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***

The snow has finally melted away leaving all the trees and flowers to sprout in different colors. Our university campus is absolutely stunning and beautiful as students have started to come out again. During the winter, everyone stayed in-doors. But now, whenever I walk to class, I run into plenty of people who are taking naps on the quad. Laughing on the steps of the university as they compare their notes. On Thursdays and Fridays, plenty of them play Supernatural frisbee—a game invented here where certain players stay in human form and others shift to their wolves.

The lake is glistening with life as our pack members have started to swim in it. There isn't a single moment during the day that I don't see kayakers, canoes, or paddleboards. We're in a perpetual state of serenity and it's tranquil.

"Good morning roomie," Tyler says with a smile as he sits at our kitchen counter. He's been living with us since Matthew and I returned the pack.

Already, he's adjusted quickly to his role of Beta. In fact, the entire pack was thrilled to find out he had ascended to it. We held a beautiful ceremony for him. Even Sage came back for the weekend to officially hand her responsibilities to Tyler. Since then, Tyler has remained my loyal bodyguard with the added role of helping Matthew handle Alpha duties. It warms me to see the two of them working so closely together.

"Ready for class?" I ask him with a small smile. I know that Matthew has already gotten up to start working. Even though we don't have the added pressures of Bren, he's been helping Sage get into her position of Alpha at the Spartan pack. They spend nearly all day on the phone—strategizing and working with Clara.

Tyler's eyes glance at my stomach—a warm grin spreading on his face. Now that the springtime is coming up, I'm having to ditch all my big coats and jackets. It's hard to find clothes that will cover my growing bump.

"You may have not told the pack yet," Tyler stands up. He places his arm around me, and we start heading toward my lecture. "But I guarantee you that we know. The energy is different. You're different. You glow and you smell like Alpha all the time."

"Charming." I chuckle. My wolf scoffs in my head. She wants Matthew and I to tell the pack, but I personally haven't felt comfortable with it yet. My wolf side is saying that the pack's instinct will be to protect us, but my human side wants some form of privacy with Matthew.

Our pack has already had to deal with so much. They've had plenty sudden changes. Not just the battle, but Sage leaving, Tyler ascending, their Alpha and Luna somehow becoming Mates. We had to gather everyone to keep them updated with what had happened, which meant hundreds of questions having to be answered as Matthew and I promised to be transparent. But not this. This I want to have with just him—just for a while longer.

Besides, having this with Matthew has been incredibly special. We're so happy every morning. Waking up beside him feels like a complete dream and sometimes I have to pinch my arm to remind myself that this is our reality.

We sit in his library, and I read out loud while he lays his head on my stomach. His purrs warming my body and making me smile. Instead of playing the electric guitar when we're alone, he's started to play his acoustic when we sit on the sofa. His argument is that he doesn't want the loud amplifiers to "hurt" the baby. I've already told him it would be fine, but he's switched to his acoustic because he feels like it's much more calming. I'm not one to complain. I love sitting with him and having him play any music he wants.

It's just...special. Everyone says the domesticated life is boring but after the ridiculous stress we've experienced, I rather like the boring. In fact, I love it. I love knowing that every day is the same and I can just relax and enjoy Matthew's company. Not just his, but everyone in the pack. Since we've returned, there's been a serenity to the Valley. I know the entire pack feels it. Even with the big changes we've had and the shifts of power—the peace that has blanketed us is surreal.

My position as Luna was accepted by the masses. Everyone sensed our bond the moment we returned to pack territory. Eli even threw a small party for us at the bar. Matthew and I left early but turns out it was a communal celebration more so than anything else. I didn't think there would be much of a difference between me being the un-official Luna to me being the Luna with the Mate bond. King Aiden was right though—the bond has intensified everything—including my new compulsive need to take care of my pack. The surge of energy I get realizing that I'm in charge of my community is insane. It's no wonder Alpha's always prioritize their pack members.

My favorite part about being the Luna is walking through the University. I've already talked to Matthew about taking up a few more courses next semester. We agreed to host joint office hours in our house—and are making several plans on how to bring our students together. Matthew used to have to manage the pack and the university, but now that I'm at his side, he's allocated all the university work to me.

It's amazing...I feel like a Dean. I've even started talking to other professors and our pack about developing an exchange program with other supernatural beings. This is just one of the many initiatives I know Matthew never had time for when he had to juggle so many things at once.

