Chapter 539
ADRIANA
The smirk on Valerie's face hasn't left since we came and it's still there from the moment we've entered her home. She's watching every exchange with keen interest and is clearly beyond ecstatic for us.
Anthony and Damien are here too, and they clearly seem to be enjoying Valerie's remarks.
"If we knew you were leaving today, we'd have taken you out for drinks," Anthony says, patting my arm.
I nod. "Yeah, but I think I've fought it long enough," I say as I glance over to the lounge where Atticus is talking to Zade. My heart skips a beat. He turns and glances at me, making me feel all giddy when he gives me a small smile before turning his attention back to Zade.
I put the last of the dishes into the sink as Valerie smiles at us. "Just because she's leaving doesn't mean she won't be visiting us often. And you guys are welcome to go to that pack too. Atticus has a beautiful pack, with the mountains, the waterfalls and the security. You will love it there, Adriana," she says to me.
I nod. "Yeah, hopefully I'll fit in too," I say quietly.
"You will, just how I fitted in with you guys," she says, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. She looks over at Atticus and then back at me. 'He loves you. I can see that much in his eyes. He will treat you right.'
I nod. 'I know that...' I'm just more concerned about his pack....
Well, there's only one way to find out how that'll go.
Once we've had dessert and hot drinks, Atticus glances at his watch. "We should be leaving," he says to me. I nod, looking around at my four closest friends.
"My room better not be given away," I warn them.
"We'll try to remember that." Anthony teases, making me frown.
"Yeah, I mean you're going to be a luna of another pack. Why do you need a room here?" Damien adds.
I frown. "I always thought she was luna material, isn't that right Damien?" Anthony says.
Damien chuckles. "Yeah, you did."
I look at them, surprised. "I highly doubt that." I disagree.
"They're right, but I am going to miss having you here," Valerie says, as she leans her head on Zade's shoulder.
"The Luna for me," Atticus says softly as he smiles, turning to me, his eyes filled with warmth. "And I cannot wait for you
to meet my pack."
02
I nod as he stands up and offers me his hand. And here we go... I feel nervous as I take it and stand up, ready to say goodbye to my pack.
"This is it..." I say, realising that maybe I'll be marked the next time we meet...
Valerie hugs me first, then Anthony, then Damien... with each one I meet, I realise I will miss them so much...
We made this pack together. We built it from the ground up. This is home.
I glance at Atticus as he hugs Valerie, promising to return soon. I wonder how different that pack will actually be. Sure, 1 enjoyed my stay there, the walks, the training, and a lot of privacy, but to be the luna... am I even fit to be a luna?
'For someone who forced me to step up as alpha, you should be facing this without question, Zade says as he now stands in front of me.
"That was different because I knew it wasn't me being pushed into that position,' I answer truthfully.
He smirks. 'Karma.'
I roll my eyes, thinking he always understood me and clearly could read my thoughts right now. "Thank you for always looking out for me. I truly appreciate it more than you'll know.'
'No need to thank me. That's what a pack is. We're there for one another.
I nod before I huff, step closer and give him a one-armed hug. "Alright then. I'll see you," I say, about to pull away when he wraps both arms around me tightly.
"You know we'll always be here for you, and if anyone hurts you, and I fucking mean anyone, I will rip them limb from fucking limb. So remember that, alright?" Zade says, making Damien snicker.
I smile. "I know. This place will always be a home to me, too," I say as I move back and look over at Atticus, who is patiently waiting for me as he talks to Anthony and Valerie. Giving me the time I need.
Taking a deep breath, I walk over to him, and before I even reach him, he holds his hand out to me. I take it and he pulls me close, cupping my face as he kisses me.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
'Ready?' he asks softly.
I look at the boys and Valerie.