His face fell, regret evident in the downward turn of his mouth. “She… still needs some time, Becky

I nodded, swallowing the disappointment that rose in my throat. I understand,‘ I said, though part of me wanted to scream that I didn’t understand at all.

My father took both my hands in his, his eyes moving to my abdomen. “Did the doctor say everything’s normal? Is the baby healthy? His concern was evident in the furrow of his brow.

I smiled, cing one hand over my slightly rounded stomach. “Everything’s fine. He’s developing faster than normal children, but the doctor says that’s to be expected.”

“He?” My father’s eyes lit up. “A grandson?”

“Yes,” I confirmed, “we’re going to call him Lucas.”

My father’s smile was bittersweet. After a moment, his expression turned serious. “Your mother is still troubled by Jason’s situation… she hasn’t been able to fully let go.” The mention of my brother made my chest ache with old griefb. /b

“I understand,” I said softly, and this time I truly did. “Tell her I miss her, and when she’s ready, I’ll visit.”

My father squeezed my hands tightly. “I’m proud of you, dear. Congrattions on your marriage. You’ve chosen a good husband. I can see how he looks at you.”

Just then, I sensed Dominic’s presence before I saw him. He approached quietly, his tall figure emerging from the shadows of the garden path. The moonlight illuminated his features–the strong line of his jaw, the intensity of his eyes as they found mine. fn5c68 Readplete version only at ?ovelFind/fn5c68

He extended his hand to my father with formal respect. “Thank you foring, sir. It means a great deal to Reba. His voice was deep

and sincere.

My father hesitated only briefly before taking Dominic’s hand in a firm handshake. “Take care of my daughter, Mr. Sterling.”

“With my life,” Dominic replied simply.

I looked between them, these two important men in my life, and felt a swell of emotion that made it hard to speak. “I’m lucky to have both of you,” I finally managed to say.

We walked back to the ballroom together, my father and husband on either side of me. The simple act of moving between them, connected to both, symbolized the bridge between my past and my future.

Dominic introduced my father to the guests, his voice carrying across the room. “Everyone, this is my father–inw, Mr. Brown.”

Raymond stepped forward immediately, shaking my father’s hand with unexpected warmth. Other pack members approached more cautiously, nodding politely in greeting. I could see the wariness in some eyes–humans were still viewed with suspicion by certain pack members–but they respected Dominic enough to be civil.

I leaned against Dominic’s arm, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by the day’s emotions. “Thank you for epting my family,” I whispered.

bHe /blooked down at me, his eyes softening. He kissed my forehead gently, his lips lingering for a moment. “Your family is my family now,

15:15 bSun/bb, /bbSep /bb28 /b

Reba. One day, your mother will understand too.”

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The music started again, a slower, more intimate melody, and Dominic led me back to the dance floor. This time, I moved with more confidence, following his lead without hesitation. Something had changed in me during the ceremony–a new strength and assurance that seemed to flow from the mark on my neck throughout my entire body.

“How does it feel, Luna Sterling?” Dominic asked softly as we turned slowly in the center of the floor.

I considered the question seriously. “It feels right,” I answered finally. “Like this is where I was always meant to be. The truth of the words surprised me as I said them.

I felt the now–familiar warmth as my eyes shed golden, my inner wolf responding to Dominic’s presence and the acknowledgment of my new role. Dominic’s expression changed subtly–a slight widening of his eyes, a tightening of his jaw–as he witnessed the change.

“You’re magnificent,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “Do you have any idea how proud I am right now?b” /b

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