Chapter 140

[ 1,050 words ]

Emilia’s POV

“No,” Tiffany said too quickly. “Nothing. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”

“Sweetheart,” Titus said, “if you have feelings for Fynn…”

“I don’t!” Tiffany stood suddenly. “I need some air. Excuse me.”

She hurried away before anyone could stop her.

Mila let out a heavy sigh. “That girl. She’s just as stubborn as her brother.”

“She likes Fynn,” I said quietly. “Anyone with eyes can see it.”

“The question is whether Fynn feels the same way,” Titus said thoughtfully. “He’s a good man, but he’s never shown interest in taking a mate.”

“Maybe he’s waiting for the right moment,” Sebastian said, his eyes following his sister’s retreating form. “Or maybe he’s waiting for permission.”

“Permission?” I asked.

“Fynn takes his position as Beta very seriously,” Sebastian said. “He might think pursuing Tiffany would be inappropriate, given that she’s his Alpha’s sister.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I said. “You’d give him your blessing in a heartbeat.”

“I would,” Sebastian agreed. “But Fynn doesn’t know that.”

Before I could respond, an elderly man approached our table. He had silver hair and kind eyes, though the way he carried himself showed authority.

“Alpha, Luna,” he said with a respectful nod. “Might I have a moment of your time?”

“Elder Tyler,” Sebastian said, gesturing to an empty chair. “Please, join us.”

The old man sat, his eyes settling on me with open curiosity. “I wanted to personally welcome you, Luna Emilia. Your first shift tonight was remarkable. Strong, controlled, beautiful. Proof of your inner strength.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the praise.

“I’ve been with this pack for seventy years,” Elder Tyler continued, “and I’ve seen many Lunas come and go. But I can say for sure that you are exactly what this pack needs.”

“I’ll do my best to live up to that,” I said quietly.

“I have no doubt you will,” he said, then smiled. “And I hope you’ll forgive an old wolf’s directness, but we’re all rather hoping you’ll secure the pack’s future sooner rather than later.”

It took me a second to catch his meaning, and when I did, my face went hot again. “You mean… children?”

“Strong pups,” he said cheerfully. “Many of them, ideally. The bloodline of an Alpha and his fated mate produces the strongest wolves. The pack’s future depends on it.”

“No pressure or anything,” I muttered, and Sebastian’s shoulders shook with silent laughter beside me.

“No pressure at all,” Elder Tyler said, completely missing my sarcasm.

“We have time,” Sebastian said carefully. “Emilia just completed her first shift tonight. Let’s give her a chance to adjust before we start planning the nursery.”

“Of course, of course,” Elder Tyler said, standing. “I didn’t mean to overwhelm you, Luna. I just wanted you to know that the entire pack is behind you both. We believe in you.”

As he walked away, I turned to Sebastian. “Is everyone going to ask me about babies tonight?”

“Probably,” he said, not looking the least bit sorry. “It comes with the territory.”

“Wonderful,” I muttered. “I went from being the seventh bride everyone expected to fail to being the pack’s baby-making machine in one evening.”

“You’re also my mate,” Sebastian said, pulling me close. “Don’t forget that part.”

“That’s the part that got me into this mess,” I pointed out, but I was smiling.

“Eve?” I called silently. “You still there?”

“Always,” she answered warmly. “How are you holding up?”

“Everyone wants us to have puppies apparently.”

“Well, Sebastian is very attractive. And the mate bond is quite compelling…”

“You’re not helping.”

“I’m just saying, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world…”

“Traitor.”

Her laughter rang in my head, and despite everything, there was contentment. This was my pack now. My family. My home.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, cutting through the warm feeling.

I pulled it out.

A text notification lit up the screen. I looked down. When I saw the sender was Richie Lind, my blood ran cold. My face froze instantly. With shaking fingers, I tapped to open it.

“I know you’re back, Emilia. Tomorrow, 2 PM, VIP Room 308 at the Riverside Hotel. Don’t be late.”

My blood turned to ice.

“Emilia?” Sebastian called out to me. His hand touched my shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

I locked my phone quickly. “Nothing. I’m just… the first shift took a lot out of me. I think I need to lie down.”

Sebastian’s face immediately turned concerned. “Then go back to the room and rest.”

I got up and left.

“You’re a terrible liar,” Eve said in my head.

“I know,” I muttered back. “But what am I supposed to say? ’Oh, by the way, the man who’s been blackmailing me just texted’?”

“You could try the truth. Sebastian is our mate. He’d help you.”

“Or he’d kill Richie. I can handle this myself.”

Eve didn’t respond, but her disapproval came through our bond loud and clear.

The next afternoon, I stood outside Room 308 of the Riverside Hotel.

I pushed the door open.

Richie sat at a table covered with expensive dishes and wine, looking every bit the wealthy businessman in his tailored suit. His cold eyes followed my movements as I entered.

“You’re earlier than I expected,” he said, gesturing to the empty chair across from him. “Sit.”

I stayed standing. “I’m not here to have dinner with you, Richie. Say what you need to say so I can leave.”

“Still so feisty.” He poured himself a glass of wine, swirling it lazily. “I thought marriage to the famous Sebastian Simons might have… softened you. But I see you’re as sharp-tongued as ever.”

“And I see you’re as delusional as ever if you think I’m going to roll over and do whatever you want.”

His smile hardened. “Careful, Emilia. You’re not in a position to be making threats.”

“Neither are you,” I shot back. “Unless you want to explain to your business partners why you’re harassing the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack.”

“Luna.” He said the word slowly. “Yes, I heard about your little ceremony last night. Congratulations. You’ve certainly moved up in the world.”

He leaned forward, his eyes glinting. “Though I have to wonder… does your dear Alpha know about your past? About the promises you made? About your uncle’s crimes?”

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