27

[Ragnar’s pov]


I woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, and as I turned, I found Jade still sleeping peacefully beside me. A content smile crept onto my face as I watched her for a moment, grateful to start the day with her by my side. Gently, I leaned over and pressed a tender kiss on her forehead, hoping not to disturb her slumber.


Jade stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine, and a warm smile graced her lips. "Good morning, my love," she murmured, her voice filled with affection. Things between us turned good as Jade had forgiven me.


"Good morning, Jade," I replied, my heart fluttering at the sight of her waking up. "I missed you last night," I admitted, caressing her cheek. We exchanged more sweet words of endearment, cherishing the closeness we shared.


"I missed you too," she said, her eyes sparkling with adoration. "It feels so good to wake up with you here." It had been a few days and our hearts longed to be together again. As we got ready for the day, I couldn't help but marvel at the simple pleasure of sharing mundane tasks with her, knowing that every moment was a treasure in our love story.


With hearts full of love, we walked hand in hand, heading towards the dining hall. Along the way, we continued to talk romantically, expressing how much we had missed each other and recounting the little moments that had made us think of one another during our time apart.


Jade smiled, her eyes softening with affection. "Even when we were apart, I could feel your presence in my heart," she said, squeezing my hand gently. "It's as if we are connected in a way that transcends distance and time."


I nodded, feeling the same connection deep within my soul. "You are my anchor, Jade," I confessed, my voice filled with emotion. "No matter where I am, you keep me grounded and give me the strength to face anything that comes our way."


Jade's love-filled gaze met mine, and she leaned in to kiss me softly. "And you, Ragnar, you are my guiding light," she whispered. "You bring joy and love into my life, and I'm grateful for every moment we share together."


As we approached the dining hall, our hands still entwined, I knew that our love was a rare and precious gift. We may have been apart for a few days, but it only served to deepen our appreciation for each other. With Jade by my side, every day was filled with romance and love, and I couldn't wait to create more beautiful memories together.


As Jade and I entered the dining hall, we were greeted by the sight of Lily, my sister and a prominent member of the pack. Her eyes lit up when she saw us, and she rushed over to welcome us with a warm hug.


"Ragnar! Jade! Finally, you are here" Lily exclaimed, her excitement evident in her voice. "I missed you both so much." Jade returned the hug, smiling brightly. "We missed everyone too, Lily," she said. "It's good to be back."


I nodded, grateful for the warm reception from our pack. "Yes, it feels like he had been away for ages," Before i could speak Jade admitted. Lily's eyes turned to me, and her expression softened with concern. "Ragnar," she said, her tone serious, "I have to scold you. Why did you wait so long to come back for Jade? I was worried sick that you would be trapped by that bitch."


Her words struck a chord deep within me, and I felt a pang of guilt. "I know, Lily, and I'm sorry," replied, feeling remorseful for the pain my absence had caused. "I should have come back sooner, and I take full responsibility for my actions."


Jade interjected gently, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. "It's not entirely Ragnar's fault, Lily," she said, her voice calm and understanding. "I should have trusted him and had unforeseen circumstances that delayed his return. But here he is now, and we won't leave again without a good reason."


Lily sighed, her stern expression softening as she looked at us both while I shrugged admiring how Jade handled it. "Just promise me that you'll communicate better next time," Lily spoke with her concern for our well-being evident in her eyes. "Your pack cares about you both, and we worry when you're away for so long, brother."


"I promise, Lily," I said, sincerity lacing my voice. "We will make sure to keep in touch, no matter what. After I go back to the pack to discard some trash."


Jade nodded in agreement, her love for the pack evident in her gaze. "I am grateful for Zilver’s pack's support and love," she said. "You both mean so much to us." Jade thanked her while holding her friend's hands, I was relieved that there was no bad blood between them.


Lily smiled, satisfied with our response. "Alright then," she said, her tone lighter. "Now that you both are here, let's get some food in your bellies. I'm sure you must be starving after a long night." I knew what she meant as Jade blushed hard upon her words.


As we settled down at the dining table, surrounded by the familiar faces of people who were afraid of me. I felt a sense of gratitude towards Zilver for protecting the important ladies of my life. Jade and I had weathered challenges together, and our bond had grown stronger. And with the love and support of the people I adored, I knew that we could face anything that lay ahead.




As we began to enjoy a meal together, the lively atmosphere of the dining hall filled with laughter and camaraderie. Jade and I caught up with Lily, sharing stories of our childhood adventures and experiences from our time away. I could see Jade feeling a void as she had never known her biological family.


Just as the warmth of companionship settled around us, the door to the dining hall swung open, Zilver, the stern alpha and my brother-in-law entered. His presence demanded respect, and his piercing gaze scanned the room until it settled on me. The atmosphere seemed to shift, and an air of seriousness descended upon the hall.



Zilver approached our table, his steps deliberate and purposeful as I saw him smiling at Lily and Jade with compassion. He had been like a friend to me ever since he married Lily, however I was still surprised that he agreed to play along with me so easily. As he stood before me, I felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation.


"Ragnar," Zilver spoke, his voice low and commanding, "may I have a word with you?"


I nodded and excused myself from the table, following him to a quieter corner of the hall. Jade's concerned gaze followed me as I walked away, but I gave her a reassuring smile.


Once we were away from the prying ears, Zilver fixed his intense gaze on me. "I hear you want to return after quite some time," he said, his tone measured.


"Yes, Zilver," I replied respectfully. "Jade and I had some unexpected challenges to overcome, but we are back on track and she has forgiven me. I want to go back to attend to some matters as soon as possible."


Zilver's eyes narrowed as he observed me closely. "And what are your further plans, Ragnar?" he asked directly. "Will you be taking Jade with you when you leave?"


I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. It was true that our journey had been unpredictable, and the future was still uncertain. But I couldn't deny the deep love and connection I shared with Jade


"Zilver, I love Jade with all my heart, especially now that she is going to give me an heir" I confessed, my voice unwavering. "I can't imagine my life without her. However, we need to discuss our future together and before that I have to settle some matters within my pack."


Zilver nodded thoughtfully, his gaze softening slightly. "Love is a powerful force, Ragnar," he said, "but it must also be balanced with responsibility. Your choices not only affect you and Jade, your child and also the entire pack as well. Consider the consequences of your decisions carefully now that you are the alpha."


His words resonated with me, reminding me of the weight of my responsibilities as the ruler of the pack. I had to think not only about my own desires but also about the welfare of those I cared about.


"I understand, Zilver," I replied earnestly. "I promise to discuss my decisions with Jade openly and honestly. Haha! Or else she won't forgive me a second time if I hide anything from her. Goodness! I already have had a lot from her."


Zilver nodded in approval, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Good," he said. "Remember, Ragnar, the pack's welfare is your prime responsibility but your own happiness with your mate is important, but it should never come at the expense of others especially when your decisions directly impact them."


"I won't forget, Zilver," I assured him, feeling a sense of resolve settle within me. "Thank you for your support and taking care of your sister, from now on Zillah/Jade is my responsibility."


As we returned to the table, Jade looked at me with concern, silently questioning the seriousness of our conversation. I smiled reassuringly at her, knowing that we had much to discuss openly, and now we would face the future together.