Page 72 of Luna

I leaned into his embrace with a shaky sigh. "I'm trying. It's just—"

"Hard. I know." He tipped my chin up, gazing into my eyes. "But we're all in this together. I won't let anything happen to you or our baby."

I wanted so badly to believe him. To believe that the sandcastles we were building would stand strong, instead of crumbling beneath us if too many waves crashed against them.

"Promise?" I whispered.

"Promise." He sealed it with a kiss.

I felt a fluttering movement inside me, as if the baby was signaling her approval. I smiled against Dante's lips. Somehow, what he’d said, knowing that if this too went away, I had the strength and capacity to figure out my next steps, made it easier to accept taking more of a leap of faith.

“I’m glad you bought the house,” I said.

Dante squeezed me against him, mindful of my belly. “I have my moments.”

Colton came back inside, bringing his rainstorm scent with him. “It’s got a shed out back too. Maybe we could do some carpentry.”

Quinn, on his heels, smiled. “I think that library will be perfect for my research.”

We all looked outside where Halos was still puttering around the plants. Like he sensed us, he looked up and gave us a wave.

Halos came in through the backdoor with a grin. “The soil is beautiful. We’ll barely have to do manure and composting.”

“So the house is perfect.” I hugged Dante. “You did it, you found the perfect place for our family.”

He melted against me, his spicy sweet scent filling my lungs. We had a house, a place for our family. Now we could begin decorating, planning for the future.

In three months, our baby would be here. Suddenly it seemed like there was no time at all.

Chapter27

Luna

In between the flurry of getting ready to move into a house and trying to get ready for Poppy, the day of the baby shower came. I had almost asked the guys to join me, but my family missed me. Colton had also looked mysterious when he said it was fine, and to enjoy some quality family time.

I headed over to the lodge at Cosmic Bonds, taking peace in the lush forest. A sense of tranquility enveloped me. The scent of pine lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of fallen leaves. Growing up, the event lodge had been my favorite place to be. Large, panoramic windows offered breathtaking views, as if nature itself had been invited indoors. Soft, earth-toned rugs and paintings added warmth.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by colorful streamers and a big “It’s a Girl!” banner. I put a hand on my swollen belly, a mix of joy and anxiety swirling inside. As the weeks went on, my bond with my unborn daughter grew, but I couldn’t shake the worry about the men in my life.

Despite my worry over them being here just because of Poppy, I couldn’t picture my life without them. Now that space wouldn’t be an issue, I could easily see my future.

Not just with my beautiful daughter, but with my pack. They said they loved me, that they wanted to bond me when I was ready.

They were so certain. I wished I could be as certain as they were.

Stella bounded over and enveloped me in a hug. "You’re glowing!"

I laughed. "I look like a whale."

“Nonsense," Raina said, flicking her hair out of her face. "Pregnancy suits you."

I followed them to a long table covered with an impressive array of food. A magnificent cake, its delicate icing decorated with intricate floral patterns, took center stage. The sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries mingled with the scent of my family.

Ember and Sunshine emerged from the kitchen, carrying plates of fruit and sandwiches.

Sunshine cut me a slice of cake. I smiled hesitantly, savoring the delicate sweetness on my tongue.

I sat down and caught up with the rest of my family. Stella was bonded to a pack and happy, Sunshine kept flirting with the pack we used to cater for events, and Raina treated the resort like her baby. Ember kept insisting her omega boyfriend was enough for her, so nothing had really changed. It was comforting. Their love for me surpassed blood and biology. They’d known me my entire life, and even if they got on my last nerve sometimes, they still loved me for who I was.

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