Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 63

~Three Months Later~
Aria stared out the window, the golden rays of the setting sun painted the horizon with warm hues, just like the newfound happiness that filled her heart. She gently placed her hand on her round stomach, feeling the life growing inside her. Her thoughts wandered back to the time when her life had taken a drastic turn, leading her to the heart of this wild and beautiful world of love.
"It's a good look on you. Happiness," A voice sounded from the door as a small smile, her eyes softening as she looked at her sister's radiant face.
Aria looked away from the window returning her sister's smile, a glimmer of tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Seraphina. It's been a long journey to get here, hasn't it?"
Seraphina nodded, her expression tinged with sadness. "Yes, it has. I wish I had been a better sister to you. I'm sorry for everything I did."
Aria took a deep breath, her heart heavy with memories of the past. "It wasn't easy, but I believe everything happened for a reason. It led me to Knox, to this new life, and now we are finally able to coexist."
Seraphina's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she reached out to touch Aria's hand gently. "I'm glad you found happiness, even if it meant leaving our old lives behind. I was wrong making Liam reject you and everything that came after."
Aria squeezed Seraphina's hand, her voice soft but resolute. "We were both lost, Seraphina. But we can't change the past. What matters is that we are here now, and we are taking the chance to rebuild our relationship."
Tears rolled down Seraphina's cheeks as she nodded, the weight of her past actions finally settling upon her. "I know I hurt you deeply, and I can never take back the pain I caused. But I promise to be a better sister from now on."
Aria's heart swelled with compassion for her sister. She wiped away Seraphina's tears gently. "We all make mistakes, Seraphina. The important thing is to learn from them and grow. I forgive you, and I hope you can forgive yourself too."
Aria looked down at her mark, it glistened under the ray of the sun, "And I'm so grateful to the moon goddess that she gave you another chance to live." Seraphina smiled back at her, "Me too."
Someone cleared their throat and the two sisters turned their heads to the newcomer.
Aria's wolf purred as their mate's scent filled her nostrils making Aria almost roll her eyes.
Seraphina squeezed Aria's hand before leaving the room. She bowed her head as she walked past Knox, "Alpha."
Immediately the door closed behind her, Knox grabbed Aria pulling her in for a kiss.
He brushed a stray hair from her forehead, "I missed you."
"You saw me twenty minutes ago." His wolf released a low growl and Aria rolled her eyes, "I missed you too."
Aria rested her head against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat and taking comfort in his presence."I'm glad Seraphina and I could find common ground," Aria said softly, looking up at Knox with love in her eyes. "It's been a difficult journey, but I believe we've both grown because of it."
Knox nodded, his eyes reflecting pride and admiration. "You handled it with grace, Aria. I'm proud of how far you've come, not just as my mate, but as the Luna of this pack."
Aria smiled, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Thank you. Aren't you glad I didn't die?
"You won't ever stop bringing that up will you?"
Aria laughed lightly, "Never ever."
She stood on her tiptoe before placing her lips on his again.
"I already apologized, you have let it go and as for our little one," Knox said, placing his hand gently on Aria's rounded belly, "I can't wait to meet them. The moon goddess has truly blessed us."
Aria intertwined her fingers with Knox's, feeling a surge of happiness at the thought of their future together. "Yes, she has. Our pack will grow stronger with the addition of this new life."
Knox kissed her forehead, his voice soft with tenderness. "I have no doubt about that. And we'll ensure our pup has the best life possible, surrounded by love and protection."
"It's incredible to see how far we've come," Aria said, her eyes shining with pride. "From the first day I accidentally crossed the boundary and a certain Alpha tried to have me killed to now, it's been a wild journey."
Knox clicked his tongue and then he chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. " Well since then you've caused quite a stir in our pack, Luna. But I wouldn't have it any other way. You brought life back into it."
Aria playfully nudged him, laughing softly. "I guess it was fate that brought us together, even if it started with a little trouble."
"Fate, destiny, or maybe just the moon goddess's plan," Knox mused. "Whatever it was, I'm grateful for it. You've brought so much light into my life."
