Page 19

Aurora

There's a calmness in the air, the kind that frees you of all the aches that come with worry. I sit still, my smile in place, as I watch, with a great sense of admiration, Lucien and Ronan play around in circles.

It's been a week since our arrival, and so far, Ronan's health has gotten remarkably better. He's lively once again, and that is more than enough to have me content.A small smile graces my features as he locks eyes with me, waving wildly in my direction. I feel my stomach fold into a knot as Lucien meets my gaze, his sweaty body glistening under the intensity of the sun.

I manage a polite nod in his direction, and he mirrors the gesture. Ronan and Lucien have been attached at the hip from the moment Ronan started feeling better.He asks about him all the time, follows him to the pack house on a few occasions, and insists he comes around every day. Lucien is also really great with him. I can see the tenderness in his eyes whenever Ronan is yapping endlessly about a new interest or telling him about his toys at home. He looks like he doesn't want to be anywhere else, and whatever Ronan has to say is the most important thing, even if it's mostly gibberish.I've watched them play catch and seen Lucien take him around the pack to show him around. On one occasion, I walked into the living room to find them napping. Lucien was strewn across the sofa while Ronan lay on top of him, his weight supported by Lucien's arms while Guardians of the Galaxy rolled by on the TV screen.The sight brought a strange feeling with it, and if the situation was different, I would've taken a picture and treasured it for life, but I knew better. I wasn't going to start making permanent memories with a temporary man. So, I threw the covers over them and walked away.They continued in a similar fashion, spending the days playing around and evenings watching movies till Ronan slept. I've made it a point to stay out of their way and limit my contact with Lucien.

The nature of the bond and how quickly Ronan grew attached to him had me shaken at first. I was worried about how he'd cope when we leave. But I am not going to rob him of a father's love, no matter how short the duration might be.I force my fears to the corner, allowing myself to enjoy this almost intimate family moment. My son is healthy and has been bonding with his father over the last week. That is more than enough for me. I do not need or want more than this. I hate how often I have to remind myself of this.

A familiar car pulls into the driveway, interrupting their game as they make their way, hand in hand, toward the pack healer."Hey!" She says cheerfully, waving at me.

I put a hand over my forehead, squint, and then lean closer to make out what she is holding before I return her wave.It's a small bag, and the contents are not obvious in any way.Lucien and Ronan catch up with her, and the three of them are deep in a conversation. I wonder what they're talking about, but I fight the urge to walk up to them.When they begin walking toward me, I'm nervous, my smile faltering slightly."Welcome," I say, letting her pull me into her embrace. She smells of lavender and lime, an odd mix that seems to suit her perfectly.

She nods, leaning back to speak, "I stopped to drop these off for Lucien."

My brow shoots up, a question dancing in my eyes, but I stay quiet. He reaches out to accept the bag, holding it firmly at his side as they exchange pleasantries before he excuses himself, with Ronan hot on his tail.She turns to me just then, "Also," she begins, "I was hoping to speak with you."

My heartbeat intensifies as I let my mind go through a number of reasons she'd be looking to speak with me. I think about Ronan, wondering if there are any lingering complications for him health-wise.

Nothing comes to mind, so I walk with her back to her car, "Okay, go on," I urge, eager to get this over with as soon as possible.

She sighs, taking her time, "Have you considered staying here longer?"Without thinking, I shake my head. "I haven't. Why?"

She pauses, turning to face me, her expression a lot more serious now, "He's better. You can see that. Staying here is good for him right now, just until he's old enough to decide what's best for him and his wolf is strong enough to exist without community."

I blink rapidly, struggling to understand where all of this is coming from, "Did he put you up to this?" I ask, my tone accusatory. This sounds like a ploy to get us to stay here and live here if possible. I'm not going to fall into these twisted mind games.She laughs, a soothing sound that seems to echo around me, "No, not at all. Your son is my patient. I'm just concerned about him." Her gaze straightens just then, the smile fading as a frown takes its place, "Taking him away from here can cause another episode."

