Two days later… Alex's p.o.v
They were all packed up and ready to leave Noah's family home and head back to human civilisation. She definitely enjoyed staying here for as long as she did, the only family she's had for a couple of years were just Lucas and Leo. It was beautiful to be a part of a functional family for as long as she did, the people here are more respectful, and her wolf did not help by considering this home. She looked up at the perfect view of the woods, pack schools, playgrounds and the most beautiful sunset.
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.
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Noah's p.o.v
"I will miss seeing the sunset." She said that and turned to wrap her arms around his neck as if she was saying goodbye. "Your family is really nice, and I will especially miss eating unlimited ice cream for free."
They laughed and Noah brought her closer to his embrace, he rested his chin on top of her head. He loves this, they watched every sunset since they have been here. He is delighted she likes Blue, for some inexplicable reason he really wanted Axx to view it as home. He kissed his fated mates' cheek and for a few moments just took in the scenery, his mates body balancing on him.
"I can always stock up your freezer."
"Haha, I was just joking about the ice cream part I just really enjoyed the ice cream combinations here. Thank you for showing me your home. It is beautiful and peaceful here; I am surprised you left."
He was elated to hear that because soon he wanted this to be their home too. He does not want his Axx far away from him not even for a second, how would he survive days? Shit. Now he knows how his father felt when his mother worked in human territory as a therapist, he gets why he wanted her close to him. Would Alex find the separation as devastating as he would? He doesn't want his mate to sacrifice her career for him, she dedicated her world to be a doctor... he always questioned his mother's choices but now he wonders, how did they meet on even grounds?
"Not as beautiful as you."
Her cheeks teased a rosy shade, and she stubbornly pushed him away, it was honestly cute to see his fated so affected by him. Her body told him everything his fated mate's lips were too stubborn or maybe shy to say.
"Did you pack your stuff? I need to get my toothbrush."
He chuckled as he saw Axx run into their shared room closing the doors to the balcony. She disappeared into the bathroom for sure also closing that... both wolf and man can agree on one thing, they found their fated mate and no matter what they can't let her go. She stumbled into his life and now he and his wolf are both in agreement... She's mine.
His mate with deeply rooted trust issues, harsh values, abandonment issues and this weird phobia to love and be loved. No matter what both sides of him vowed the woman who is now packing his things will be theirs indefinitely. His wolf sealed his vow with a howl, and he walked closer to her, holding her sides from behind and kissed her cheek declaring the special vow to the universe.
.
"Mom, dad. Do you approve of my fated mate?"
Everything was packed into the car the bags, the gifts, the extras his mother insisted they take. All that was left was for them to get in, buckle up, and drive off. But they couldn't leave just yet. Not without saying goodbye. Noah's father stepped forward first, a rare softness in his stern features. He clapped a hand on his son's back, his pride unmistakable.
"Take care of her. Of each other."
His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed something deeper approval, maybe even affection. It was surprising. Just days ago, the man had been sceptical, distant and suggesting he leaves her. His respect had to be earned, and somehow, in a matter of days, Alex had done exactly that.
"You chose well son."
Another pat on the back, this one firmer. More final. Noah smiled, a little stunned by how quickly his father had shifted from cautious disapproval to genuine warmth. It wasn't just acceptance. It was something close to love. They turned to say goodbye to his mother next but for that moment, standing under the sun with the weight of both blessings and expectations behind them, it finally felt real.
"I am proud of the person she will shape you up to be."
"Yes. Yes. Of course we do son, in fact I might love her more than you. Just look at her, she looks beautiful, she is intelligent, but I think you should work on putting more meat on her bones." She whispers the last part, she hands her the heart shaped lunch bag. "Here take this lovely… this is home cooked food, and I am certain this will bring you back here again. There is not enough for Noah so enjoy."
His mother tease and whispers the last part giving Alex a playful wink.
"Whose mother are you."