As I walk into my class, everyone is whispering ferociously. Evan and Ashley are leaning close together with a few other students. It's not until they smell and see Tyler and I walk in that they quickly shush one another. Everyone streamlining to their seats.

"Hey Prof," Evan smirks as I take my place behind the desk. I raise my eyebrow at him.

"What?" I ask crossing my arms over my chest. I'm not blind, I quickly notice everyone in the room suddenly look down towards my stomach. I try to pretend like I don't see it, but I wonder if I'm starting to show. Tyler did say I smell like Matthew all the time.

"Nothing." Several of my students say together. Their eyes darting quickly away from me. Some even staring up at the ceiling.

I sigh, my wolf rolling her eyes. We should tell them, she says.

No, I answer quickly. We need to tell the whole pack. Together.

I turn towards the board, as I write down a few notes, I mind link Matthew. We're going to have to make the announcement.

Baby announcement? He instantly replies with excitement, Only when you're ready, gorgeous.

I smile softly, Go ahead and set it up. We can tell everyone tonight.

I turn back to my students, giving them a smile. One of my students has their hand raised and I call on them. "Are you teaching any courses next year, Luna?" She asks politely.

"Yes," My mood lightens with excitement. "I am."

"Can't believe I'm graduating the year we have a good professor," Ashley grumbles with an eyeroll.

"Don't worry," I chuckle. "I'll be at your graduation. To send off all the graduates. As for those who are still going to be here next year, I'll send you all a list of the courses I'm teaching in case they peak your interest."

Turning to the material, I pull out a book from my backpack. "Now," I sit on my desk to face everyone. "Based on the reading, who wants to tell me what kind of leader they think they are?"

***

That night, Matthew called everyone into town. Instead of announcing it through our mind link, we decided it would be best to call a town meeting. In the center of Old Town is our historic Town Hall. Matthew has hardly ever used it because he never felt the need to tell the entire pack anything of great importance. He was much more of a recluse when I arrived. But now he's open and so incredibly willing to share.

The reception was incredible. Matthew and I stood in front of the pack—practically glowing as we announced there would be a new edition to the Vale family. From the back of the crowd, I could hear Evan scream loudly, "I knew it!" It made me roll my eyes. Everyone else was thrilled. The happiness spreading amongst the pack like sunlight in the morning. Matthew pulling me close to his side to make sure he was touching me. His eyes gleaming with pride and joy as his hand gently situated itself on my bump.

This was weeks ago. Since then, the entire pack treats me like...well like I'm their future. Eli and his wife want to hold a pack baby shower. Members have stopped by to give me their advice on what to do, what not to do. Matthew and I have started to set up the nursery upstairs. Not necessarily because the baby is close to coming, but because we've been receiving so many gifts from everyone.

"Do you really think it'll be a girl?" Matthew asks me with wonderment as he sits on the ground of the nursery while trying to assemble a crib Eli and his wife got us.

We decided to keep the nursery quite neutral, with the theme being musical notes and a painting of some cute cartoon wolves playing the trumpet, piano, and cello. The castle walls are quite dark, but we've been able to lighten it up a lot with the furniture and curtains.

"I have a feeling." I tell him with a kind smile. There's only one secret I'll always have to guard from Matthew—what I saw in the Foretell. But knowing our future is full of love makes it easy not to tell him. His gaze drifts up to me—sending my body into butterflies.

"You're so sexy pregnant." Matthew's green eyes lazily drag themselves over my body. His devilish grin curling the corner of his lip. If there's one thing that hasn't changed, it's our insatiable lust for one another. The Mate bond has only amplified it. Every touch by Matthew spirals me out of control.

"No," I hold my finger up at him as he stands up. His eyes glazing over in black as he stares at me. "We have guests arriving in a few minutes."

He doesn't care, he stalks over to me. Pulling me into his chest, his fingers finding my hair as he pulls me into a hot kiss. I can feel his arm snake around my waist as I succumb to the intoxicating feeling of Matthew. My wolf howls with happiness as we relinquish everything to our Mate.

"You're so gorgeous, Mia." Matthew breathes against my neck. His lips leaving a wet trail against my skin, "I can't believe I get to have you all to myself."

"Well," I smile pressing a kiss against his jaw. "You're going to have to share me soon, unfortunately."

"I better take advantage then before the baby gets here." Matthew smiles, his darkened eyes intensifying. Before I can argue, he lifts me up bridal style. Carrying me to our bedroom as I laugh into the air.

