Page 74 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

As they ate, Cassius raised his glass in a toast. "To Articus and Wren," he said, his voice carrying across the table. "May your union bring strength to White Moon and usher in a new era of cooperation between our territories."

Wren felt a surge of emotion as she looked around the table. These wolves, who had been strangers just a week ago, now looked at her with warmth and acceptance. It was a far cry from the loneliness she'd known for so long.

After dinner, as they prepared for bed, Wren turned to Articus with a determined look in her eye. "I'm ready," she said simply.

Articus raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Ready for what, Love?"

"To go home," Wren replied. "To White Moon. To start our life together properly."

The smile that spread across Articus's face was radiant. He pulled her into his arms, spinning her around in a moment of pure joy. "Are you sure?" he asked when he set her down, his hands cupping her face gently.

Wren nodded, her smile matching his. "I'm sure," she said. "It's time."

The next morning dawned bright and clear. As they stood on the helipad, saying their goodbyes to Cassius and his pack, Wren felt a mix of emotions swirling within her.

Excitement for the future, gratitude for the kindness she'd been shown, and a touch of sadness at leaving this place that had become a sanctuary in a land she had grown up to believe didn’t possess any such thing.

Cassius approached them, his usual gruff demeanor softened by emotion. He clasped Articus's arm in a warrior's grip, then surprised Wren by pulling her into a gentle hug.

"You take care of each other," he said gruffly as he stepped back. "And don't be strangers. That pup of yours is going to need to know their Uncle Cassius."

Wren felt tears prick in her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything."

Articus nodded, his arm tightening around Wren's waist. "We'll be back soon," he promised. "Maybe for the full moon run?"

Cassius nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "I'll hold you to that."

As they boarded the helicopter, Wren took one last look at the fortress that had been their refuge. Cassius stood on the helipad, a solitary figure waving goodbye. For a moment, Wren thought she saw a glimmer of tears in the tough Alpha's eyes.

The rotors began to spin, drowning out all other sounds. Wren felt Articus' hand slip into hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She looked up at him, seeing all the love reflected in his eyes.

As the helicopter lifted off, Wren waved to Cassius, watching as his figure grew smaller and smaller. The fortress receded into the distance, the rugged landscape of the dark territories spreading out beneath them.

Articus leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke over the noise of the engine. "Ready for our next adventure?"

Wren smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "As long as I'm with you," she replied, "I'm ready for anything."

The helicopter banked, turning toward the White Moon territories.

Toward home.

Epilogue

Wren

"Mama, look! I did it!"

The excited squeal of a child's voice echoed through the sun-dappled forest clearing. Wren looked up from where she was arranging a picnic blanket, a smile blooming on her face as she watched her son, Ash, proudly holding up a small, crudely woven flower crown.

"That's wonderful, Sweetheart!" Wren called back, her heart swelling with pride. At two years old, Ash was a bundle of energy and curiosity, his silver-white hair—a perfect blend of his parents' coloring—glinting in the late afternoon sunlight.

Wren settled back on the blanket, one hand resting on her swollen belly. Their second child was due in just a few short weeks. As she watched Ash toddle over, his chubby legs carrying him as fast as they could, she marveled at how much her life had changed in the past five years.

Gone was the lonely, bitter rogue waitress she'd once been. In her place was a woman who had found her place in the world—as a mate, a mother, and a Luna of the White Moon pack.

Ash plopped down beside her, his little face scrunched up in concentration as he carefully placed the flower crown on her head. "Pretty Mama," he declared, looking pleased with himself.

Wren laughed, pulling him into her arms and peppering his face with kisses. "Thank you, my little wolf," she said. "It's beautiful."

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