Chapter 79
The sun was shining brightly today, a rare warmth caressing the cool autumn breeze. It felt like the perfect day for a walk. The twins were nestled against my chest in their sling, tiny fists occasionally poking out as they stretched. I couldn’t help but smile down at them; they were perfect. My heart swelled with love and gratitude.
“Look at you,” I murmured softly, kissing the top of their heads. “Already so curious about the world.”
I felt a comforting presence approach from behind me. Turning, I found Fatima walking up with a bright smile on her face, her long hair swaying in the wind. She looked more at peace than I’d ever seen her.
“You look like a real mom now, Pris,” she teased, her eyes shining with affection as she looked at the babies. “You’ve got that glow.”
I chuckled, rolling my eyes playfully. “Oh, please. It’s probably just the sweat. These two are heavier than they look.”
Fatima laughed, and we fell into step together as we started down the path that led into the heart of the pack’s territory. It was a beautiful day, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I didn’t feel any lingering tension or fear. I felt… at peace.
“You know, it’s been a long time since we’ve had a morning like this,” I said, glancing over at her. “No drama, no threats, just a normal day.”
Fatima nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I know. It feels almost strange, doesn’t it? Like we’ve been living in survival mode for so long that we’ve forgotten what it’s like to just… live.”
I squeezed her hand, appreciating her honesty. “But I think we’ve earned this moment, don’t you?”
She smiled, a real, genuine smile that lit up her entire face. “We have. We really have.”
As we made our way down the path, we stopped at a small café that overlooked a meadow. I found a table shaded by a large oak tree, and we sat down, taking a moment to breathe in the crisp morning air. The babies were sleeping soundly now, their tiny chests rising and falling in rhythm.
“You look happy,” I said, watching Fatima’s face. There was a softness there I hadn’t seen before, a lightness that was new.
She nodded, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. “I am. I’ve accepted Chris as my mate,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as if she were sharing a precious secret.
My eyes widened in surprise and joy. “Really? Oh my God, Fatima, that’s amazing! How did it happen?”
She chuckled, shaking her head. “It wasn’t one big moment. It was a series of small ones. The way he looks at me, how he’s always there when I need him, even when I’m being stubborn. I realized I was fighting something that was already mine.”
I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I’m so happy for you. Chris deserves someone like you, and you deserve to be happy.”
Fatima’s eyes softened as she looked at me. “And you? You look happier too, Priscilla. Jake seems like he’s taken to fatherhood better than anyone expected.”
I couldn’t help the wide grin that spread across my face. “He’s amazing,” I said, my voice filled with love. “I knew he would be a great mate, but seeing him with the twins… it’s more than I could have ever dreamed. He’s so gentle with them, and you should see the way they look at him. It’s like they already know he’s their protector.”
Fatima laughed, taking a sip of her coffee. “You’ve got yourself a good one, Pris. You two make it look easy.”
“Ha! Easy? Hardly,” I snorted, shaking my head. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth every sleepless night, every moment of worry.”
We continued chatting, catching up on everything we’d missed during the chaos of the last few months. I found myself relaxing more and more, feeling a sense of normalcy that had been missing for so long. We talked about future plans, the babies’ first words, and what it would be like to finally settle down without constant threats hanging over our heads.
After finishing our coffee, we wandered into a nearby boutique. I couldn’t resist buying a pair of tiny, matching outfits for the twins—little wolf onesies that made my heart melt.
“Look at these,” I cooed, showing them to Fatima. “Aren’t they adorable? I’m going to dress them up for Jake later. He’ll love it.”
Fatima laughed, rolling her eyes. “You’re already spoiling them. They’re going to be the most fashionable pups in the pack.”
“Of course they are,” I said with a grin. “They’re mine, after all.”
We left the store, bags in hand, and began the short walk back to the pack house. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows along the path. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I brushed it off. It was probably just the cool breeze picking up.
As we walked, Fatima leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a serious tone. “Pris, I need to ask you something.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Do you ever worry… that this peace won’t last?” she asked, her eyes searching mine.
I paused, glancing down at the babies before meeting her gaze. “I do. Every day. But I can’t let that fear control me anymore. We’ve been through so much, Fatima. We deserve this happiness, even if it’s just for a little while.”
She nodded, seeming reassured by my words. “You’re right. We do.”
Just as I was about to respond, I felt it—a sudden, sharp change in the air. It was like the world had shifted beneath my feet. I barely had time to react before something slammed into me from behind, knocking me off balance. I twisted mid-fall, shielding the babies with my body.
“Priscilla!” Fatima screamed, her eyes wide with terror as she lunged to help me.
I hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of me. My first thought was for the twins, but they were safe, still cradled in the sling against my chest. I rolled over, scrambling to my feet just in time to see Fatima get thrown back by an invisible force.
“Fatima!” I shouted, but she was already struggling back to her feet, her face twisted in pain and determination.
There was no one there. Nothing but the trees and the rustle of leaves in the wind. Yet I could feel it—an oppressive, hateful presence pressing down on us. I backed up, holding the babies close, my heart pounding in my ears.
“Who’s there?” I shouted, my voice echoing through the empty woods. “Show yourself!”
No one answered, but a cold, mocking laugh seemed to fill the air. Fatima staggered to her feet, her eyes darting around. “Pris, we need to go. Now.”
Before I could respond, a sharp object sliced across my cheek, drawing blood. I gasped, stumbling back. It felt like a warning, a cruel tease.
Fatima grabbed my arm, pulling me with her. “We’re not staying to find out what that was. Run!”
I didn’t need to be told twice. We sprinted down the path, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The twins had started to cry, their tiny voices wailing in fear. I held them closer, whispering soothing words as I pushed forward.
We reached the edge of the clearing when I felt it again—a chilling whisper against my ear, as if someone were standing right behind me.
“We will never accept those abominations,” it hissed.
I froze, my blood turning to ice. Fatima spun around, her eyes wide with horror as she saw the same words carved into the ground at our feet. The letters were deep and jagged, as if slashed by claws.
“Pris, we need to leave,” she said, her voice shaking.
I nodded, a fierce, protective anger bubbling up inside me. Just when I thought we were finally safe, just when I thought I could breathe again, this happens.
I turned back toward the pack house, my jaw clenched. “Let’s go,” I said, my voice hard and unyielding. “They want a fight? They’ll get one.”
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