"I will miss you, brother."

Catrina's words are muffled by Cayden's embrace. He hugs his sister hard, both the siblings' eyes are moist. Their yearning for each other is so evident in their aura. Cayden lets go of his sister and she is immediately wrapped up in her mate's arms.

The sight is endearing.

On superficial observation, it might seem that Connor coddles his mate too much but on a second look, you will see that it's Catrina who expects her mate to coddle her. He likes to coddle and she likes being coddled. They are in perfect sync with each other. It just shows how beautifully they have bared their souls to each other.

If these are what soul mates look like then I want to experience having the other half of my soul with me.

Sighing at the pathetic thought that pops into my mind, I close my eyes before blinking them open. I catch Sierra staring at me with a weird expression in her eyes and a very mischievous smile. I wonder what's going on with her?

The female lives under so much pressure. That's what I feel sometimes. Always doing something or the other. She's either out helping the pack females or reading some fat book, trying to find solve some mythical questions.

Her mind never rests and I am sure that she is planning to do something. I just need to find out what.

"I need a vacation," Sierra speaks, glancing at me for a moment before turning back to look at Catrina. "Can I visit your pack by any chance?"

My eyes automatically find Fenris who looks ready to argue but Sierra is purposely ignoring him. She is completely focused on Catrina and Connor, waiting for their response. However, Connor moves his attention back at Fenris, who in turn shakes his head.

"I am sorry but–"

"That's fine Connor. I was just checking," says Sierra while nodding at Connor. Her words bring on a tense silence. It feels as if she was testing Connor and he failed. Something serious happened right now.

Sierra, however, doesn't let it bother her. She shrugs her shoulders and then pulls Catrina in her embrace, whispering advice to the expectant mother.

Sierra's words, however, make me think about a vacation. With Sascha's taunts and Fenris's irritating behaviour, I think I am also in need of a vacation.

Should I ask Catrina, if she could let me visit her pack?

Looking around the room, I feel confused and a bit overwhelmed by these people. They are open about their emotions. They are pure souls but I am not sure if I am. Not with the rage that's burning to unleash on Wulfric. I just need to find him.

And I felt his aura in Blue Moon Pack.

The thought bounces in my mind, startling me. As if on instinct, a rock settles in my stomach. Without thinking of anything else, I express my wish to everyone present here.

"Catrina, may I visit your pack?"

Again, Fenris goes to speak but this time, I see Sierra looking at Fenris sharply. She's no doubt telling him something in his mind but what surprises me is the fact that Fenris shuts up. He relaxes a bit and then waits for Catrina to make the decision. This time Connor looks at Fenris for his opinion but his mate beats him to it.

"Of course, dear. In fact, I was going to ask if you could visit. I really need a female friend to gossip with," she says and then winks at me.

I ignore the feeling that I have been set up somehow and focus on the positive aspect of this. I am going on a vacation. Alone. Without Fenris and Sierra or anyone who will coddle me.

Hopefully, Catrina won't coddle me in her home.

Connor looks at Catrina but she just smiles at her mate which automatically makes Connor smirk at her. He cannot refuse any of Catrina's wishes. He's smitten with her and Catrina takes advantage of that fact thoroughly.

"Well then, as you have decided to leave with Catrina, please allow Nora to teleport you all to Blue Moon directly," advises Fenris causing Nora to nod her head in affirmation. I look at Catrina who bounces on her feet at the mention of teleporting.

"Well, I can teleport with them to Blue Moon," I whisper and from the corner of my eyes, I see Sierra smiling proudly at my words. Her pride overflows through her and when I subtly look at her, I catch her thumbs-up directed at me.

Nora's eyes widen at my words and then she looks at Fenris who sighs in resignation. He runs his fingers through his hair, clearly agitated because he cannot control me anymore. He tried once and Sierra scolded him for that. It has caused a rift between them but I cannot interfere for I don't know how to get them closer like they were before.

"Very well, my child. You do that. Just let me know once you reach there safely. Alpha Connor, please look after our witch child. She's precious," whispers Nora and I watch as Connor nods at her, accepting her request and respecting it as well.

"Rest assured, Nora. Nikita is like Tatiana to me and I won't hesitate to protect her from herself if it ever comes to that."

Now I feel like rolling my eyes but once again Catrina beats me to it while elbowing her mate. Selene mimics her action which finally lightens the atmosphere in the room.

