Page 25 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)
PRAYERS TO THE MOON GODDESS
Wren
The sun spills golden light across the room, illuminating the soft contours of the space we share in the Pack House.
I can feel the warmth of Harrison’s body against my back as he sleeps, my heart fluttering at the thought of him.
Despite my sister and mother’s visit, I can’t quite shake the contentment that comes from waking up next to my mate.
Shadow, my black cat, is insistent, purring and nudging my hand, demanding attention.
“Good morning, Shadow,” I murmur, glancing over my shoulder to see Harrison’s sleepy face buried in the pillow, his light long hair tousled.
Gingerly, I slip out of his embrace, feeling the cool air hit my skin as I move.
I take a moment to savor the lingering warmth of his touch before I head to the kitchen to feed Shadow.
“You’re lucky I love you,” I say, scooping dry food into his bowl.
He meows appreciatively, diving into his breakfast with fervor.
After taking care of my feline companion, I shuffle to the bathroom, and the mundane actions of brushing my teeth and washing my face ground me.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror — my long, blonde hair cascading down my shoulders, the faintest hint of my fire magic glimmering in my eyes.
I take a deep breath, feeling the familiar warmth of my magic pulse beneath my skin.
Choosing my outfit is an act of self-expression, a brief escape into the world of fashion before the day catches up with me.
I settle on a tan lace maxi skirt that flows like a river around my legs and a soft, white off-the-shoulder sweater that clings just enough to remind me of the warmth of Harrison’s embrace.
I feel confident and ready to face whatever the day may hold.
As I reach for my jewelry, a knock interrupts my thoughts. “We have a visitor,” I call to Harrison, who stirs behind me. I hear him mumble something in response, and as I open the door, he’s already pulling on a pair of sweatpants, his muscles rippling beneath the fabric.
Standing in the doorway are my sister Lenore and my mother, Agatha. My heart skips a beat. “Is everything okay?” I ask, my brow furrowing with concern.
“Better than okay,” my mother replies, her voice warm but tinged with the bittersweetness of parting. “Lenore has Alpha Wyatt’s permission to head back home.”
I feel a pang of sadness at the thought of them leaving, but there’s a glimmer of hope in my mother’s eyes that draws me in.
She glances at Harrison, who instinctively places a protective hand on my waist. The tension between our worlds is palpable, but Harrison meets my mother’s gaze with unwavering resolve.
“I wasn’t sure about this… arrangement,” Agatha continues. “People from different worlds often struggle to find common ground. Your father and I?—”
“Mom,” I interject gently, “Harrison isn’t like that. He’s my mate.”
Her eyes soften as she looks at Harrison, who stands tall, his presence radiating confidence. It’s clear to me that every moment he spends with me, every gaze, embodies the essence of our mate bond — pure, unbreakable, and worth fighting for.
“I know,” she replies, her voice laced with a hint of regret. “But I’ve seen too many hearts broken, too many shadows cast over relationships that should have thrived. Your father… my past with him. Lenore’s ex-mate. It’s hard not to worry.”
Harrison tightens his grip around my waist, pulling me closer. “I promise to cherish Wren,” he says, his voice deep and steady. “I won’t let her fall into the darkness or be without me.”
I melt back into him, feeling his strength envelop me.
My heart swells with love for him, the bond we share igniting a warmth that spreads through my entire being.
I glance at Lenore, who watches us with a mix of hope and longing.
“You’ll have your chance, too, Lenore,” I say softly.
“Just keep praying to the Moon Goddess. Stay away from the shadows and stick to the light.”
Lenore steps forward, wrapping her arms around me. “Thank you, Wren. I won’t mess this up. I promise.” The sincerity in her voice makes me believe her, even as I feel the weight of our family’s history.
Harrison’s protective instincts come out, and he leans down to look at Lenore, his voice low and serious. “This is your only shot to make things right between you and Wren. Don’t let the temptation of dark magic pull you in. I won’t have my mate crying over losing her sister.”