"And you've brought strength and love into mine," Aria replied, leaning into his embrace. "I couldn't imagine a life without you now."
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The dining hall buzzed with the lively chatter of the pack members. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, a stark contrast to the tense and troubled times they had faced not so long ago. Aria walked into the room, a radiant smile lighting up her face. Her heart swelled with love and pride as she looked around at the pack she now considered her family.
As she approached the dining table, she noticed there was only one chair left, and Sarah was heading towards it at the same time. Sarah immediately bowed her head, showing her respect. "Luna, you can have the chair."
Aria smiled warmly at Sarah and shook her head. "No, Sarah, please take the chair. I'm fine standing for a bit."
Sarah looked surprised but grateful as she took her seat. Aria turned towards Knox, who was sitting at the head of the table as the Alpha, and he welcomed her with a gesture to sit on his lap. Aria grinned mischievously and gracefully took a seat on his lap, leaning into his embrace. The pack members around them chuckled and exchanged knowing glances.
Sophia couldn't resist making a teasing comment. "Give us a break, you two."
Aria rolled her eyes playfully at Sophia's remark. "Oh,come on, Sophia. You know you secretly love it."
Sophia feigned a gagging motion, earning laughter from the others. The teasing banter was all in good fun, a testament to the camaraderie and close-knit relationships within the pack.
Meanwhile, Jackson and Shana were wrapped in each other's arms, completely immersed in their affectionate bubble. Sophia's eyes went to her brother and she rolled her eyes making an even louder gagging noise at them.
"We can't have two Alphas in one pack. I'm tired of seeing your face."
Jackson ignored his sister while Shana raised her middle finger in the air in Sophia's direction.
Jamie sat in a corner, a contented smile on her face. Her eyes went to her brother in the middle of the room as he gestured animatedly. She smiled when he pulled her towards him whispering in her ear. A blush crept up on her face before the two of them burst out laughing. Their infectious laughter spread throughout the room.
Just then, Ryder and Lydia, on the other hand.
As they settled at the table, Aria leaned in and whispered to Knox, "I wonder when they will make a pup."
Knox chuckled softly, his breath warm against her ear. "They do seem to be heading in that direction, don't they? We might have some more good news soon."
Aria smiled, the joy in her heart radiating through her words. "I hope so. The more love and happiness in this pack, the better."
The pack members continued to share stories and laughter, their bonds growing stronger with each passing moment. The dining hall was filled with the sounds of clinking glasses, jovial conversations, and the occasional playful banter. It was a scene of unity and harmony, a testament to the transformation the pack had undergone under Knox and Aria's leadership.
After dinner, they gathered around a large fireplace in the hall, basking in its comforting glow. Aria found herself surrounded by the pack, feeling their acceptance and love. She took a moment to speak, her voice filled with gratitude and affection.
"Thank you, all of you," Aria began, her eyes shining with emotion. "For welcoming me into this pack, for embracing me as your Luna, and for being the family I never knew I needed. Our journey has had its ups and downs, but it brought us together, and I couldn't be happier to stand here with all of you tonight."
The pack members responded with cheers and applause, their faces beaming with joy and appreciation. Knox stood by Aria's side, his hand gently resting on her shoulder, a proud and loving Alpha.
"You are all my family," Aria continued, her voice unwavering with determination. "And as we move forward, let's continue to support and protect each other, as a united pack should. Our love and strength will keep us going, no matter what challenges lie ahead."
Silence followed until Shana broke it, "Enough with the mushy stuff. I don't want to cry."
Shana's comment about not wanting to cry brought a round of chuckles from the pack members.
  Sophia whispered in Mark's ear, a mischievous smile playing on her lips before her bones cracked and she shifted into her wolf form. She raised her tail in the air inviting Mark before dashing off into the woods. Mark wasted no time in shifting and giving her wolf a chase; their impromptu wolf chase added to the playful atmosphere. Their laughter echoed in the hall, a beautiful symphony of unity and joy.
Seraphina and Nicole sat at the far edge, playfully arguing about who filed their claws better and drew amused glances from the others, adding a touch of humor to the night.
