Page 44 of My Pucking Family

“Neither did you. Everything happens for a reason. I don't understand that reason right now, but someday I will. Until then, I just have to keep going...and you do.”

He pulls his eyebrows together, causing the lines in his face to ripple his forehead when he asks, “I do what?”

I take my thumb and smooth out his scowl when I say, “Take my pain away.” I kiss the end of his nose, roll back over in his embrace, and fall into a fitful sleep.

For the first time in what feels like a lot longer than it’s really been, I wake to the smell of coffee, and my heart clenches.

I take a moment to allow the pain of yesterday to wash over me. I give in to the grief and allow the tears to fall. I don't want to hold it all in until I combust. So I'll continue to let myself feel the loss of them until it doesn't hurt so badly.

Just as the sniffles subside, Roman flings himself through the doorframe with wild worry in his eyes. “What's wrong? Are you okay?”

I give him a weak smile and nod. “I will be.”

“Look, Sunshine, I wish we could postpone the trip to the pack tomorrow, but I don't think your wolf is going to wait another moon cycle. Being with the pack in nature is the best way to go through your first shift,” he explains softly.

“No, I know. I want to go. I know you can't tell right this second, but I'm actually really excited and…”

“And what?” he presses.

“Well, I guess I'm also a little nervous. I've never met a whole pack of werewolves. It's more than that, though. These wolves aren't just people, they'll be like my family. They'll look up to me. I know nothing about being a Luna. What if I'm not good enough?” I mean to keep the last question to myself, but it just comes out, causing Roman to growl.

“You have absolutely nothing to be worried about. They're going to love you. Like the rest of us, they don't stand a chance,” he follows up with a crooked smile on his face. “This trip isn'tabout you immediately taking over the duties of a Luna or anything other than you and your wolf.”

I can feel her excitement beneath my skin.

I can't wait to meet you.

I look into his eyes with all the strength and happiness I can muster.

“I'm ready.”

35

It's so good to come back to Zabella, where everyone knows exactly who I am. Not that I haven't built a brand and an awareness in the human world, but that shit takes a lot of work. Being the daughter of the King's advisor, everyone knows my name and reputation.

I was raised in the castle like a princess. It's only right that I become a queen. I'm not as excited about the responsibilities, but the title and the crown will be worth it all.

Now, it's just a matter of sorting out the whole Roman-doesn't-want-to-be-my-king business.

I was tired of talking to my father over the phone, so I figured it would just be easier if I came home for a bit and surprised him with a visit.

As my heels click on the white and gold marble floors of the castle, I'm plagued with so many fond memories in these halls.

Why am I the bad guy for wanting something I've always deserved?

My father raised me to be a queen, and I won't let him down either.

When I reach his room, the door is cracked open.

Just before I push through the doors, I hear him shouting, but I can only make out a few words, “After all this time...it's not possible...we've come too far...” So I move closer to the wall and really focus on listening. I don't use my wolf's strengths very often, so it takes me a minute to really tune in to his conversation.

When I've heard the end of the conversation, my stomach is in knots, and I feel like I'm going to throw up.

How could they do this?

I just wanted to be a queen.

Ineverwantedthat.

---