was at Silver Moon."
Movement catches my eye, and I turn to see someone standing on the other side of the glass wall. Carter. He's staring at Oaklynn and Iris, his expression unguarded for once.
"Well, well, well," Ivy purrs. "Now it all makes sense. He's not just stalking his mate—he's watching his daughter bond with her. Talk about complicated."
They look so natural together, like a family that was always meant to be. And for the first time since meeting Carter, he doesn't look angry... just conflicted. The kind of conflict that comes from wanting something desperately but being afraid to reach for it.
I excuse myself from Callie and walk over to the glass door, slipping outside to where Carter stands.
"You know," I say, making him jump slightly, "instead of creepily watching from out here, you could just go in and join them."
Carter's expression immediately shutters, his usual scowl sliding back into place. "I'm just doing my job. Jax asked me to keep an eye on you."
"Uh-huh," I say skeptically. "And that job requires you to stare at your daughter and Oaklynn like you're afraid they might disappear if you blink?"
Carter's eyes widen slightly before narrowing. "Callie told you."
"She mentioned it," I admit. "Why didn't you tell Oaklynn that you have a daughter?"
Carter's jaw tightens. "It's not relevant."
"Not relevant?" I repeat incredulously. "Your daughter just attached herself to your mate like she's been waiting her whole life to meet her, and you don't think that's relevant?"
"She's—" Carter stops himself, then sighs heavily. "It's complicated."
"It always is," I say, softening my tone as I see the genuine pain in his eyes. "But let me tell you something as someone who wasted years with the wrong wolf—when you find the right one, don't waste time. Trust me on that."
Carter's gaze returns to Oaklynn, who's now laughing as Iris acts out a part of the story. "She deserves better than a widower with a kid."
"Shouldn't that be her choice to make?" I counter gently.
Before he can respond, the door opens and Oaklynn steps out, Iris still in her arms. "I thought I saw you two out here."
Iris immediately reaches for Carter with a delighted squeal. "Daddy! Did you see me? I'm being a dragon!"
The transformation in Carter is remarkable—his face softens completely as he takes his daughter, his large hands impossibly gentle. "The fiercest dragon in all the land," he confirms, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Oaklynn watches them with a mixture of surprise and understanding dawning on her face. "You're her father," she says quietly, everything clicking into place.
Carter meets her gaze, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes. "Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Oaklynn asks, hurt evident in her voice.
"I didn't want you to feel... obligated," Carter admits, adjusting Iris in his arms. "Being someone's mate is one thing. Taking on their child is another."
Oaklynn's expression softens as she whispers, "If she's yours, she's mine."
Something shifts in Carter's demeanor—a wall crumbling, perhaps. "Oaklynn—"
"Daddy, come read with us!" Iris interrupts, tugging at his shirt. "Pretty lady does all the voices!"
"Pretty lady has a name, sweetie," Carter corrects gently. "Her name is Oaklynn."
"Oak-lin," Iris attempts, scrunching her nose adorably. "I like her, Daddy. Can she be my new mommy?"
The awkward silence that follows is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Oaklynn's cheeks flame red, and Carter looks like he wants the ground to open up and swallow him whole.
"Iris," he starts carefully, "it doesn't work like—"
"It kind of does in this situation." I mumble.
"I'd love to continue our story," Oaklynn interrupts, saving him from having to answer. She holds the door open. "Coming?"
Carter hesitates for only a second before nodding. "Yeah. I guess I could take a break."
As they walk back inside together, Iris chattering excitedly between them, I can't help but smile. They already look like a family—the three of them together just fits in a way that's impossible to deny.
I follow them back to the reading nook, taking a seat nearby as they settle onto a beanbag together. Iris insists on sitting between them, one small hand holding Carter's while the other clutches Oaklynn's sleeve.
"He's coming around," I whisper to Oaklynn when Iris is distracted by turning pages.
"Maybe," she whispers back, but I don't miss the way her eyes linger on Carter's face as he watches his daughter with undisguised love. "I just wish he'd been honest with me from the start."
"Trust me," I say with a knowing smile. "Some wounds take time to heal, but I think you're exactly what both of them need."
As Oaklynn begins reading again, Carter's eyes meet mine over Iris's head. There's gratitude there, mixed with lingering wariness. But for the first time, I see something else too—hope.