Chapter 76
Wesley readies himself for the fight against Pierce, focusing on his breathing and trusting his lycan instincts. As King Malachi begins the challenge, Wesley sizes up Pierce, waiting for an opening to take him down. But Pierce’s enhanced strength and speed, courtesy of his witch’s magic, make him a formidable opponent.
The two engage in a brutal dance, with Wesley blocking Pierce’s attacks and allowing him to land a few hits to boost his ego. But as the fight wears on, Wesley’s frustration grows, and he realizes he needs a new strategy to take down Pierce. Meanwhile, Haven watches anxiously from the sidelines, her love and support flowing into Wesley through their mate bond.
As the battle rages on, Wesley’s determination to protect Haven intensifies, and he begins to play a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Pierce. But just as Pierce thinks he’s gaining the upper hand, Sebastian’s timely mindlink informs Wesley that the king’s people have finally found the witch, turning the tables in Wesley’s favor. The stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome of the fight hangs precariously in the balance.
Chapter 77
Haven sits vigilantly beside Wesley’s hospital bed, her touch helping him heal through their mate bond. Dr. Russo has patched him up, but the damage was extensive, necessitating general anesthesia. As Wesley finally awakes, groggy and disoriented, Haven’s anxiety dissipates, replaced by relief and love.
As Wesley slowly regains his bearings, he questions Haven about the fight’s aftermath, and she fills him in on the chaos that ensued. The king’s timely arrival interrupts their tender moment, and Haven’s deference to him is met with a gentle rebuke, emphasizing Wesley’s need to prioritize his recovery.
King Malachi’s gaze lingers on Haven, filled with wonder and awe, as he reiterates that she is above rank, a symbol of hope to all wolf-kind as Selene’s daughter. He offers her protection, revealing a secret vow taken by each monarch to safeguard her and her mate. This vow marks a pivotal shift, as the king’s words underscore the weight of Haven’s significance and the perils that come with it.
Chapter 78
Wesley sits in a tattoo parlor, getting “Dear Pen Pal” inked on his marking spot in Haven’s handwriting, a symbol of their mate bond. As Haven watches intently, Wesley’s eyes lock onto hers, and he’s captivated by her radiant smile, bright blue eyes, and wild red curls. The tattoo artist, Joe, refuses payment, considering it an honor to design the mark of the future alpha and his luna.
As they exit the parlor, Wesley insists on compensating Joe, and Haven’s lips twitch in amusement. They stroll through the small pack town, hand in hand, back to their home, where Wesley’s thoughts are consumed by claiming her again and again. He can’t wait to make love to her, and the memory of their passionate day after the fight with Pierce sends his pulse racing.
Haven senses Wesley’s eagerness and playfully tries to slow him down, but he’s determined to make the most of their night together. Once they’re inside their home, Haven takes charge, ordering Wesley to remove his shirt, and he complies, baring himself to her. As she touches the tattoo, Wesley’s skin tingles, and he’s drawn to her, ready to alleviate her concerns about the implications of his healing abilities on their future together.
Chapter 79
Haven wakes up to find herself back in Selene’s temple, but this time, Wesley is nowhere to be found. Confused and uneasy, she follows Selene to the temple, where her mother reveals she has summoned Haven to grant her a special gift – immortality and a lifespan identical to the gods. However, Haven quickly realizes that this gift would mean outliving her mate, Wesley, and their future children, which is not something she’s willing to accept.
As Haven protests against the gift, Selene’s true intentions are revealed – to make up for her past mistakes and prove her love. Haven, torn between her desire for a family and her anger towards Selene’s selfishness, passionately expresses her priorities, making it clear that she would rather grow old and die with Wesley than live forever without him.
Selene, though hurt and taken aback, comes to understand Haven’s perspectives and eventually agrees to not take away the life Haven has built with Wesley. The chapter ends with Selene promising to give Haven a different gift, but not a wolf, leaving Haven curious and the reader wondering what’s to come.
Chapter 80
Spring has arrived in Crescent Lake, and with it, the pack’s annual spring festival, where Haven indulges in food and dance with Wesley and their friends and family. Six months have passed since Selene’s offer, and Haven is now preparing to take on her role as luna alongside Wesley as the new alpha. The chapter shifts to the alpha ceremony, where Wesley, Reid, Nolan, and Sebastian stand before the pack, ready to take on their new responsibilities.
As the ceremony unfolds, Harrison’s speech touches on Wesley’s growth and readiness to lead the pack, and Haven’s heart swells with pride as she watches her mate accept the weight of his new role. The pack’s cheers and howls echo through the mountains as Wesley takes his place as the new alpha, followed by Reid and Nolan receiving their titles as beta and protector of the luna, respectively.
With the ceremony concluded, the pack prepares for a celebratory run, and Haven can’t help but feel a sense of belonging and love as she stands among her new family, eager to support and care for them alongside Wesley.
Epilogue 1
As the winter season unfolds, Wesley escorts his mate Haven to the opening night of The Nutcracker at The Redwood Forest Ballet Company, where she’ll dance the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy. The pack has bought out the entire house to show their support for their beloved luna, and Wesley can’t help but feel proud as he watches Haven prepare to take the stage.
Among the audience, Wesley catches up with Imogen, who’s taken a break from ballet to attend the performance, and is delighted to see Stella, Tiffany’s one-year-old daughter, dressed in a miniature Sugar Plum Fairy costume made by Maya. As the family gathers, Wesley exchanges playful banter with Imogen and his in-laws, Jack and Shirley, who can’t help but tease him about having kids of his own soon.
As the lights dim and the music begins, Wesley’s excitement grows, knowing that tonight is all about celebrating Haven’s artistry and their pack’s love for their luna. With the entire pack cheering her on, Haven is about to take the stage and dazzle the audience with her performance, and Wesley can’t wait to see her shine.
Epilogue 2
Wesley leads Haven to a serene garden, reminiscent of their first gala night, and surprises her with a heartfelt gift – a wooden box adorned with her name and the pack’s symbol. Inside, she finds a stack of letters he’s written over the past year, each one pouring out his emotions, apologies, and admiration. As she reads, Haven is touched by Wesley’s sincerity, and their tender moments are filled with laughter, affection, and vulnerability.
The letters take Haven on a journey through their past, from their first meeting to their blossoming romance. Wesley’s words tug at her heartstrings, revealing his deep regret for past mistakes and his longing to make amends. The letters also showcase his growing love and admiration for Haven, from being enchanted by her beauty to being in awe of her talent and strength.
As Haven delves deeper into the letters, her emotions swirl with nostalgia, gratitude, and love. The intimate connection between her and Wesley grows stronger, and their love story unfolds with tender moments, sweet teasing, and passionate confessions. The chapter ends with Haven entranced by Wesley’s words, her heart full of joy and her love for him shining brighter than ever.
