The weekend crept up faster than Joe expected, and with it came Michael’s ridiculous invitation. He’d been dropping hints all week about “big plans” for Saturday, but she’d brushed him off every time. Michael always had some elaborate scheme brewing, so she didn’t take him seriously. That was until he practically ambushed her outside the library after their shared study session.“Alright, Joe,” Michael said, leaning casually against the wall with his signature smirk. “It’s time to stop hiding in your books. You’re coming with me tomorrow.”Joe paused, narrowing her eyes. “Coming where exactly?”“Dinner. My place. Tomorrow night,” he said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.Joe blinked, crossing her arms. “Your place? Why would I—”“Relax,” Michael cut in, waving off her hesitation. “It’s no big deal. My mom’s been pestering me to bring someone over for weeks. You’re just helping me out, that’s all. She’s cooking, and trust me, you don’t wanna miss it. She’s a magician in
Michael had been poking at the same topic for weeks now, dropping hints and sly comments every chance he got. At first, Joe had brushed him off with quick answers or a roll of her eyes, but Michael was persistent—like, annoyingly so."So, when am I meeting the mysterious family you keep talking about?" Michael leaned back in his chair, arms folded behind his head like he didn’t have a care in the world.Joe shot him a glare over her laptop. "Why do you even care? It’s not like my family’s some big deal."Michael grinned, that cocky tilt of his lips that she both hated and... maybe kind of liked. "Well, if I’m gonna stick around you, I gotta know the people who made you this stubborn.""Stubborn?" Joe narrowed her eyes, but Michael just shrugged, completely unbothered."Yeah, stubborn. And weirdly mysterious about your family. I mean, what’s the deal? You hiding something? Secret wolf cult or something?"Joe snorted, trying to hide her smile. "Right, because that’s totally a thing."Mi
Michael couldn’t shake the strange feeling that had settled over him ever since Joe started describing her family. It wasn’t anything she said outright, but something about the way she mentioned her stepfather, Robin, triggered an odd sense of familiarity. He couldn’t quite place it—just a nagging sensation that tugged at the edges of his memory.“So, Robin,” he started casually, glancing at Joe as she drove. “What’s he like?”Joe shrugged, keeping her eyes on the road. “Protective, I guess? He’s quiet but not in a bad way. Just… observant.” She paused, her brow furrowing. “Dana’s the opposite—super outgoing. They balance each other out.”Michael nodded, though his mind wandered. He still couldn’t shake that feeling. Maybe it was nothing—just nerves about meeting her parents.Joe continued, her voice softening. “Dana’s always been more like a friend than a mom. And Robin… well, he’s the one who makes me feel safe, you know?” She shot him a quick smile. “You’ll like them. I think.”Mic
The ride back to Joe’s childhood home had been Michael’s first taste of unease, but it wasn’t until the following morning that the feeling truly settled in his chest, heavy and unshakable. It was like an itch he couldn’t scratch, a whisper at the back of his mind telling him something wasn’t adding up. He woke early, far earlier than he usually would on a weekend, and spent a good ten minutes just staring at the ceiling of the guest room, trying to piece together why he felt so... off.The house itself didn’t bother him. Dana’s warm hospitality was a constant, and even though Robin’s distant demeanor hadn’t improved much since last night, Michael wasn’t the type to take it personally. But something about Joe’s family, or maybe the way Joe fit into this family, was gnawing at him. He didn’t know why, but every time Robin looked at him, Michael felt like the man knew something he didn’t—and that knowledge had weight.Joe found him in the kitchen, standing by the sink with a cup of coffe
After the unfinished conversation last night, Robin was going out of town in the morning for two days' business.Michael was curious what Robin would say—if only Joe and Dana weren't interrupted. Maybe the topic is for another moment. Two days went by with the three of them bonding as a family.Michael and Joe packed up their things the following morning, the atmosphere in the house feeling heavier than it had since they’d arrived. Neither of them spoke much as they went through the motions, folding clothes and zipping up bags. The tension was palpable, and though Dana tried to keep things light by chatting and bustling around the kitchen, even her warmth couldn’t cut through the unease that hung in the air.They had to leave soon—classes were starting again the next day, and it was a long drive back to the city. Michael glanced at his watch, his nerves still on edge from his conversation with Robin the night before. He hadn’t brought it up with Joe yet, unsure how to even begin. The
Michael sat behind the wheel, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. The car was packed, the engine idling, and Joe sat silently in the passenger seat, staring down at her hands. They were supposed to be on the road by now, heading back to the city and to their normal lives, but Robin’s voice calling out had stopped them both in their tracks.“Michael, wait,” Robin said, stepping out onto the porch. His voice wasn’t commanding, but there was a weight to it, something unspoken hanging in the air. “Can I talk to you? Just for a minute?”Michael froze, his jaw tightening. The last thing he wanted to do was have a heart-to-heart with the man who had been absent for most of his life. He could feel Joe’s eyes on him, silently urging him to say something, but all he could muster was a clipped, “What is there to talk about?”Robin took a step closer, shoving his hands into the pockets of his worn jeans. “I know you’re angry. You’ve got every right to be. B