My mother takes Lenore’s hand, offering a supportive smile. “We’ll be back to visit, Wren. You have my blessing, even if it took me a while to accept it myself. Just remember, love can conquer all — even the shadows.”
As they walk away, my heart aches a little, but Harrison nudges me gently. “Let’s get you some breakfast. I want you to snag my pancakes before Dalton eats them all,” he says, a teasing glint in his eye.
I laugh, the sound light and airy as I take his hand, feeling the warmth of our connection. “You’re right. Can’t let the Beta outpace us!”
Together, we head down to the kitchen after Harrison grabs a shirt and slips his shoes on, the scent of pancakes and bacon wafting through the air.
The Pack House is bustling with activity as warriors prepare for the day, laughter mingling with the clanking of dishes.
I weave through the crowd, grabbing plates and piling them high with fluffy pancakes, syrup, and fresh berries.
Harrison stands nearby, his presence a comforting weight in the chaos. “What are you thinking about?” he asks as I return to him, balancing the plates precariously.
“About Lenore and Mom,” I admit, casting a glance over my shoulder. “I hope Lenore finds her way back to the light and stays there this time.”
“She will,” Harrison assures me, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’ve always been her guiding light, Wren. Just like you are for me.”
The sincerity in his voice sends a thrill through me, the bond we share glowing fiercely. As I take a bite of my blueberry pancakes, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging wash over me, and for a moment, the worries of our worlds fade away.
After breakfast, we make our way back to our suite, and Harrison’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining effortlessly. “I’ve got a sparring session with the other warriors later,” he says, a playful edge in his voice. “You should come watch. I’ll show them just how strong my witch mate is.”
“And if I cast a fire spell to help you win?” I tease back, raising an eyebrow.
He chuckles, shaking his head. “I don’t want to give them any excuses for losing.”
I smile, the playful banter between us always lifting my spirits. “Fine, I’ll just cheer you on from the sidelines.”
As the day progresses, I find myself engulfed in preparations for the upcoming gathering of the coven and the pack. It’s a time to celebrate, to strengthen bonds, but the shadows whisper in my mind, reminding me of the delicate balance between our worlds.
In the afternoon, I make my way to the training grounds, where the warriors are already practicing.
The energy in the air is electric, and I can see Harrison among them, his movements fluid and powerful as he demonstrates techniques.
My heart swells with pride as I watch him, the way he commands attention and respect, yet remains humble.
“Hey, Wren!” Dalton calls out, his demanding voice cutting through the noise. “You here to cheer on your mate?”
I nod, waving at him as I settle onto a nearby bench. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
As the training continues, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease creeping in.
The shadows seem to stretch around me, whispering secrets I can’t quite decipher.
I focus on Harrison, on the way he fights, on the strength and love we share, but the feeling lingers, a constant reminder of the darkness that can easily encroach upon our lives.
When the sparring session comes to an end, I can see the warriors panting and laughing, their camaraderie evident. Harrison strides over to me, his hair damp with sweat and a satisfied grin on his face. “How did I do?” he asks, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Impressive,” I reply, unable to hide my admiration. “But I think you were holding back. Were you afraid of hurting your fellow warriors?”
“Maybe just a little,” he admits, pulling me to my feet. “But I’d rather not give them an excuse to come at me.”
“Smart man,” I tease, our laughter ringing out amidst the fading sunlight.
Yet, even as we joke, the shadows linger in my mind, whispering warnings of something yet to come. I shake it off, pushing the thoughts aside as we make our way back to the Pack House, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges await us together.
As night falls and the moon rises high in the sky, I take a moment to gaze out at the horizon, feeling the power of the universe coursing through me.
I close my eyes, centering myself and reaching out to the Moon Goddess, whispering my prayers for protection, for clarity, and for the strength to navigate the complexities of the world around us.
The bond I share with Harrison is my light, and as long as we stand together, I believe we can face anything — even the shadows that threaten to encroach upon our lives.
But the night is still young, and the unexpected can always find a way to creep in, just as the shadows do. With a determined heart, I turn back towards the Pack House, ready to embrace whatever comes next in this journey of life.