Therefore, following a call from Ricky’s previous Gamma last night, Ricky had intense panic, trembling uncontrollably with a combination of anger and worry that her ex-mate was attempting to find our son. Only after I invited Bray to spend the night did she finally achieve a state of tranquilly sufficient for sleep. Jimmy, however, was too incensed to be silent, so I permitted him to patrol the vicinity of the house while our companion and puppy rested peacefully.
As morning emerges on the horizon, I transform into my human shape, donning a pair of shorts and re-entering the room unsteadily.
Inform Aldo that he may go to hell. My son already has a father, and I own an Alpha whom I intend to cherish. Ricky declares into the phone, “I will love him and find happiness, for after years of anger and resentment, I deserve my happily ever after,” before abruptly ending the call and exhaling audibly to herself.
She gazes upward to find me positioned in the doorway, her cheeks flushing as she retreats into bed with our slumbering puppy. I am at a loss for words as a myriad of butterflies flutters from my tummy to my mind.
Ricky gestures to the vacant spot beside her, inviting me to join her in bed as she opens the blankets for me. I slip into bed, positioning my chilly body next to hers as she nestles into me.
She entwines our hands and raises them to her mouth, softly kissing my knuckles as she converses.
“Aldo intends to designate me as his Luna and appoint Bray as his successor,” she whispers, her other hand sweeping Bray’s hair from his face. A subdued growl emanates from my b****t, while Ricky quietly chuckles at Jimmy’s possessiveness. “It seems my sister fell into a coma following her attempt to transform,” she exhales.
I rest my chin on her shoulder and draw her nearer to my chest.
“Are you alright?” “I inquire,” Ricky muses to herself.
“For several years, I have allowed Nina and Aldo to dictate my life,” she whispers. For an extended while, I have been apprehensive of my own emotions, too fearful to allow anyone to approach me closely enough to inflict pain once more. Being alone is far more convenient; it is comfortable. “No one can harm you,” she remarks with a slight shrug.
I inhale deeply as she directs my hand to her chest and places it over her heart.
“Do you perceive my heart accelerating?” “She enquires, the pulsation of her heart resonating against my palm.”
“Affirmative.”
“It has not occurred in quite some time,” she intones in hushed whispers. “However, my heart accelerates whenever I am in your presence… And I comprehend… I never wish to cease experiencing that.”
It is as though my entire existence is suddenly illuminated, my will to live, to develop, to struggle intensifying as she articulates her reality.
“I desire to be yours, wholly and unequivocally,” Ricky murmurs, turning to gaze at me with tears welling in her eyes. “I shall offer you my heart and my soul, despite the fear it instills in me.” Despite feeling inadequate. I will no longer permit Aldo and Nina to prevail. I wish to cease running. I desire to attain happiness, which begins with embracing your identity.
My eyes widen in astonishment, and I cannot suppress the exuberant smile that spreads across my face.
“Is that true?” “I enquire, as Jimmy exuberantly wags his tail.”
What are your current activities? Do not interrogate her, he retorts. She may reconsider her decision!
“This evening,” she whispers. “Designate me this evening.”
I meet her gaze, attempting to ascertain whether this is genuinely her desire or merely a manifestation of dread once more. In her eyes, I perceive only one sentiment, unique to my mother: acceptance.
I am damaged and marred by my history, yet this wonderfully imperfect individual still desires me to be the father of her child and the man in her life. What else could I desire?
“Tonight,” I affirm, a smile gracing her lips as I lean in for a kiss.
“Additionally, Jadi,” Ricky interjects, playfully retreating from my lips.
“A-anything.”
“What are your thoughts on enquiring with Queen Josie about the possibility of residing in River Moon indefinitely?” She enquires, chewing her bottom lip as she awaits my response.
I have no reservations, as I already feel more at home here than I ever did at Scarlett Haven. As I prepare to respond, Bray abruptly sits up, his eyes welling with tears as he gazes at us.
“Darling, what troubles you?” Ricky enquires, sitting upright and extending her arms towards him.
“I dream of a malevolent wolf,” he laments, concealing his face in her bosom. “And crimson liquid.” There is an abundance of crimson liquid on you, mother.
“Crimson liquid?” She enquires, turning to regard me with perplexity. “Which red liquid?” “
“Crimson liquid pervasive!” He weeps. “He was unkind to Father.” What prompted his unkindness towards Father?”
“Very well,” Ricky reassures, caressing his back as she kisses his forehead. “Father is now well.” Do you observe?”
“NEGATIVE!” He vociferates, shaking his head at us.
Ricky cradles the weeping puppy, murmuring comforting phrases to pacify him.
“K-Bray,” I murmur, inclining towards him. “Do you wish to observe the butterflies?”
“NEGATIVE!” Bray growls, forcefully wiping away his tears and concealing his face from me.
An thought occurs to me, and I seize the small plush wolf I presented to him as a gift.
“Wolfie, would you like to accompany me to observe the butterflies?” “I enquire of the stuffed wolf, while Ricky perceives my diversion strategy and smirks at me. I reply to my own inquiry in a far softer tone. “Yes, Za-Jadi, I wish to observe the butterflies.”
“What about you, Ta-Ricky?” Would you like to accompany me to observe the butterflies?” I enquire, to which Ricky responds with a cheerful nod.
“I would be delighted to attend,” she chuckles. “Bray, would you like to accompany us?” “
“No,” he murmurs, shaking his head.
“K-Bray can remain here alone while we go observe the butterflies,” I assert in my deep voice via the wolf.
“That is an excellent suggestion,” Ricky remarks, delicately shifting Bray from her lap. “Allow me to brush my teeth and dress, after which we can depart.”
As we begin to rise, Bray cautiously approaches the edge of the bed.
“May I attend?” “He enquires, wiping his fatigued visage.”