The drive back to the city was heavy with silence. Michael kept his eyes on the road, his jaw clenched, lost in his thoughts. Joe sat quietly beside him, stealing occasional glances his way but saying nothing. She knew he needed space, time to process everything. And right now, she didn’t want to push him.The tension in the car was palpable, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Michael’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, his mind racing. He couldn’t shake the image of Robin’s face, the man he’d tried so hard to erase from his life, now tethered to Joe. Every time he thought of her, the warmth and light she brought into his world, it was quickly overshadowed by the cold reality of who her stepfather was. And that connection—it scared him.Joe shifted in her seat, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. She hated this distance between them. Just days ago, everything had felt so right, so effortless. But now, it was like there was a wall between them, one she was
Michael's days away from Joe were anything but peaceful. The distance didn’t bring the clarity he’d hoped for. If anything, it made things worse. As a werewolf, being away from his mate was almost unbearable. Every fiber of his being screamed for her presence, and the constant tug in his chest reminded him of what he was trying to deny.Three nights passed with little to no sleep. He’d toss and turn, unable to quiet his restless thoughts or soothe the ache that came with missing Joe. By the fourth night, he was at his breaking point. The walls of his apartment felt too tight, the silence too loud. He needed something—someone—to ground him. And so, without overthinking it, he packed a small bag, grabbed his keys, and started the long drive home to his family.The thought of seeing them brought a flicker of relief. He could already picture the playful arguments with Ella, his younger sister, who was always easy to tease. Just imagining the way her face would scrunch up in frustration wa
That afternoon, Michael, about to hold a meeting with investors from California, suddenly had to cancel their meeting at the Blue Sky Packhouse because Joe suddenly felt labor contractions. Michael immediately rushed to his wife without a second thought and called for a healer. He was willing to lose the opportunity and potential investment from those wealthy investors for the sake of his unborn child and his wife, who were far more valuable. A few moments later, the healer arrived and assisted with Joe's delivery. Michael and Dana accompanied Joe into her room while others, including Clara, Daniel, Ella, and Robin, anxiously waited outside. Screams filled the room. Joe gripped Michael's hand tightly, sweat covering her forehead. Dana stood beside her, whispering words of encouragement, while the healer did everything possible to assist in the tense delivery. "Just a little more, Joe! You can do it!" Dana's voice trembled, her eyes full of hope. "When I went through the pain of gi
Time passed quickly, and Joe's pregnancy had grown significantly. Clara was always ready to help whenever Joe needed her.Joe was not only her daughter-in-law but also her beloved niece, a precious replacement for Dana."Michael, remember what I told you. Take care of Joe, including postponing all your work if she asks you to simply accompany her for lunch. Do you understand?" Clara advised Michael over the phone.For the past few days, Joe had complained about Michael being too busy at the pack house, handling countless tasks. Clara could relate, as Alpha Daniel's workload had also increased. That's why she was making sure Michael wouldn't make the same mistake, especially now when Joe needed attention the most in the final stages of her pregnancy.The golden hues of the evening sky stretched over Dark Moon Pack as a soft spring breeze swept through. Clara stood on her balcony, gazing at the distant dense forest. Her thoughts wandered, filled with memories of her sister, Dana, who wa
Behind the happiness before, of course, there was also something painful for Dana a few months ago. She suffered a miscarriage just before her due date. Her dream of having a child with Robin had to be dashed, but their sadness still comforted Joe.Clara finally asked Michael, Joe, Alpha Daniel, Robin, and Dana to gather at the Dark Moon pack meeting hall that day. Followed by the Council. They were all surprised because it was unusual for Clara to gather them. "Honey, I'm sorry if I've been too busy lately. But can you tell me first about our meeting with them tonight?" Clara shook her head as she straightened her makeup in the mirror."No, I want everyone to find out at once. It will be very surprising." Clara said."Does this have anything to do with the other day when you borrowed that ancient book of your family tree, and you didn't even tell me what the problem was?" Daniel asked."Yes, it does. Alpha Daniel, that's the clue. At that time I was in the observation stage, so I