"It is not my fault that you brought me a cute daughter in law. From this day going forward you will be my daughter, if it cannot be by blood then it is by love. Xing the number of daughters we collecting makes my heart soar."
His fated was at a verge of tears and she brought his mother into a hug, almost immediately she pulls away after a second of composure then faced his parents.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Mr and Mrs Zheng."
She bowed and they returned her bow.
"How respectful."
His mother glares golden daggers at him but ends up laughing in reckless abandon. She then faced him with the warmest smile ever, and that smile brought tears to his heart. They embrace and his mom gave Noah a warning that made him almost laugh out loud.
"Bring her next time you come visit, you can't be so pathetic I set up all your dates."
"Mom. You did not have to, you surprised me, and I did not protest because I was yet to meet my Axx."
He winks at his mate, his niece body collided with his fated mate. She turned to face Ora who warmed up to his fated... Alex returned the enthusiastic hug it was as if they were actually sistersespecially since the met each others energy. Suddenly Ora passed out and was immediately caught by Axx who looked at him for assistance but before he could help carry Ora, she gained consciousness.
"Ora what is wrong?"
His mother intervened also confused, she weakly pushed her mother one side to release all the content in her stomach.
"I'm fi-"
More vomit, his mother was about to call the doctor, but his mate got on her knee in an attempt to get a better view.
"Ora, honey was that your first time fainting?"
"No but it's usually not this bad."
"Mhmm."
Ora looked at her feet clearly getting sicker by shaking her head no. She wanted to smile but instead threw up again weakly falling back in her arms. Alex placed her calm hand on Ora's stomach and her eyes turned a sexy amber. She placed another checking her now patient's temperature before checking her eyes. She frowned annoyed but when her gaze reached Ora's frightened and curious gaze, her expression stilled.
"I told you drinking all those brain enhancing supplements will have a negative impact on your health."
Ora nodded, probably feeling too miserable to speak. Noah's attention shifted to his mate his fated one just in time to see her eyes shift into a stunning shade of amber. Then, without a word, she closed them. He frowned in confusion, a question already forming on his lips. But before he could speak, his mother gently placed a hand on his arm, silently urging him to stay quiet. His father, just as curious, watched on with narrowed eyes, observing every detail. Axx stood there, calm and focused, something about her presence grounding the room. Then she opened her eyes again, the golden glow softening into warmth. She smiled at Ora. And to everyone's surprise maybe even Ora's her face had changed. Some of the tension in her shoulders had lifted, and the misery in her expression was gone. She looked... lighter. Noah's breath caught. He didn't know what Axx had just done. But he knew one thing for certain his mate was no ordinary wolf.
"You're so smart, Ora," Axx said gently, brushing a loose strand of hair behind the younger girl's ear. "All you need now is to drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep."
Ora blinked up at her, still pale but listening intently.
"Those symptoms you were feeling they're side effects of a vitamin overdose," Axx continued, her voice soft but firm. "I don't know how many pills you've been taking just to stay focused, but they're doing more harm than good."
She crouched slightly to meet Ora's gaze head-on. "If you don't stop now, what's happening might turn into long-term damage. You could seriously hurt your liver. That's why you've been so nauseous lately."
Axx hesitated for a second, then added with all the gentle honesty she could muster, "And Ora... you're a beautiful young woman. If you continue down this path, you could risk birth defects regardless of your shifter nature. It's not worth the gamble. Those pills? They're basically poison for us."
Ora's eyes widened, finally understanding the seriousness behind the warning.
"And the fact that you're still here, still standing? That means it's not too late to stop."
"What if I'm not smart enough?" Ora burst out, her voice cracking under the weight of the emotions she could no longer suppress. "You finished school two years early. Uncle Noah barely showed up and still passed with A's. I work my ass off just to get a B+. Do you know how hard that is?"
