📖 CHAPTER 14 —
Three months had passed since the storm that had nearly torn the Lunaris Pack apart. Rogue attacks had ceased, and the capital had begun to breathe again, free from fear and shadows. The sun shone brighter on the silvered towers of the Southern Capital, reflecting off polished streets and gardens in bloom. Birds sang from the treetops, and the scent of lilacs and jasmine drifted through the air.
Lucas stood on the balcony of the ruling hall, gazing over the city. His chest rose and fell slowly, steady, a rare calmness settling over him. His green eyes softened as he watched pack members walking through the courtyards, children laughing, elders exchanging greetings, and hunters practicing in the training grounds. The air itself seemed lighter, unburdened by treachery or deceit.
Behind him, Louise approached, her steps quiet but purposeful. She rested a hand gently on her stomach, feeling the subtle flutter of life growing within her. Her eyes met his, and for the first time in months, Lucas allowed himself a full smile.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, voice low, intimate.
Louise's lips curved. "Stronger every day. But… the cravings are unreal," she admitted with a laugh. "Pickles and chocolate… and sometimes… sweet tea with strawberries."
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll make sure the kitchens stock all of it for you. Anything for my mate… and our child." He lowered himself to kneel slightly, resting a hand over her belly. "Can you feel that?" he murmured. "Our little one… moving?"
Louise laughed softly, placing her hand over his. "Yes. Little kicks. Sometimes it's playful, sometimes… insistent." She grinned. "I think they already know they have a strong father."
From the garden courtyard, Leo called out to Lucas with a grin. He was carrying a basket of fruits, making his way toward them. Maya followed behind, her hands resting protectively over her own stomach.
"Maya's cravings are as intense as yours, Louise," Leo said, lifting a peach and handing it to her. "And she's been asking for spicy stew at midnight. I swear she has me running around like a loyal wolf pup."
Maya rolled her eyes playfully, but the warmth in her smile was unmistakable. "It's not my fault they need… frequent nourishment," she said softly, placing her hands on her abdomen. "I can feel them stretching and moving already. I hope they'll be as brave as their father."
Leo knelt beside her, pressing a gentle kiss over her rounded belly. "You have nothing to fear. I'll protect them. Every step of the way. And I promise… I'll be the best father they could ever ask for."
Lucas leaned closer to Louise. "I can already imagine talking to our child every day. Telling them about their pack, their family, teaching them how to fight, to love, to protect." His voice softened. "You… you're going to be the most amazing mother. I can feel it."
Louise's eyes glistened with emotion. "And you're going to be their rock, Lucas. Even if they wake us up at odd hours for… pickles or chocolate." She laughed, pressing a hand to his cheek. "We're in this together. All of us."
The couples walked together through the gardens, trailing their fingers over the leaves of flowering bushes, laughing quietly at small, private jokes. Louise paused by a fountain, leaning over to dip her hand in the water, feeling the cool splash on her skin.
"I think… I think our child just kicked again," Louise said softly, looking at Lucas with wonder. "Strong and lively, just like their father."
Lucas knelt beside her, resting his hands lightly on her belly, closing his eyes as he felt the subtle movements. "Hello, little one," he murmured. "Your father is here. I promise… you will never be afraid. You will grow up knowing love, strength, and loyalty. Your mother is extraordinary… and you already have her courage."
Maya and Leo joined them soon after, sitting on the fountain's edge. Maya's own child shifted, causing her to laugh and clutch her stomach. "I think someone wants more of that midnight stew," she teased.
Leo chuckled, pressing his hand over hers. "And I'll bring it. No complaint, no hesitation. Whatever you need… my child, my mate."
Felix jogged over with two trays of snacks — sweet fruits, pastries, and cold drinks. "I heard about the cravings. Thought we'd better not risk a hunger tantrum," he said, grinning.
Lucas laughed, taking a piece of fruit and passing it to Louise. "I swear, you two are going to keep us running in circles, but I don't mind. It's… happiness. Finally, something pure after everything we've faced."
The pack's children played nearby, chasing each other between the gardens and training grounds, laughter ringing through the air. Elders shared stories of old battles, but without malice or fear, only lessons and wisdom. Lucas watched, arms around Louise, heart full. The future they had fought for — their children, their pack, their home — was alive and thriving.
As the sun began to dip, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose, the couples strolled along the river that ran beside the capital. Louise rested her head on Lucas's shoulder, fingers brushing lightly over her belly. "It's strange," she murmured. "We survived so much… and now… this calm feels almost unreal."
Lucas kissed the top of her head, voice husky. "We've earned it. We can't waste it worrying about what could happen. We protect it, yes, but we live it too."
Maya leaned against Leo, eyes glowing softly as the child inside stirred. "I never thought peace could feel this… heavy. But good."
Louise laughed softly. "Heavy with responsibility, yes. But also full of love."
The sun finally set, the sky deepening to violet. Torches and lanterns lit the paths as the pack gathered for a quiet evening meal. Conversation flowed easily, laughter easy, and for the first time in months, the shadows of fear and betrayal felt like distant memories.
Lucas and Louise held hands across the table, small smiles and quiet touches keeping them grounded in each other. Lucas whispered to Louise, "I can feel them, you know… little movements. Little reminders of life continuing."
Louise smiled, pressing her hand over his. "I can feel them too. Every kick, every flutter… I can't wait to meet them."
Maya rested her head against Leo's shoulder, both of them humming softly as the children dozed at their feet. Even the elders, once wary and tense, shared moments of warmth and family, letting themselves relax after the storms of treachery.
Louise glanced at Lucas, a thought crossing her mind. "Three months," she said quietly. "Everything feels… different. Better. Like the storm passed and left something new in its wake."
Lucas nodded, green eyes softening with emotion. "Yes. And whatever comes next, we face it together. Always."
The night was quiet, calm, filled with the hum of contentment. Every warrior remained vigilant, knowing that there would always be threats. But for now, for these three months, the Lunaris Pack had what they had fought for: peace, love, family… and hope.
Lucas tightened his hand around Louise's, a silent vow. No matter what storms came next, this peace, this family, this love… it would endure.