23

[Jade's pov]
I lay in bed, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions. Ragnar, my beloved, sat next to me, looking concerned. It was time to address the pain that had haunted us for too long.
"I want you to know, Ragnar," I began, my voice trembling slightly, "that I have forgiven you."
His eyes widened in surprise, but relief quickly washed over his features. "You have?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
I nodded, mustering a weak smile. "Yes, I have. It hasn't been easy, but I've realized that holding onto the past will only keep us from moving forward together."
Ragnar reached out and gently caressed my cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. "Thank you," he whispered, his eyes glistening with emotion. "I am deeply sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I never wanted to hurt you."
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them away. "I know that now," I replied, taking his hand in mine. "And I believe in us, in our love. We can overcome this together."
As if compelled by an unseen force, I rolled over him, our lips meeting in a tender, heartfelt kiss. It was a moment of reconnection, of rediscovering the love that had been overshadowed by past mistakes.
His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, and I felt a sense of security that I had missed for so long. With one hand on his chest, I could feel his heart beating, a reminder that we were both human and flawed, yet striving to heal and grow.
I let out a contented sigh, my free hand resting on my tummy. Ragnar's eyes followed my touch, and he smiled with affection. "Our future," he murmured, his gaze fixed on my belly. "A family that I will cherish and protect with all my being."
A surge of warmth enveloped me, and I returned his loving expression. "Yes, our future," I echoed softly. "I believe in you, Ragnar, and in us. We have faced darkness, but we will emerge stronger, together."
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I love you so much, Jade," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I promise to spend every day of our lives making it up to you, proving my love and dedication."
As we lay there, entwined in each other's arms, I knew that forgiving him had been the right decision. The weight that had burdened my heart was now lifted, and I felt a glimmer of hope for a brighter, happier future with the man I loved.
As we lay there, hearts entwined and emotions raw, Ragnar's voice grew softer, almost hesitant, as he spoke. "Jade, there's something I've been wanting to tell you. I want to take you back to my pack." I could see sincerity and confidence in his eyes but I was still unsure whether I want to or not. I did not want to go back when Clara was there in his pack as his Luna.
My eyes widened in surprise, and I propped myself up on my elbows, looking into his earnest gaze. "Your pack?" I repeated, a mix of hesitation and uncertainty bubbling within me. I wanted to make sure that he would caste her out of the pack if he wanted to get me back.
"Yes," he replied, his hand gently stroking my hair. "I want you to meet my family, my friends, everyone who matters to me as my mate. I want them to know the incredible woman who captured my heart, who forgave me when I didn't deserve it and who is the rightful Luna of Gravestone pack."
His words touched me deeply, and I felt a sense of validation, knowing that he was willing to share his life with me openly. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of apprehension. "What if they don't accept me when you have Clara as your mate and Luna there?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Ragnar's expression softened, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that escaped my eye. "They will," he assured me, his voice filled with conviction. "I know my pack, and I know they'll see what I see in you – a strong, resilient, and loving soul. And if anyone dares to question my decision of casting out Clara, I will defend you with everything I have. Not anymore, I will not let you suffer anymore."
His unwavering support wrapped around me like a warm embrace, and I leaned in, resting my head against his chest. "I want to meet the pack if you promise to protect me and tell me everything next time," I confessed, my voice muffled against his skin. "I want to be a part of your life, Ragnar, and I want you to be a part of mine."
His arms tightened around me, as if he wanted to hold me even closer. "Nothing would make me happier," he murmured, his lips pressing a soft kiss to the crown of my head. "I want us to build a life together, to create memories with our future family."
A mix of hope and trepidation swirled inside me, but I knew that love was worth taking risks for. "Let's do it like mates and partners this time," I said, my voice steady with determination. "Let's face whatever comes our way, together."
Ragnar's eyes sparkled with joy, and he pulled me into another sweet, tender kiss. The moment felt like a promise – a promise of love, growth, and the possibility of a brighter future.
In that embrace, I realized that forgiving him wasn't just about letting go of the past; it was also about embracing the present and embracing the journey ahead. Our love had weathered storm of deceit, and though scars remained, they were now symbols of strength, not pain.
With Ragnar by my side, I felt brave enough to face anything for my child, the uncertainties of meeting his pack as Luna, the challenges that life would undoubtedly throw at us, and the joy of creating a life filled with love and compassion.
As we lay there, intertwined and hopeful, the weight of the past was finally lifted, and a new chapter began for both of us. Together, we were ready to rewrite our story, hand in hand, heart in heart, bound by a love bond that had conquered darkness and was now in the light of forgiveness and hope.