Chapter 171
Emily’s POV
The convoy stretched across the mountain roads, a long line of black SUVS flanked by escort wolves and armed uards riding ahead and behind us. Alpha King security. I still wasn’t fully used to that part.
Nathan sat beside me in the backseat, one hand resting on my thigh while the other held the map spread across is lap. Even now, weeks after the war, he still studied the territory routes like he expected another attack any
econd.
I rested my head lightly against the glass, watching the forests blur past outside. Then, familiar landmarks began
ppearing between the trees.
My old pack. My old home. Or what used to be one.
Nathan noticed the change in my posture. “You okay?”
I nodded softly. “Just weird.”
The gates finally appeared ahead.
The vehicles rolled through slowly, and wolves across the territory stopped what they were doing to stare. Some owed when they recognized Nathan’s SUV. Others stared directly at me in shock.
The Luna Queen. The same girl they once treated like garbage. It was crazy how quickly the world could change.
Nathan’s fingers slid between mine, anchoring me.
The convoy stopped near the packhouse, and for a second, I just sat there. This was where everything began.
Suddenly, it was like I could see it all over again–my last night here. The ceremony hall. The music. The umiliation. Running straight into Nathan right before my entire life shattered apart.
“You’re thinking about the ballroom,” Nathan murmured beside me.
I looked at him in surprise. “How do you always know?”
His mouth curved faintly. “Because you squeeze my hand when the memories hurt.”
The Moon Goddess knew that loving him was the best thing that had ever happened to me.
Nathan stepped out first, then helped me carefully down from the SUV like I was made of glass now that he knew
bout the babies. It was becoming a little ridiculous.
The new Alpha candidate, Craig, was already waiting for us near the memorial stone. He was the same quiet wolf who had once slipped trembling keys into my hands to help me escape.
Right now, standing in front of Nathan, he looked completely terrified. The poor guy probably thought breathing vrong would get him executed.
2:07 pm
Lasy for you to say,” he muttered under his breath.
Nathan definitely heard him, judging by the faint smirk on his face.
The ceremony itself stayed simple. No giant feast, no political spectacle. Just wolves gathering beneath the open sky while the priestesses circled the ceremonial fire. Nathan stood before the crowd in full Alpha King black. Power rolled off him effortlessly–not cruel or cold, just undeniable.
“You helped protect one of my own when your entire territory turned against her,” Nathan said evenly, his voice carrying across the square. “That matters more to me than bloodline.”
The wolf looked stunned.
Nathan stepped forward. “Kneel.”
The man dropped down, and the ceremonial blade sliced across his palm before Nathan clasped forearms with him irmly.
“Rise, Alpha Craig.”
The crowd erupted around us. For years, this place had felt heavy, but now, the air finally felt lighter. Safer.
Afterward, as the celebrations slowly began around the square, I slipped away toward one of the smaller houses hear the gardens. My sister opened the door, holding one of the twins against her shoulder. For a brief, awkward
second, neither of us spoke.
Then, the second baby started crying somewhere deeper inside the house, breaking the tension.
She let out a tired laugh. I laughed, too.
Life was strange. A year ago, we probably would’ve clawed each other apart. Now, she just looked exhausted, overwhelmed, and deeply in love with her babies. I understood that expression perfectly now.
Eventually, she let me hold one of them. The baby was tiny, warm, and heavy with trust, immediately wrapping a niniature hand around my finger. A wave of pure emotion hit me.
“They’re beautiful,” I whispered.
My sister smiled softly. “They’re nightmares.”
“I’m having twins, too.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Her eyes widened, “…What?”
I laughed quietly. “Yeah. Apparently, insanity runs in the family.”
୮
For the longest time, we hadn’t been able to stand each other. But right then, we both laughed together without any hatred between us. And maybe that was enough.
1:07 pm P
Whent stepped back outside later, Nathan was standing near the main vehicles with the new Alpha and several guards. They were discussing territory management maps spread across the hood of an SUV. Nathan looked up the second he saw me. He was always watching for me.
“How’s your sister?”
“Tired.” I smiled faintly. “Apparently, babies are loud.”
“That sounds fake,” Nathan teased.
I snorted before glancing down at the maps. Most of them were covered in marked territories and financial routes. …Okay, seriously.” I pointed at one section. “Why are all these oil sectors connected to packs?”
The new Alpha blinked, while Nathan looked highly amused.
“How exactly did you think packs funded entire territories?” Nathan asked.
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Magic?”
Nathan laughed softly. “Every major pack owns land rights.” He tapped one of the maps. “Oìl, gas, shipping
outes, mountain reserves.”
“And humans manage them?” I asked.
“Some humans,” Nathan nodded. “Trusted ones.”
“Like Eric?”
‘Exactly.”
I hummed softly, my mind suddenly drifting to Stella. I thought about human cities far away from pack wars, lood, and rogues. I hoped she was safe.
I pulled out my phone. Being the Luna Queen apparently meant people magically found things for you, including brand–new phone. Nathan watched me curiously.
୮
“Who are you texting?”
Stella.”
His expression softened. “…Tell her we said hello.”
I typed a quick message before slipping the phone away. The wind moved softly through the trees while wolves aughed somewhere near the square behind us.
Peace. Real peace. At least for now.
Nathan stepped closer, sliding one arm carefully around my waist while his free hand rested lightly against my stomach. He was already so protective.
2:07 pm
“You know,” he murmured against my hair, “you still have a lot to learn about ruling packs, Luna Queen.”
I smiled, leaning into his warmth as the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains.
“Good,” I whispered. “Then I guess we have plenty of time.”
The End.
…Or maybe only the beginning.