Aria's gaze then shifted to Melody who was standing at the corner of the room, deep in conversation with Jacob Melody's laughter resonated through the room, and her joyous demeanor caught Aria's attention.
"I wonder what that is about," Aria mused, turning to Knox with a curious smile.
Knox followed Aria's gaze and observed his sister, a fond smile forming on his lips. "It seems like she's getting along well with Jacob. They've been spending more time together lately."
Aria raised an eyebrow playfully. "Is there something more than just friendship there?"
Knox shrugged, a hint of hope in his eyes. "I hope so."
As Aria watched Melody and Jacob interact, she couldn't help but be filled with joy for her. Melody had faced her share of challenges, and seeing her so carefree and happy was heartwarming.
"I hope they find happiness together," Aria said softly, her eyes still fixed on the two.
Knox nodded, his affection for his sister evident in his gaze. "Me too. Melody deserves all the love and happiness in the world."
Their attention returned to the rest of the pack, who were now engaged in various conversations and activities. Jackson and Shana were sharing a tender moment, whispering sweet nothings to each other. Ryder and Lydia were deep in conversation, their faces glowing with enthusiasm. Tyler and Kira were playfully teasing each other, their laughter filling the air.
"They all seem so happy," Aria remarked, a sense of contentment washing over her.
Knox wrapped his arm around Aria's waist, pulling her closer to him. "And they have you to thank for that. Your presence and love have brought so much light to the pack."
Aria leaned her head against Knox's shoulder, feeling a sense of fulfillment in her role as Luna. "I'm grateful for every single one of them. I love our pack."
Knox pressed a kiss to her forehead. "And they love you. We've come so far, Aria, and our journey is just beginning."
Aria smiled, her heart swelling with love for Knox and their pack. The moon goddess had truly blessed them with a family bound by love, loyalty, and strength, and Aria couldn't wait to see what the future held for them all. With Knox by her side and their pack supporting each other, she knew they could conquer anything that came their way.

They sealed their words with a tender kiss, a silent promise of their love and commitment to each other and their pack. As they pulled back, Knox whispered against her lips, "I love you, Aria."
"And I love you, Knox," Aria replied, her heart overflowing with happiness. "Thank you for being my mate and the Alpha our pack needs."
He placed his hand on her stomach, "I hope it's a boy."
"Why? So he can become Alpha and almost have his mate killed?"
"Aria." Knox growled at her.
She blinked innocently, "What?" She smiled, "You love me don't you?"
Knox leaned down, capturing her lips in his, "Always and Forever."
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the hall, cutting through the laughter and conversation. The pack members froze, all attention drawn to the unexpected noise. Even Knox and Aria's playful banter ceased, their expressions turning serious as they locked eyes.
"What was that?" Aria asked, her voice edged with concern.
"I'm not sure," Knox replied, his brow furrowing as he strained to listen. "Stay here. I'm going to check it out."
Aria's wolf stirred within her, sensing the change in the atmosphere. She placed her hand on Knox's arm, stopping him. "I'm coming with you."
Knox shook his head, his eyes filled with worry. "No, Aria, it could be dangerous. I need you to stay here and make sure the pack is safe."
"But Knox—" Aria started, only to be silenced by his firm gaze.
"I'll be fine," he assured her, kissing her forehead. "Just stay here. I'll be back soon."
With those words, he turned and left the hall, leaving Aria standing there, her heart pounding with a mix of concern and fear. She glanced around at the pack members, all of whom were looking at her, expecting guidance.
"Everything will be fine," she said, trying to reassure them as much as herself. "Let's continue with our evening. Knox will handle it."
But as the night wore on and Knox did not return, a sense of unease settled over Aria, her thoughts consumed by what might have caused that noise and where her mate could be.
Ryder stepped towards her, "I'm going to check what is going on. Knox has been gone too long."
"I'm—"
She was cut short when Knox's voice sounded in her head through their bond, "We have a problem."
Aria's eyes widened as soon as she got outside, her eyes surveying the scene in front of her. She glanced between JB's bloodied form and Lilian's still body.
JB raised his head and met her eyes, "Please help, I can't lose her too."