The silence that followed was heavy almost guilty. How had none of them seen this? Ora had been pushing herself to the edge, chasing a standard that didn't even exist. No one expected perfectiononly effort, and she was already giving more than enough of that. Alex gently brushed a strand of hair from Ora's face and pulled her into a hug, holding her like the younger sister she never had.
"I'll admit," Alex said softly, "I don't know exactly how hard it is for you. But I do know this, we all have different strengths. Where I lack in one area, I make up for in another. You don't have to be like me or Noah or anyone else. If you love what you do, go after it. If you try you best, that's all that matters. Don't let the things you struggle with make you think you're not good enough."
Ora clung to her, eyes glossy. "Will I be, okay?"
"Yes," Alex nodded reassuringly. "I managed to burn most of the toxins in your bloodstream. But now, your job is to drink lots of water and rest. That's the most important thing right now. Ora, this could've ended very differently today. The body usually filters what we consume, but when too many toxins build up, it can't keep up. What starts as help turns into harm, and I don't want to see you take that risk again. I'm not trying to scare you I just want you to understand how serious this is."
They hugged again, tighter this time. Noah watched the exchange silently, a realisation dawning on him: his mate wasn't just a healer. She had healed Ora without medication, something even the most skilled shifter healers couldn't do.
"I don't want you to leave," Ora whispered. "I'll miss having a sister."
Alex smiled, her voice warm and honest. "And I'll miss having a little sister. I've never had one before. But I'm always just a call away, okay? You have my number, call me whenever."
Ora wiped at the tears slipping down her cheeks. Alex did the same for her before taking her hand gently.
"Come on, let's get you to bed. But first, give me all the supplements you've been taking I don't want you to relapse."
Ora nodded, managing a smile as she led her down the hallway. Noah followed, wordless and awestruck, grabbing a glass of water for Ora and handing his mate her favourite tub of ice cream. Then, the two quietly disappeared down the hall. He turned to face his mother, catching the shimmer of tears in her eyes.
"She'll make a good mother one day, don't you think?" he asked softly.
His mother gave a watery smile, voice tender but strong. "Yes, love. Absolutely. Now stand up straight you're an alpha. Be the kind of man that beautiful girl can be proud to stand beside."
He took a deep breath, adjusting his posture instinctively. He had learned more from his fated mate in the past few days than he ever expected. She challenged him, healed him, and unknowingly pulled him toward a version of himself he wanted to be. If it were up to him, he'd ask her to move in right away. They'd live together as if they were already bonded, married in everything but ceremony. Until she was ready because he could wait.
"She's lovely, son. You've outdone yourself."
His mother's words made something warm bloom in his chest.
"How's school going?" she added, ever the curious and attentive mother.
He filled her in assignments, professors, how he was managing everything despite being away from Moon and adjusting to this stage of life. They still had to pick up Lucas and Toby before heading to the airport, but for now, he was content just being here. When he finished, his mother wiped a stray tear and stepped closer, wrapping him in a hug filled with more love than words could express. It was the kind of hug only a mother could give a quiet blend of pride, nostalgia, and reassurance.
"You've made me so proud," she whispered against his shoulder. "You've found yourself a special mate, my handsome son. These steps you're taking. They're the beginning of a beautiful future. You both make me proud. Xing… my boy is a grown man now."
She pulled back and turned slightly, now leaning into her husband and fated mate for support. Axx walked into the space just then, a small bucket of ice cream in her hand. She froze when she noticed the tender moment and began stepping back toward the car, trying not to intrude.
"Alex, honey?" his mother called gently. "Can I speak to you for a moment? Please, follow your father son."
The tenderness shifted into something heavier an emotion more personal, perhaps protective or curious. Noah watched as his mother's affection temporarily turned toward something more pressing.Alex glanced his way, and he wanted to be there, wanted to hear whatever was going to be said, but his father had other plans.
"Come," his father said, already walking toward one of the soundproof rooms downstairs.
Noah groaned but followed with a reluctant expression. So much for eavesdropping.