CHAPTER 6
The crisp fall air hung heavy with anticipation as I approached the grand, ivy-covered mansion where Nathan’s pack would be gathering for Thanksgiving.
Beta Nathan was the prince of the moonlight pack. He needed to present a lady to the pack as his soon-to-be wife, in order to preserve his path to the throne.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the part I had promised to play. Nathan played his part well for me and it went well, I have to do the same for him.
“Remember,” Nathan whispered, squeezing my hand gently. “You are my fiancée. Just be yourself. I need to keep my position in my pack and according to the rules, I need a wife.”
I smiled, my eyes shining with a newfound strength. I had been through so much already, what is a little pretense compared to that?
Smells of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie filled the air, mingling with the fragrant aroma of autumn leaves.
Nathan’s family, their faces warm and welcoming, swarmed around me, offering hugs and congratulations.
We did the usual introductions and we shared our different packs' histories and traditions.
As the cozy atmosphere of the living room buzzed, Nathan’s father, Alpha James Dan, turned to me with a twinkle in his eye.
“So,” he said smiling. “How did you two lovebirds meet?”
I laughed, my eyes darting to Nathan, who gave me an encouraging nod.
“Well,” I said, “It was a cold winter’s day, and I was stuck in the snow. Nathan was kind enough to stop his Limo and save me.” I lied. Or maybe I didn't. Nathan indeed stopped his Limo and saved me when I was stuck in Dimitri's snow.
A chorus of “awws” echoed around the room as Nathan’s mother, Luna Sandra Dan, turned to us with an affectionate smile.
“Well, we absolutely adore you already! When are you two planning to tie the knot?”
I laughed, my cheeks flushed with warmth. “We are still figuring that out, but rest assured, we will let you know as soon as we do!”
As the last strains of laughter faded away and the hosts retired for the night, I and Nathan found ourselves alone, sitting outside, enjoying the cool night air.
Nathan sighed contentedly, a smile playing at his lips. “Well, that went pretty smoothly, what do you think?”
I nodded, my eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think they bought it, I’m a good actress!” I declared as we both burst into laughter.
Then, my smile faltered, my eyes glistened with unshed tears. “It has been a long time since I have felt so…accepted,” I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion. “Your family was so welcoming, so genuine.”
Nathan reached out, placing his hand gently over mine. “You deserve so much more than what you have been through, Andrea,” he said, his eyes holding me captive. “You deserve to fight for your rights, for your son’s future.”
I bit my lip, tears blurring my vision. “I’m afraid,” I confessed. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”
“You are,” Nathan assured me. “You have been through hell and back, Andrea. You are stronger than you know. And I will be here with you every step of the way.”
“You barely know me Nathan, why would you want to be with me every step of the way?” I asked suspiciously.
“Well, I am a lawyer and a human rights activist. I hate seeing people oppressed. Especially innocent people like you” he explained. “And I know you very well, Andrea, you told me everything about you.”
My heart skipped a beat as his words washed over me, filling me with hope and courage.
“What about my son?” I asked, my voice thick with concern. “I don’t want him to be in danger again.”
Nathan nodded in understanding, his mind already churning with a solution. “What if we asked my parents to take care of him for you?” he suggested.
“That won’t work,” I said, shaking my head. “They don’t know about my son yet and I would not want to burden anyone.” I explained but Nathan only smiled in reply.
Morning of our departure, bags packed and ready to depart, we stepped out onto the porch where Nathan’s parents awaited us.
“Thank you again for the wonderful hospitality,” I said, my voice genuine and sincere.
Nathan’s mother smiled warmly. “It was our pleasure. You’re family now, dear, our soon-to-be Luna, we want to see you again soon!”
“Dad, Mom,” Nathan said, his voice clear and steady. “There’s something I need to tell you about Andrea. She has a son.”
Shocked and expecting the worst, I looked at Nathan’s parents as they exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise in their expressions but it was quickly replaced by understanding and acceptance.
“Well, there is no problem.” His Dad replied. “Children are a blessing from our maker.”
My heart melted. How could they be so perfect and accommodating. Since my parents died, I have never felt this level of love from anyone. I almost shed tears.
“Andrea and I have decided that we want to bring him here,” Nathan continued. “We need your help to take care of him while we…figure things out, please.”
Nathan’s parents shared a knowing look.
“We would love to have a child in our home again,” Nathan’s mother said, a bright smile illuminating her face. “We have been feeling a little lonely lately. Having him here would lift our spirits.”
My chest swelled with gratitude, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. Was I dreaming? Everything is just happening too fast and all at once.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
“It is our pleasure, Andrea.” We waved our goodbyes.
As the autumn leaves rustled beneath the wheels of Nathan’s car on our drive back home, my eyes gazing out the window at the passing scenery, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions.
I felt lighter, as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Nathan’s support, his family’s acceptance, it all added up to an overwhelming feeling of peace, joy, and love. It was like my eyes opened.
I had been beaten down, time and time again, but, now I have just tasted a type of love I forgot existed and I no longer wanted to endure. I wanted to fight back, to show Dimitri that I was not someone to be trifled with. I was done being a victim, done being pushed around.
“I am ready,” I said, my voice low and determined. “I’m ready to bring Dimitri to his knees.”
“Finally!” Nathan screamed in excitement. “That is my girl!”
