It was entirely her fault; Mason would remain alone indefinitely due to her existence. He lacked a Mate because of her and would never acquire one as long as he served as her protector. She needed to have it removed; she had to discover a solution.
Caelan could be heard shushing her and assuring her that everything would be fine, yet it was not. He was unaware of the reality, and she was uncertain how to resolve the situation.
The meaning of the moon Goddess was unclear; only one individual could experience happiness. Whom was she referencing?
When would that decision arise? Who was the sole individual capable of experiencing happiness? Would she even recognise the moment the choice emerged? She had not comprehended the moon Goddess’s concluding words; they had been fragmented and intermittent, leaving her with only a portion of the message.
She remained seated, enveloped in Caelan’s embrace, seeking solace and support. With no one else but Mason, she found it too excruciating to face him at that moment. The Moon Goddess had forewarned her that her return would be arduous, and indeed it was, manifesting as gut-wrenching anguish. It felt like a living nightmare; how could she ever bear to look at him again, fully aware of the devastation her birth had inflicted upon him?
The Goddess should have permitted her demise at birth, disregarding the woman’s entreaty for protection. This would have spared Mason from his anguish and solitude, not to mention the she-wolf destined to be his Mate, who likewise remains without one. Her singular existence has obliterated the happiness of two individuals. It is unjust and inequitable. Why would the Moon Goddess enact such a fate? The life of a mere infant, mere hours old, abandoned in the snow, could have averted the profound isolation that now defines their lives.
Daisy wished to prevent their loneliness; she would never desire that. Mason merited far more; he deserved a Mate. Perhaps the decision lay between him or her. Only one could attain happiness!
Daisy was already aware that she would select him; he had endured sufficient suffering, and she would not permit him to suffer further.
She sensed Caelan’s hand gently traversing her hair. He aimed to soothe and console her, and his efforts were effective. She gradually began to relax. She remained in place, clinging to him with her eyes shut, oblivious to the duration, and indifferent to it as well.
Something was irritating her nose, prompting her to turn her head and press it against his chest. “You have a distinct scent,” she remarked softly, noting his pronounced aroma. She nestled her face into his chest, moving it about. Amelia promptly joined to assist in inhaling his fragrance. She took a deep breath and sighed once more, captivated by the pleasant scent of oranges, cloves, and ginger.
It evoked memories of the full moon cookies that Luna Elizabeth prepares for the pack’s children during celebrations. The aroma was so enticing that she nearly moaned; if a cookie were available, she would consume it immediately. She heard Amelia begin to purr softly, indicating her fondness for his scent.
“I am your Mate,” he murmured softly, his tone suggesting a smile.
Daisy’s eyes abruptly opened, and she raised her head to gaze at him, sensing Amelia’s purring intensify within her chest until it became nearly deafening in the room. ‘Mate,’ she growled in Daisy’s mind.
He gazed directly at her, accompanied by Hudson. She was aware that they could perceive her wolf, as could anyone present, yet she was at a loss for words. They had been Mated previously, but the outcome had been unsatisfactory for both parties.
“Caelan, I…”
“It is acceptable; it may be a surprise for you. However, it is not the sole surprise you are about to encounter,” he remarked, exhaling deeply.
He intended to reject her, as she had done to him. She attempted to free herself from his embrace in a state of mild panic, but he refused to release her.
“Silence, it is not as you presume. You…” he exhaled.
“Consume another Mate… Two mates,” he instructed her, expressing dissatisfaction.
“W… What? How?” she stammered, astonished by the revelation.
“Alpha Kaiden is en route.” She observed his gaze shift from her to the space behind her. MASON remained present in the room with them.
“He is,” she heard Mason assert. “I instructed Cole to inform him, in accordance with the regulations.”
“Rules?” Daisy enquired, gazing up at Caelan, more perplexed than ever, failing to comprehend the situation.
“Indeed, regulations. Two companions from disparate packs necessitate rules. The Mother will approach you for a discussion, Luna to Luna.”
“I am not a Luna,” she asserted, shaking her head.
“Indeed, you are, my dear,” he said softly, tucking a few strands of her loose hair behind her ear gently.
Her eyes widened at the term of endearment, leaving her at a loss for words. She recognised that he was behaving quite differently towards her, exhibiting gentleness and apparent care. This was a side of Caelan she had never encountered before, one she had desired but never experienced.
“Please explain, Daisy, what transpired? You inflicted harm upon yourself; why?”
Her gaze averted from him; she was aware that Amelia was already healing her, a sensation akin to pins and needles coursing down her back. She turned her head to face MASON, whose eyes met hers. A pang of anguish filled her heart, prompting her to look away and shake her head. “I can’t,” she whispered, the sorrow evident in her own voice.
Caelan gently pulled her back against his chest, and she acquiesced, leaning on him and inhaling his scent, aware that the aroma of one’s Mate could provide solace.
“When you are prepared,” he said gently, “please refrain from inflicting harm upon yourself again. I have already lost you once this evening. I cannot endure that experience again.”
Daisy discerned the anguish in his words; her demise had inflicted suffering upon him. She inclined her head. “Does it persist?”
“What remains?”
“My Moons, down my back?” Daisy enquired.
She recognised that her own claws had penetrated it; perhaps it would not return.
“Is that your tattoo?”
“They are not tattoos, Caelan,” she sighed. “I acquired them on my 18th birthday; they simply appeared early in the morning.”
He remained silent now.
Mason remarked from his position on the opposite side of the room, “That is when I acquired mine.”
“Indeed, Daisy, they remain present.”
She shut her eyes. “I apologise,” she uttered, feeling additional tears well up. She despised her circumstances at that moment, wished to rid herself of the burdens, and needed to rectify the situation to ensure he could have a Mate.
“Hush, everything will be fine.” Caelan repeatedly caressed her hair with tender strokes, attempting to console her. She permitted him to do so.
Amelia experienced contentment within her thoughts. Daisy, despite feeling at ease in his embrace, was perplexed by Caelan’s designation as her Mate. She struggled to comprehend the situation, as their previous encounter had not been successful.
