Page 41 of A Luna's Revenge (Stone Mountain Shifters)
Charlie
The sun streams through the large window of Lianna and Xavier’s home, casting a warm glow over the great room. I hold the delicate little one in my arms, cooing softly as I admire the fragile features of my grandchild. Asher stands to my right, while Reggie stands to my left, both wearing soft smiles on their beautiful faces, sharing my joy. The rest of the family is gathered in the room, laughing and talking, while the four of us seem like a tiny island unto ourselves.
“Is it even possible to be this perfect?” I said, my voice filled with wonder. “She’s got Lianna’s crystal blue eyes.”
“And Xavier’s curiosity,” Asher replied, leaning closer to get a better look. “Look at her, already taking in the world around her. She’s looking around the room, fully aware.”
I laugh softly, my heart filling with visions for a bright future for her. “I hope she’s brave enough to forge her own destiny.”
“If she’s anything like her grandmother,” Reggie sighs, “she will certainly do so.” Asher nods in agreement.
As we remain captivated by her, a sudden shift in the air makes the hair on my neck stand up. The energy around us comes to life, and I feel the familiar presence of my once-beloved soulmate. Jenson emerges from the depths of Asher, his eyes wide and searching. There is a slight change in Asher’s posture—a gentle acquiescence that says that Jenson has stepped forward.
“Charlie?” Jenson’s voice is rough from lack of use, sounding achingly familiar.
Jenson remains close to me, and I sense Reggie’s unspoken support as he recognizes the significance of this interaction between Jenson and me. I hold my breath, caught between surprise and the deeply painful whispers of the past.
“That’s our pup, Charlie,” Jenson says, his voice becoming clearer. “She’s ours.” A flicker of clarity crosses his features as he looks at the baby. “No, this is our grandpup,” he clarifies, awe filling his voice. “I can feel it,” he breathes excitedly.
“Yes, Jenson,” I say softly, my heart aching. “She belongs to Lianna, mine and Reggie’s daughter, and Michelle’s son, Xavier. But since you and Asher adopted him, she is ours too.”
With that, Jenson’s expression softens as he gently kisses the pup’s forehead. “You are so loved,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. He rises and looks at me like the Jenson I used to love. “I’ve always loved you, Charlie, more than I can express. You were my everything.”
A heavy silence settles around us, filled with unspoken memories. My heart aches for the lost years, the love that had once burned so brightly. “You hurt me, Jenson,” I managed, my voice trembling. “You broke us.”
“I know,” he says, his voice breaking. “I know what I did to you, to us. And I’m so sorry.” He pauses as if searching for the right words. “I’ve thought about our pup. The one we lost because of my mistakes. It was my fault, Charlie. I took the wolfsbane, and I—I can’t change that. But I want you to know how very much I love you.”
Tears fill my eyes, grief mixing with the pain of the past. “I’ve had to live with that loss, Jenson. It was—devastating.”
“I’ve had to live with it, too, knowing it’s my fault. I am so, so sorry. I don’t expect you to forgive me,” he said, his voice softer, filled with genuine remorse. “But I’m glad you have Reggie. He’s good for you, and I can see how happy you are.”
I wipe a tear from my cheek, feeling a deep sorrow and understanding. “I’m happy with Reggie, Jenson. We’ve built a wonderful life, and I want you to be at peace too. I hope you can get past this and be happy, too. Michelle is a wonderful female. You and Asher are lucky to have her.”
Jenson nods, looking as if a profound weight is lifting from him as if he can finally let go of the burden he has carried for so long. “I’m going to take my leave now,” he says slowly, almost wistfully. “I want you to have a good life, Charlie.”
With that, he begins to fade back into Asher, who takes a moment to gather himself as Jenson’s presence slowly recedes.
Asher wraps an arm around my shoulders. “He’s left my mind now,” he murmurs, his voice low and steady. “He’s not inside here anymore.” He taps his head. “He’s gone to the moon.”
I take a deep breath, letting the moment settle within me. “I hope he’s at peace now.”
“Me, too,” Asher says gently. “You’ve created something beautiful here.” He gestures at the tiny bundle still cradled in my arms.
I look down at my grandpup, and a new wave of hope washes over me. “Yes, we have. And I’ll treasure every moment.” I glance at Reggie, who pulls us close and kisses my head.
Together, we coo over the pup; the warmth of new beginnings envelopes us as we welcome the future.
…and that is where Charlie and Jenson’s story ends.