Thank God for small miracles.

~~~~

I follow Catrina and Connor as they walk hand-in-hand leading me towards the woods. The entire Blue Moon Pack is in the woods however, the packhouse is in the clearing, appearing as a huge vacation home for people.

As the Blue Moon pack has its own Middle school, all the werewolves and a few of the human villagers send their children there for education. Having human kids around helps the wolf kids to communicate softly, subtly and intermingle with the other species.

This is a very new decision or so I have heard. It's only been a year and the first batch of human children have already passed on to their next grade.

I know that Alpha Connor's father was not a good man but fortunately his son has turned out to be a great person. He's a leader, allowing each and every one of his pack members to have an opinion and act on it. If anyone has any doubt, they can approach him or Catrina directly.

I have also seen how the pack members adore their Luna. Catrina is not just their Alpha's mate; she's their Luna, as a mother to them. They go to her for familial advice, for emotional traumas whereas Connor is there to aid them financially or socially if need be.

This pack works in sync and from their behaviour, it is quite clear that it's still in process. The pack is still trying to adjust to the modern ways but their Alpha and Luna are there with them. Just like it should be.

"We are taking you to meet Ivory, our Beta female," explains Catrina while I refuse to appease my curiosity and just ask her where they are taking me. I glance at her once and watch her looking at me from the corner of her eyes.

"Oh, I hope the baby is healthy," I whisper, remembering her giving birth recently.

"The baby is healthy. He has a healthy set of lungs and a very proud father who barely controls his urge to thump his chest whenever his little one screams his lungs out." Catrina laughs at her own words while Connor just chuckles.

I think I giggle at her words but do not otherwise wait for their reaction. I am too busy taking in the scenery around me. It's just so different. Crimson Shadow has a lot of Maple trees in its forests which gives it a reddish-brown look. It really looks Crimson during Autumn when the leaves start losing their chlorophyll. It's amazing to watch the Crimson Shadow pack during the Autumn season.

But Blue Moon pack has a lot of Oak and Pine trees. The presence of these trees in this forest makes it look different. The forest is dense because of the centuries-old Oak trees. It also doesn't allow any sunlight to reach the ground, especially where there are a few Pine trees surrounding the Oak trees. This is a common pattern that I can make out as I walk farther and farther into the Blue Moon territory.

This area is under Connor's control, how, I don't know but it is. It's Blue Moon territory which allows the wolves to roam in their wolf forms.

Just then, I catch a couple wandering through the branches of the overgrown Oak tree. It looks like the wolves are playing and when they spot us, they pause, bowing their heads in respect.

Connor nods at the wolf couple and I watch them retreat into the other side of the dense forest.

"Those were your pack members?" I ask, unable to hold my curiosity.

"Yes, that's Victor, Ivory's brother and the she-wolf is his mate, Blair. They have recently mated and are quite wild in their personal life," answers Connor while staring at the wolf couple as they speed farther into the forest.

"Sounds like you are complaining," I mutter without thinking but my eyes widen when Connor turns to look at me, straight in the eye. I resist the urge to cower because of his intense stare but then he shakes his head and a small smile makes its way to his lips.

His entire face transforms into a softer look as he looks at Catrina once before settling his gaze on me. "I am not complaining sestra but it's a pain to search for them when they forget about their family and pack."

Catrina laughs from beside him while rolling her eyes at him. I nod at Connor, a small smile tugging at my lips as he smirks in the direction of the wandering wolves.

"Come on. Let's go ahead. It's actually a short walk from the packhouse to our personal quarters but we are taking you through the long way, just so you know how dense the forest is. Do not be afraid if you feel lost. Then again, you can teleport so we are good," explains Connor as he motions for me to walk beside him and his mate.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Alpha."

"I think we are past the formalities now, aren't we?" he smirks at me with a brow raised in mischief. I shrug my shoulder but am internally pleased to be acknowledged by him. All this time he tolerated me because I am his mate's cousin but today, he's offering me a hand in friendship. And I am more than eager to make a new friend.

"Yes, of course," I whisper and follow them quietly through the rest of the tour.

A few minutes later, a small clearing appears and on a further walk, a series of small cottages become visible. As we walk closer, I can make out that the cottages are placed at a distance. It makes the place look less crowded. The biggest one though catches my eye. Do I know this house?

I realize that it's Connor's home which is quite bigger than what I felt from inside the forest. It's a log cabin. A beautifully constructed family home for a lovely family.

"Your home is beautiful," I whisper. Although I have seen their house from the inside, I never really got the chance to see the outside of the house, especially not the entrance. I had teleported directly into the garden as far as I remember and it's in the packhouse.

"Come on in, sister. Your niece is eager to meet you. And Ivory has been jumping at the idea of meeting a witch," says Catrina while pulling at my hand.

I squeeze it in return and walk alongside her. Connor now follows us as we enter the small cottage behind Connor and Catrina's home. As soon as we put our foot inside, a loud wail is heard making Connor sigh behind me.

