Page 34 of Reclaiming His Lost Mate (Secret Legacy #3)
S elina
“What about wormweed—it’s been known to aid in digestion, hasn’t it?
” Seraphina piped up from my laptop screen, where she was staring out from one of the boxes on my video call.
We were crafting a set of teas designed to aid in digestion for after the shift.
It was a well-known fact that a lot of shifters suffered a bit after their wolves binged on caribou and other such rich gamey meats that our packs hunted in our Alaskan wilds.
“Wormweed’s perfect,” I enthused. “And there are tons of it in the Silver Moon and Moonlight Pack lands. What do you think, Lyv?”
Lyvia blinked out from the other box on my screen and said, “It’s a brilliant idea. I’ll ask Leah to sell us some and get it sent out to the two of you so we can all brew a batch and see how a prototype sells.”
I knew for a fact the kind Moonlight Luna, who had tried to pay for the herbal treatments Lyvia and I had provided her over the years in Matsuna, would provide us with the herbs for free, but I appreciated Lyvia would try to give her something for their resources.
“Brilliant,” I said, checking the clock and surprised that it was almost five o’clock. But Fridays were my favorite day of the week, my afternoons spent on video calls with my two best friends and business partners, Lyvia and Seraphina, during which we concocted new recipes and products.
It turned out that what Marissa had done by infecting my customers had turned out to be a blessing in disguise, but not in the way she’d intended. By meeting and teaming up with Seraphina and with Lyvia’s continued assistance, I’d been able to expand my business.
When I’d left Matsuna, I’d hired an assistant herbalist to oversee my business there.
Selina’s boutique in Matsuna had been my first shop and would always have a special place in my heart, but with Seraphina and Lyvia’s drive and vision, they’d helped me open up another store here in Shadow Moon three months ago.
Then, a month ago, we’d opened branches in the Moonlight and the Silver Moon Pack, which Seraphina and Lyvia were currently managing until they were more established.
Sireen, once one of the royal maids of my father’s household, popped her head through to my office. “Beta Rhys is here asking for you, Selina.”
After we’d defeated the Black Moons, like clockwork, Lucien had offered to reform the alliance with Alexis and the Shadow Moon Pack. It had been with relish that I and Alexis had rejected Lucien's alliance.
But to my surprise, our rejection of the proposal hadn’t been the end of our dealings with the Nightwing Pack.
Many Nightwings, disgusted by Lucien’s actions, chose to join Shadow Moon Pack when they heard I now ruled beside Alexis.
I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as I watched Sireen assist me in the shop, knowing that she and so many other Nightwings were now valued members of our pack, with an Alpha who treated them with the respect they deserved.
“Send him in,” I said before saying to Lyvia and Seraphina, “I better go. Rhys is here. I must be needed at home.”
Seraphina and Lyvia said goodbye, and just as I ended the call, Rhys came into my office.
As Rhys settled comfortably into the armchair, a relaxed smile crossed his face. I shot to my feet and went to the kettle, putting in a couple of tea bags of the Moonlight Mist tea Rhys preferred. Soon, the air wafted with hints of fennel and pomenta. I poured us each a cup and handed him one .
“How’s your day been?” he asked, leaning back slightly.
“Good, thanks! We’ve nailed down the new digestion tea blend,” I replied.
“Can’t wait to try it.” He lifted his cup in a friendly toast before taking a sip. “Alexis sent me to let you know he’s gone out with a unit for the night. They picked up a Black Moon scent near the borders.”
Anxiety prickled through me as it always did when news of the Black Moons slithered in.
Alpha Torin's death and Marissa’s may be behind us, but rumors of a new Alpha—Alpha Marcus—were on the rise.
He was a brutal force who was only intensifying conflict with neighboring packs.
We’d heard from the Moonlight and Silver Moon Packs of ambushes in the forests from rogue Black Moons, and we leaders were still on edge about what their next move would be when the Black Moons had regrouped.
“Thanks for the heads-up,” I said, taking a sip of the calming tea I felt I needed suddenly. “I’ll be back soon to check on Mia.”
Rhys waved a hand airily. “No rush. Becca’s got her and the other little ones entertained in the kitchen.”
Becca, the cook at Shadow Moon Castle, often had the younger kids baking after school. If she was busy, Abbie or Caroline, a couple of pack herbalists, took them harvesting in the nearby woods. Everyone in the pack had embraced Mia.