"Is that the only way it has to be? There's no way for him to feel better elsewhere, even if he has the best care?" I ask, worrying my bottom lips between my teeth. I need Ronan to be at his best. Watching him slowly come back to the boy I used to know and seeing him grow stronger in Lucien's presence has been the best experience. But we can't stay here. It's only a matter of time till tongues start wagging, and I can't risk the trouble.

The healer looks at me, her eyes heavy with concern. "He has to be kept close to his kin."

"I'll think about it," I say, not wanting to drag on with the topic any further.

She nods, "Please, do."

She turns to unlock her car, and I signal her to wait, "Can I ask a question of my own?"

"Sure," her confusion is almost palpable as she ticks loose strands of hair behind her ears, her eyes on me, watching expectantly.

"You brought medications for Lucien?" I ask, trying not to sound like a creep.

"Oh, that. They're for his injury. I give him a weekly dose," she says casually as if we've had a conversation on this before, and I'm familiar with the topic already.

"Injuries?" I echo, instantly regretting it when she looks at me, the surprise on her face hinting that I might be the only one in the dark on this subject.

"Yes, injury. He sustained a nasty one during the last attack. He lost so much blood he almost died in the process because instead of seeking treatment, he was hell-bent on rushing to save someone he insisted was in danger. It was the most reckless thing I've ever witnessed."

I feel my heart dip slightly, a wave of guilt washing over me. He was hurt in a battle when I was attacked, and he still came for me? Why didn't he say anything to me? And wasn't this weeks ago? How is he still injured? Question after question filters into my head, and I blink a few times to clear the fog.

"Sorry, how is he still taking medications for injuries from weeks ago?" I press on, needing to understand what was going on. So far, the healer has been the only one willing to answer my questions. Liam only drops by to ruffle Ronan's hair and ask if I need anything, but he never sticks around for an actual conversation.

She steals a quick glance at her watch, "He..ermm… He lost his wolf about five years ago. That's why he heals slower than he should. The supplements I provide help boot the process, although not so much."

Five years ago, that's about the same time I left. An obnoxious thought of his predicament being a result of my rejection pushes into my head, but I push back at it. Mates reject each other once in a while, and no one loses their wolf. It's never that serious.

I feel my wolf steer anxiously. The news must've scared her. She's been slowly softening towards Lucien following our stay and even urging me to give him a chance, but I've been doing a great job of ignoring her.

I nod at her explanation, "Thank you. You've been helpful."She flashes me one of her smiles, "Anytime. Just have him give me a call when you're decided."With that, she drives off, leaving me in a maze of my own thoughts. I try to think back to that day to see if I remember any injury, but my mind can barely conjure a decent image.I make my way back home just in time to see Lucien saying his goodbyes to our son. My heart expands with happiness as I watch the easy laughter that spills out of Ronan.

One thing I will miss when we leave is the fact that here, in his pack, he's surrounded by people who love him almost as much as I do.

He pauses at the sight of me, his smile faltering. "Hey," he says, playing with the bag in hand.

I nod in reply, lacing my fingers together as I stare at him. His singlet sticks to his body, leaving grey lines of sweat on almost every part."I was wondering," he begins, "if you and Ronan can come over for dinner?" There's a hint of uncertainty in his tone, as though he's looking to try his luck with me.

I frown, not sure how he hopes I will react to this. "I…" my voice trails off as I spot Ronan, eyes twinkling in delight as he stares at us.

"Dinner? Yess!" He yells with that childlike excitement lacing his tone. He's clutching a toy with one free hand.

I frown deeper, realizing this has gotten to a point of no return. Stealing one last glance at my son, I let my shoulders slump in defeat, "Alright then, but just this one time."

They have identical smiles on their faces as they celebrate, making loud plans for dinner as Lucien lets Ronan tell him a list of food he wants at dinner.I let my gaze linger on him as he heads out, holding Ronan in place as he waves Lucien goodbye. With him gone, I let out an exhale, the exhaustion obvious now as we make our way back inside.So much has happened that's been left unspoken between us. I wonder if it all will ever see the light of the day.