His Rejected Mateless Luna

But late one afternoon, Nathan reluctantly agreed to take a brief walk outside at my urging. The fresh air would restore his own depleted energy, and I could slip away for a few hours knowing the former Alpha rested stable and secure.

1 hastily scribbled a vague note about following up on a supply request since full transparency about my destination. remained impossible for now.

Nathan’s hard-won trust felt too fragile to test with the truth. The knot of deception in my gut twisted sharply, but I forced myself out the door. I would unravel that tangled web later right now my boys needed me.

I took the winding forest backroads, windows down and hair whipping wildly around my face. The cool pine-scented breeze helped settle my frenzied thoughts as I neared the secluded valley town I now called home.

Too soon the charming log cabin tucked against a hillside emerged into view, plumes of fragrant smoke already wafting cheerfully from the chimney. My heart swelled at the welcoming sight. I was out of the car almost before I shifted into park, taking the steps two at a time.

The front door flew open just as I raised my hand to knock, three wild-haired figures tumbling out to cling to my legs and waist, all talking over each other at once.

“Mommy, you’re home!”

“We missed you!”

Never leave again, okay?”

Laughing and crying simultaneously, I sank down and wrapped my arms around their sturdy little bodies, breathing in their sweet scents – laundry detergent, fresh grass stains, sugar and spice. Each one is imprinted permanently in my memory.

“Oh, my darling boys,” I whispered fervently into their silky hair as I placed scattered kisses over their upturned faces. “Mommy missed you terribly. But I’m here now.”

We stayed tangled in our emotional reunion embrace until the boys finally wriggled free, grabbing my hands to eagerly drag me inside. “Uncle Collins made cookies for you!” Luke informed me importantly.

I raised my eyebrows in delighted surprise. “He did? Well that was so thoughtful.”

Collins stood at the stove keeping watch over a simmering pot of beef stew, but he turned with a broad smile as we tumbled through the doorway.

“Welcome home, stranger,” he said warmly, opening his arms for a quick but heartfelt hug. “You’ve been sorely missed

around here.”

I clung to him tightly for a long moment, overwhelmingly grateful for this man wh my little family. “Thank you for everything, Collin. For them, and for me.”

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He simply winked, ushering me to the counter where a plate of melting chocolate chip cookies waited as promised. The mouthwatering aroma mixed heavenly with stew’s rich scents. After so long subsisting on coffee, hospital food and camaps, 1 was suddenly ravenous.

Perched on the sturdy oak stools, the boys entertained me with rambling accounts of adventures I had missed – tree climbing, wildlife sightings, new hiding spots.

Their exuberant innocence eased the lingering worries and fatigue from my work caring for the former Alpha in his long illness. Here I could simply be Mom again, leaving the rest of the world’s chaos temporarily at bay.

The hearty stew Collins ladled out for dinner tasted like mania aber my recent deprivation. I inhaled two heaping bowls along with crusty bread-slathered in butter. A deep sense of comfort and relief settled over me, the kitchen’s flickering candlelight and my family’s familiar voices cocooning me in warmth. This was home, however fleeting.

After dinner we baked snickerdoodle cookies, the boys “helping” by stealing spoonfuls of sugary dough when they thought I wasn’t looking. Their delighted giggles filled the cosy space with music sweeter than any symphony.

I let the three wild rascals stay up late watching their favourite superhero movie, cuddling under a massive pile of blankets on the living room sofa. Their Mischievous antics kept me smiling until finally even their boundless energy ran out.

With Collins’ help I wrangled them through quick baths and into clean pyjamas before tucking each one under the covers, dropping more kisses on their sleepy sweet faces. My throat grew tight listening to their even breathing, every protective maternal instinct swelling fiercely. But for now they were safe and near-nothing else mattered.

Collins was out on the front porch swing waiting when 1 finally emerged from saying one more goodnight prayer over the boys. I curled up gratefully against his sturdy warmth under the ivory moonlight, letting the crickets’ thrumming song wash away the last lingering stress. For just this moment, peace settled through my weary being.

“Thank you again for today,” I said softly after we had swung in comfortable silence for a while. “You’ll never fully know what a gift time here is. Makes everything else worthwhile.”

Collins turned so I could see his small, understanding smile. “Seeing you all together again is thanks ertough, believe me. This place doesn’t feel whole without you.” His eyes searched mine intently, his calloused thumb rubbing gently over my knuckles.

I swallowed down sudden emotion, blinking rapidly, somehow Collins always perceived exactly what I needed – whether reassurance, a listening ear, or simply his steady company during restless nights of pacing the estate halls. The depth of selfless care he showed my boys and I still astonished me. I had not dared hope for such unearned grace in this life.

Impulsively I wrapped both arms around his broad shoulders, burying my face in his collar in a fierce hug. The words seemed to stick in my throat. “Just – thank you. For being you.” I hoped the fervency of my embrace conveyed everything left unsaid aloud.

Collins held me close, his chin tucked atop my hair and hands spanning my back with comforting strength. We stayed twined together as the crickets’ melody swelled and ebbed, rocking gently in the moon’s tranquil glow.

Much too soon, the symphony of frogs and rustling trees was interrupted by the buzz of my phone alarm, signalling my short stolen hours of peace were over. Reality’s demands crashed in forcefully once more. With a heavy sigh, I extricate myself from Collins and stood, squaring my shoulders.

“Duty calls?” He asked simply, hands slid into his pockets as he walked me down the gravel drive to where my car waited faintly illuminated beneath the silver maples.

I nodded, the familiar weight settling across my frame once more. “Unfortunately so. But I won’t stay away so long next time. You all provide the light that keeps me going

Collins pulled me close once more, calloused hands framed my face as he bent to press a lingering kiss to my forehead. “Hurry home to us. And remember you’re never alone in the darkness.”

His unwavering faith warmed me as I slid behind the wheel and watched his silhouette fade into the moon-washed night. The drive back to the estate passed in a blur of memories I clung to in order to bolster my nerve. Too soon the imposing stone facade rose ahead, the guards leaning casually against the iron gates.

With no choice but to resume the exhausting charade, I transformed myself back into the consummate professional healer, submerging my secret longing for the refuge I had just left. The crackling fire and boistero

But those precious stolen hours would have to sustain me in the days ahead. I had chosen this path for a reason, however difficult. Life depended on my skills here. I would carry on because I must.

The former Alpha still slept as I checked in, his chest rising and falling steadily. I allowed myself a small smile seeing him improving. But weariness dragged at my bones and spirit.

The emotional whiplash between my two worlds threatened to split me at the seams. I could only withstand the strain by focusing single-mindedly on the present task. The past and future carried too much dangerous power to dwell on.

Nathan kept his word and had not yet returned from his much-needed walk. I stood over the sink splashing cool water on my face, trying to revive my depleted energy.

So much work lay ahead. But Collins’ parting reassurance echoed in my mind – I was not alone, not really. However dark the path grew, I would continue putting one foot in front of the other. My family lodestar shone bright, guiding me home. For them, I could weather any storms still to come.