One Year LaterJoe was now pregnant, entering her second month of pregnancy. Along with that happiness, the alliance and the packs under the Silverhide Alliance remained stable and at peace.Meanwhile, in the late afternoon at the Dark Moon Pack, a cool breeze brushed through Clara's hair. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil after the morning rain.Clara gazed into the distance, her eyes fixed on the forest a few meters from the pack house. Something was troubling her mind."I miss you, Edward, Mom, Dad," Clara whispered in her heart, gripping the locket her parents had left behind.No matter how much she had grown, even now as she reached old age, Clara still missed her family. It was understandable—she had only briefly enjoyed the time she had found her biological family, only to be separated again by Alpha Edward’s death.At Dana's house, the woman sat on a bench, seemingly lost in thought, much like Clara. Though she had more freedom to occupy herself—trainin
The wedding party was smooth and lively until the end. They all enjoyed themselves and felt the atmosphere of happiness at Blue Sky Pack.The night after the wedding, Michael and Joe went on their honeymoon to a beach a few hours away from Blue Sky Pack. It was like a dream for both of them. They both stood on the balcony of their hotel room, gazing out at the vast sea. The gently lapping waves created a soothing rhythm accompanying their new journey as mate, husband, and wife. The moonlight reflecting off the water's surface added to the night's magical atmosphere.Michael took a deep breath and looked at Joe with eyes full of love. "I can't believe we're finally here, when before I thought it would be so difficult to bring our families together," he said hoarsely, almost in disbelief.Joe smiled, his eyes sparkling. "Me too. It feels like everything we've experienced before is just part of a complicated journey, but I always believed we'd find the point."The two looked at each othe
Long story short, they decided to formalize the relationship between Michael and Joe as soon as possible. One week later, the wedding reception was held after Michael successfully marked Joe as dead.Michael and Joe's wedding party took place with great fanfare at the Blue Sky Pack residence, the pack inherited from Alpha Edward, who Michael had long led as his new Alpha.Guests included Alpha King Raymond of the Silverhide Alliance and all the Alphas under the alliance. All the guests looked happy, enjoying a night of joy. Small lights twinkled in the sky, creating a romantic atmosphere around the garden decorated with fresh flowers. Music played softly, and guests danced on the main dance floor. There was joy in every corner, laughter accompanying every conversation, and eyes sparkling with hope.In addition, a full moon adorned the blissful atmosphere, adding sacredness to the two werewolves who the Moon Goddes' fate had united."It turns out that fighting for you is not as difficu
Clara and Alpha Daniel went to Dana and Robin's residence that night. They intended to find a solution to the new problem about Michael and Dana's relationship.There would be clarity that wouldn't be burdensome to Michael or Joe.When Clara arrived, they were at the gate, and there was mutual silence between Robin, Dana, Clara, and Daniel, for none of them would have expected the separation to take over the meeting.Michael sat with a tense posture and a hardened jaw in the small meeting room at Dana's house. As if in a courtroom, in front of him were four people closely connected to each other's pasts and possible futures. They were gathered in a tense atmosphere.Clara sat next to Michael, her expression stern but still full of tender affection. Meanwhile, Alpha Daniel, who had become Michael's father figure over the years, stared intently at Robin, who had stripped him of his Alpha title and whom Michael had been trying to avoid.Robin was stiff, his eyes dark with unpredictable e
Michael had expected his return home to be met with varying degrees of shock and concern, perhaps even disapproval. But as the evening unfolded, his family’s reaction to the truth of his situation was nothing like he had imagined. Instead of judgment or frustration, there was an overwhelming sense of understanding and support that left him both surprised and relieved.Clara, his mother, had been the first to respond after hearing his full confession. She didn’t shout, didn’t scold him for the secrecy or the mess he found himself tangled in. Instead, she simply sat across from him, her hands resting on the steaming cup of tea she hadn’t yet touched. Her sharp gaze softened as she leaned forward slightly, her voice steady and calm.“Michael,” she said gently, “the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. If Joe Harper is your mate, then she is meant to be yours, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. And that includes Robin.”Michael blinked, caught off guard by her tone. He had expecte
Michael's days away from Joe were anything but peaceful. The distance didn’t bring the clarity he’d hoped for. If anything, it made things worse. As a werewolf, being away from his mate was almost unbearable. Every fiber of his being screamed for her presence, and the constant tug in his chest reminded him of what he was trying to deny.Three nights passed with little to no sleep. He’d toss and turn, unable to quiet his restless thoughts or soothe the ache that came with missing Joe. By the fourth night, he was at his breaking point. The walls of his apartment felt too tight, the silence too loud. He needed something—someone—to ground him. And so, without overthinking it, he packed a small bag, grabbed his keys, and started the long drive home to his family.The thought of seeing them brought a flicker of relief. He could already picture the playful arguments with Ella, his younger sister, who was always easy to tease. Just imagining the way her face would scrunch up in frustration wa