Page 53 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

"How so?" Articus asked, echoing Wren's own curiosity.

"Well," Cassius explained, "this is the first time anybody from the Dark Side of the mountain has been taken to the light side. Ever."

The first time?

Wren’s heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t something she’d ever thought about before, but now that Cassius had said it, she realized it was true. Everyone on the Dark Side of the mountain came from generations of wolves who had been banished, cast out from the light side long ago.

"What do you think, Wren?" Articus asked, turning to her.

Wren took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts. "I think... it's a good idea," she said slowly. "There's a lot of misunderstanding on both sides. If we could find a way to bridge that gap, to show that we're not so different after all... it could make a real difference."

Cassius smiled, looking pleased. "Exactly. And you two are living proof that it can work. An Alpha from our side and a rogue from the other, coming together? It's unprecedented. But look how well it's turned out."

Wren felt a flush creep up her neck at Cassius' words. Had it turned out well? She cared for Articus, certainly. More than she had ever expected to. But their relationship was still so new, so fragile in many ways.

"I think we need to be careful," Articus said, his tone measured. "We can't rush into anything. There's a lot of history, a lot of hurt on both sides to overcome."

Cassius nodded. "Of course, of course. We'll take it slow. But I truly believe this could be the start of a new era for all of us."

The conversation continued, with Cassius and Articus discussing potential first steps—perhaps organizing a cultural exchange or setting up a neutral meeting ground where members from both sides could interact safely.

Wren listened, offering her perspective when asked, but her mind was whirling with the implications of what Cassius had said. She and Articus, a symbol of unity between the two sides? It seemed like such a heavy responsibility to place on their still-new relationship.

Still, the weight of the realization settled on her shoulders. She was the first one of all the people who, generations before, had been banished to ‘where the sun doesn’t shine’, to now be back on the light side of the mountain.

Cassius continued, unaware of Wren’s internal struggle. “It’s a big step, especially since the packs haven’t banished anyone in a long time. The whole concept of light and Dark Sides of the mountain isn’t really a thing anymore. But the fact that you took Wren there, that you chose to bring someone from the other side into your pack, it’s… significant.”

Significant.

Articus’ voice pulled her back to the present. “And the news has spread?”

Cassius chuckled. “Oh, it’s spread, all right. Everyone’s talking about it. An Alpha from the light side of the mountain taking a rogue girl as his bride? It’s the kind of news that travels fast.”

Wren’s cheeks flushed with heat, a mix of embarrassment and something else she couldn’t quite name. She glanced at Articus, who seemed unfazed by Cassius’s words, his expression calm as ever.

As the meeting wound down, Cassius stood to leave. "Think about what we've discussed," he said to Articus. "I'll start feeling out some of the other Alphas to see how receptive they might be to the idea."

After Cassius had gone, Wren remained in the study with Articus. He came around the desk to perch on its edge in front of her, his expression thoughtful.

"What did you think of all that?" he asked.

Wren considered for a moment. "It's... a lot to take in," she admitted. "I never thought of our relationship as having political implications."

Articus ran a hand through his hair, a gesture Wren had gotten used to now. "That wasn't my intention when I brought you here," he said softly. "You know that, right?"

Wren nodded. "I know. It's just... strange to think about."

The two of them headed back to the kitchen to have the meal that Martha had already laid out. The spread of pancake, eggs, and bacon looked inviting, and Wren's mouth started to water.

"Breakfast smells amazing," Articus said, making the older lady blush. His smile was warm, genuine in a way that still surprised Wren sometimes.

“It truly does, Martha, you’re a magician,” Wren praised.

Martha beamed then excused herself, muttering something about going to the farmer's market before evening as Articus took a seat at the kitchen island. Wren settled into the chair across from him, her mind still buzzing with everything she'd heard.

"So," she began, trying to keep her voice light, "tell me more about yourself. I feel like I hardly know anythingabout you, despite..." she trailed off, gesturing vaguely at their surroundings.

Although I know everything about that body now.

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