“She’s in danger of becoming spoiled,” I said with a laugh.
Rhys smiled. “She deserves it. You both do.” His tone was warm and reassuring—a testament to the bond we’d already forged in these last few months.
“Thanks, Rhys.” I paused, frowning as I mused on the worry that was niggling me. “Do you… Do you think Alexis is really worried about the Black Moons invading again?”
His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“It’s just that he has enough scouts. He doesn’t need to lead them every time, does he?”
“Ah, I see what you mean. Believe me, he’d rather be with you and Mia in the evenings.
But he’s worked hard to show the pack he’s nothing like his parents—they were never involved.
They were too trapped in their own turmoil to be truly present,” Rhys explained, his expression turning serious. “He’s determined to lead differently.”
I nodded, understanding the weight of Alexis’s burden. Since his confession on the battlefield, I knew the shadows of his parents lingered over him. I nodded in understanding. “It’s inspiring that he doesn’t let that legacy define him.”
“He shouldn’t,” Rhys replied earnestly. “He’s fought hard for the respect he commands now.”
The passion in his voice mirrored my own sentiments.
It was clear Alexis’s determination resonated throughout the entire pack, making us stronger together.
“It’s clear you’ve been there every step of the way.
Thank you,” I said. “I hope….” I hesitated, wondering if it was too presumptuous to say it, even though Alexis had already asked me to lead beside him.
I took another deep breath, needing to gauge how Alexis’s Beta felt about the idea.
“I hope I can measure up to being a strong leader.”
Rhys smiled, warmth shining in his eyes. “With your strength and heart, you already are, Selina. We’re lucky to have you with us.”
A swell of gratitude washed over me, knowing that this pack—the people within it—would always stand by me and Mia.
“Now, how about one more cup for the road?” Rhys suggested, holding up his cup hopefully.
A couple of months later, that wish to stand united in leadership with Alexis came to pass. On the night of a new moon, Alexis and I stood in the throne room, upon the dais, with Beta Rhys and three Shadow Moon elders with us, witnessing us exchange our mate bond vows.
Lyvia, the officiant of our ceremony, welcomed the pack standing around us. Both the faces of Shadow Moons and Nightwings gazed up at us with hopeful faces. Alpha Kyle and Luna Leah were there, too, their smiles radiating joy.
Mia stood, holding Seraphina’s hand at the front of the crowd, her large green eyes shining with excitement.
Her dark hair framed her face in soft waves, and she wore a bright yellow dress, the color the Shadow Moons associated with Igaluk.
She was a little ray of sunshine, beaming up at us, our greatest treasure.
“Just like tonight when Igaluk’s dark moon is unseen but at its most potent,” Lyvia proclaimed, her voice carrying confidently through the crowd.
“So is the love that has always existed between Selina and Alexis. For some time, it remained veiled to them, but watching their journey as they found each other has been a wonder and privilege to behold.”
Standing alongside Alexis, the weight of our pasts mingled with the beauty of the present.
His warm hand enveloped mine, the gentle pulse of our bond swirling around us like a soothing tide.
Love and affection shone in his stormy eyes, reflecting not only our connection but our commitment to one another and the bright future we would build for our family and pack.
When Lyvia declared us bound under the eyes of the Goddess, cheers erupted from our loved ones. All I could focus on was the warmth of Alexis’s heartbeat aligned with mine—the heartbeat of my home.
Later that evening, our celebration swayed into the depths of the night, festooned with laughter, sparkling sikin crystals, and music that lifted spirits.
Amidst the glow, I shared stories and laughter with members from both packs, feeling their warmth and the embrace of belonging enveloping me.
Mia happily went off early with Leah, Kyle, and Lena—who had become one of her best friends—for a sleepover.
Lyvia assured me she’d check in on her, too.
As the hour grew late and laughter echoed through the grand hall of Shadow Moon Castle, guests began to depart with each farewell marked with warmth and joy.
But amidst the fading festivities, Alexis swept me off my feet, his strong arms encircling me as he effortlessly carried me up the grand staircase.
“Where are we going?” I asked, a laugh bubbling up, half-surprised and half-giddy.
My arms encircled his neck for support. He’d shed his tux jacket somewhere earlier, and in a slightly rumpled shirt and tousled hair, he looked delicious.
He climbed each step with purpose, the air thick with anticipation as we headed toward our bedroom .