"He's awake."

A smile tugs at my lips at the thought of seeing a newborn baby. How small are they?

Catrina tugs at my hand and I blindly follow her, excited to meet the newborn. Will they let me hold their baby?

The thought startles me and yet it gives way to hope. I dare to hope that I can be a part of a family. That I am normal like these people and I have normal yearnings.

Taking a deep breath, I almost sigh at the distinct smell. It's so warm and it brings out a deep yearning in my heart. What's the scent?

Just as I am about to ask Catrina about the scent, a huge man walks out of the room and towers above us. One look at us and he relaxes. His alert eyes soften and then he rubs a palm over his face as if he's feeling tired.

"Alpha, your daughter is an angel but please I cannot look after two pups at the same time," he whines and I almost laugh at the sight of such a big man whining like a child.

"Yuri! It's good to see you. Finally, you know what's it like to be in my shoes," exclaims Connor as he claps Yuri on the back, congratulating the other man.

"How is Ivory? Is he awake?" asks Catrina, clearly failing to hide her excitement. Yuri grins widely at Catrina and then pushes the door open for us to enter.

There he is! He's so tiny! Is that normal?

"Oh, Ivory, how are you dear?" Catrina rushes past me towards the woman who's laying down in the bed with a little girl sleeping on her right side and the small newborn tucked into her left side.

"I am fine, Catrina. We are all fine," sighs Ivory as she runs her hand over Rieka's sleeping form. Catrina smiles and then moves toward Ivory, kissing her cheek before rushing toward Rieka. She kisses her daughter on both the cheeks and on her hair once, before letting her go.

"Is he awake?" asks Catrina while peeping over Ivory to look at the child. Ivory nods sleepily as Yuri walks over to her.

He pulls the baby slowly toward him and Ivory pushes herself into a sitting position. I notice her gasping a bit in pain as she sits up. Connor stands beside me as he watches his mate help their Beta coupled with the mother's care.

"She's an exceptional nurse, isn't she?" whispers Connor and I smile at his pride-filled words. He adores her and it's clear from the awe in his voice. I nod while focusing on Catrina as Yuri places their newborn baby in Catrina's expert hands.

Catrina effortlessly picks up the baby, one hand supporting his head and the other holding onto the baby's butt. He's so tiny.

The sight of the baby in my cousin's arms scares me slightly. As if sensing my emotions, Catrina turns toward me and starts walking. I take a step back and collide with Connor who grabs my shoulders until I balance my foot.

"Don't worry. He's just a baby. He won't bite," she whispers mischievously and I feel like smacking her but then the thought of holding the child brings back my nervousness.

Connor pats me on the head once and then steps toward Catrina, putting his arm around her waist. Catrina smiles at me and then lifts the child toward me, clearly demanding that I hold the child.

"I... he might fall," I manage to speak, knowing that the newborn's parents are looking at me with anxious eyes. They do not want to hurt me but they are also worried about their child.

"Nikita, it's just a pup and Catrina will guide you. She's an exceptional nurse," Connor squeezes his mate's waist at those last words and I want to roll my eyes at him. That's one smitten Alpha.

Catrina ignores him while shrugging off his hold. She comes closer to me and then shuffles the baby so that she's holding him in one arm while the other pulls me.

I stare in shock at her, at how easily she does that. How can one hold a baby single-handedly?

"Come on, raise your hands, Nikita." Catrina commands and I follow mutely. I am shock-still, staring at the small bundle in my arms as Catrina adjusts him and my arms. In less than 10 seconds, I am holding onto the baby's neck and his butt, making sure that he doesn't fall.

After what feels like hours but are only a few minutes, I realize that the baby is quiet. He's staring at me and I am staring back at him, wondering about this small miracle in my arms.

The baby is almost bald, with soft blond hair scattered over his head. His eyes are light blue. They are sparkling like the ocean on a sunny day. He's a beautiful baby. Slowly, I bring him closer to my chest, resting him against my body and hear a soft gasp echo beside me.

I look up and see Catrina looking at me with a watery smile with her hands clutched together against her breasts. "You are a natural, Nikita."

"I am not sure, Catrina but thanks."

"She's right, Princess. You really are doing good. Even Yuri had to struggle to get it right and you did it the first time you held him." Ivory's soft voice reaches me and again I have to look up to acknowledge them. I really want to keep staring at the baby, he's a pleasant sight.

"He's perfect little baby," I whisper, looking down at the baby while making my voice as soft as I can. As if understanding my intention, he smiles his toothless grin and waves his hands in the air, almost punching my cheeks. A laugh bursts out from me giving way to silence around us.

Surprised, I look up and catch everyone staring at me. I raise my brow, trying to mimic Fenris's questioning gaze and it works.

"You laughed!" Catrina smiles at me and then looks at Connor once.

"Your laugh is melodious too," says Ivory while staring at me with a huge smile on her face. I feel my cheeks heat up at their sweet words. Surely, my voice can't be that unique, can it?

"She's Luna Eva's daughter. I have heard that she had a melodious voice and laughter. Used to calm people," adds Yuri while smiling at me tentatively. I nod at his words, remembering my mom's voice.

Yes, indeed. It was musical. Soft and calming.

Just like how this baby feels right now. He is calm; being protected by his father and family. That's how it should feel to a newborn. They deserve to be protected.

~~~~~

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