The beach day wasn’t just a reprieve—it was a reminder of what she was fighting for. As the afternoon wore on, Bella made a quiet promise to herself. Whatever lay ahead—be it Winter Moon Pack, Luke, or anything else—she would face it. But for now, she was going to savor these fleeting moments with her children, her greatest treasure.
The thought of snowball fights and snowmen brought another smile to her face. Winter was coming, and with it, perhaps a fresh start. She could only hope that, in the coming weeks, she and her pups would find a place where they could finally breathe freely and let go of the fear that had haunted them for so long.
Benzy shrugged, his eyes never leaving Bella as she splashed water at the triplets, her laughter carrying on the breeze. “I miss who she was,” he admitted, his tone quieter than usual. “She used to be so carefree, so full of life. Now… she’s guarded, always looking over her shoulder.”
“Can’t blame her,” Macky replied, leaning back on his elbows and glancing over at the Beta. “The life she’s had since leaving the pack? It’s not the one she deserved.”
Benzy nodded, but his expression tightened. “Doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt to see her like this. She should be able to run free, not carry all this weight on her shoulders. Watching her today… it’s like a glimpse of the old Bella. That’s what makes it hard.”
Macky glanced back toward Bella, who was now tossing Karis into the waves to the sound of the twins’ squeals of delight. “She’s strong,” he said, a note of admiration in his voice. “Stronger than I think even Luke realizes. But she shouldn’t have to be. Not all the time.”
Benzy shifted uncomfortably, then let out a sigh. “I don’t get it, Macky. She knows we’d protect her. She knows Luke would do anything for her and the pups. Why does she still run?”
“She doesn’t trust us,” Macky said simply. “And can you blame her? She doesn’t see Luke the way we do. She sees the man who banished her, who she thinks will take her kids and punish her for things she couldn’t control.”
Benzy was quiet for a moment, the weight of Macky’s words settling over him. “He’s got to fix this,” he muttered. “Soon. Before she does something irreversible.”
“Like join Winter Moon?” Macky’s tone was neutral, but there was a hint of tension beneath it.
Benzy nodded, his jaw tightening. “If she goes there, it’s over. Philip’s got no reason to give her up if she pledges loyalty to him, especially if he decides to claim her as a chosen mate. He’s got the council on his side, and Luke’s reputation with them isn’t exactly spotless.”
“Which is why we’re here,” Macky reminded him, his tone firm. “To keep her safe, and to make sure she doesn’t make a choice she’ll regret.”
They fell into silence for a while, watching as Bella and the triplets finally settled down on their towels, their laughter replaced with contented chatter. She looked more relaxed than either of them had seen her in weeks, maybe even months.
“Think she’ll go through with it?” Benzy asked, breaking the silence. “Leave the human world for good?”
Macky tilted his head, considering. “Maybe. She wants to protect those kids more than anything. If she thinks Winter Moon is the answer, she’ll do it. But…” He paused, his gaze narrowing slightly. “I don’t think it’s what she truly wants. She’s scared, Benzy. She’s making decisions out of fear. If Luke can’t show her there’s nothing to fear, then yeah, she’s gone.”
Benzy exhaled sharply, frustration flickering across his face. “Luke better figure it out fast, then. Or he’s going to lose her forever.”
Macky didn’t respond, his eyes locked on Bella as she handed each of the kids an ice cream cone, her own strawberry milkshake in hand. She smiled down at them, and for a moment, she looked like she didn’t have a care in the world.
“She’s worth fighting for,” Macky said softly, almost to himself.
Benzy nodded. “Yeah. She always has been.”
The banter between Benzy and Macky carried on, their laughter easing some of the tension they both felt about the complicated situation. Still, both men were acutely aware of how precarious things were. Watching Bella with her pups brought a bittersweet feeling—they were witnessing moments of pure joy from someone who had been through so much.
“She’s doing everything she can to protect them,” Macky said, his tone softer now as he watched Bella laugh and play with the triplets. “She deserves some peace.”
Benzy nodded. “She’s strong, stronger than I think Luke gives her credit for. But even the strongest people need someone to lean on.”
“You think Luke’s ready to be that someone? After everything?”
Benzy leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows. “I think he wants to be. But whether she’ll let him…” He trailed off, his gaze fixed on Bella. “That’s the real question.”
Macky sighed. “He’s got Maddis, though. And Maddis isn’t going to be patient forever.”
“Yeah,” Benzy muttered. “And that’s what worries me. Luke might think he can tread carefully, but Maddis? That wolf is pure instinct. If he decides to claim her before she’s ready…”
“Disaster,” Macky finished grimly.
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation settling over them. Then Macky, ever the one to break tension with humor, nudged Benzy. “So, back to the bet—what are we putting on this? Alpha Luke’s shower time after seeing that video?”
Benzy grinned, the mischief back in his eyes. “Loser has to babysit the pups for a full day. No help, no excuses.”
Macky smirked. “Deal. Hope you’re ready for a long day with three hyperactive kids.”
Benzy chuckled. “We’ll see about that. I’ve got faith in Luke’s stamina. Less than thirty minutes.”
“Alright, we’ll find out soon enough,” Macky said, pulling out his phone to queue up the video. “And don’t think I won’t record the aftermath for evidence.”
Their laughter echoed across the sand dunes, a brief reprieve from the tension they carried. But beneath the humor and the teasing, both men knew the stakes were higher than ever. Bella wasn’t just “their girl” anymore—she was the future Luna, the Alpha’s mate, and the mother of the next generation. And it was their job to make sure she got home safe, no matter what it took.