Later that night was our impromptu baby shower. Tyler helped us set up the backyard with the dining table. By sunset, the first people to arrive were Sage and Clara. They both look so happy and homely. Even Sage's usual hard-headed attitude has softened slightly, and Clara looks like a new woman. Like the energy she had prior to me leaving Sparta has suddenly returned.

"I'm so happy for you guys!" Clara's voice squeaky with excitement. She looks so thrilled as she hands Matthew a small gift before running into my arms for a hug. I look over her shoulder to see Matthew squeeze Sage in a warm embrace. Even though Tyler has been an incredible Beta, I know that Matthew has been missing his best friend.

For a few minutes, it's just the four of us. Sage and Clara looking madly in love as they sit across from us in the living room. They tell us about the advancements they're making in Sparta and how Sage's attitude is being wildly accepted by the Spartans. In fact, by the summer solstice, she'll have her ascension as their official Alpha. No one has heard or seen Bren over this time. Even Jake has gone missing in action. Not that anyone seems to particularly care.

Before anyone else showed up, Matthew and I ask Sage is she's willing to be the baby's Godmother. Of course, Sage is caught off guard. Her eyes pooling with tears suddenly as she tries to compose herself. She runs over to hug Matthew and I—the excitement evident on her face as she promises us that she'll be the best Godmother this baby could ever ask for.

Clara is thrilled for her Mate. The both of them already starting to plan what kind of birthday parties they're going to throw. What themes they'd like. They try over-and-over again to get Matthew and I to reveal what the gender of the baby is and what the name might be. But there are some things that are going to have to remain a mystery until little Juliet is here.

One of our guards brings in our next guest—Alpha Alexander. He's holding a small little wrapped box in his large hand. His icy blue eyes scanning the room until they find Matthew and me. He smiles politely, seemingly feeling awkward as he glances around the room.

"For the parents to be." He says softly holding up the gift.

"Thank you for coming, Alpha." I greet him courteously, taking the small gift and setting it to the side with Sage and Clara's.

"I'm glad it's under better circumstances this time, Luna." His response very curt and concise. Even as I near him to shake his hand, I feel the cold coming off of him like an ice box. I notice that in the night time his hair beams incredibly brightly. It's so white—so pure—like snow itself.

As soon as he glances at Matthew, his icy look warms slightly. A smile spreading on his lips, "I can't believe you knocked her up so fast. Have you no shame?"

"Shut up." Matthew chuckles as he embraces his friend. We decide to move the small party outside to our backyard.

Tyler has done an incredible job helping me set up the area. Usually, I'd be the one to make it look pretty and fancy, but he doesn't want me to get hurt setting up the string lights. Since he's learned I'm pregnant, I've basically been made of glass. He won't even spar me properly at practice. To him, no fighting until the baby is here. So, we work on cardio for the majority of the time.

Everyone is holding a glass of champagne in their hands. Except Matthew and me. Our non-alcoholic apple ciders fizzing. We're in a conversation about the exchange program I'm setting up when suddenly we hear from the top of my deck, "The real party has arrived!"

I look up to see Alpha Wayan holding a bottle of champagne as he pops it into the sky. "Congrats on the lack of using protection!"

"I'll kill him." Matthew growls under his breath. I hold onto his wrist watching as Alexander chuckles under his breath. Matthew grabs the champagne from Alexander's hand and throws it back in one gulp as Wayan makes his way towards us.

So much for solidarity. My wolf laughs.

"Holy shit, Alex!" Wayan says running over to Alexander.

"Good to see, Wayan." Alexander embraces him.

Wayan turns to Matthew and me. A rumble coming from Matthew's chest as his eyes narrow in on Alpha Wayan. I know that it's just playful—like two pups that are fighting in a litter. But it's entertaining for me to watch. Wayan's eyes landing on my stomach with a smirk.

"Well, I guess he did satisfy you, didn't he?" Wayan chuckles, going in to hug Matthew quickly. To my surprise, Matthew returns the sentiment. "You look fantastic, Mia. Pregnancy suits you."

"Next time," I hear a female voice behind me. I turn over my shoulder to see Luna Kole. She's drop dead gorgeous. Blonde hair and blue eyes, with a curvaceous body that reeks sexual charisma.

From what I've been told, she and Wayan have been Mates for years now. They haven't started a family yet—it's my understanding that they enjoy being without kids at the moment. According to Matthew, Kole was never interested in becoming a mother. But it is rumored by Matthew and his band that they're just too afraid their sex life is going to change.

She's holding a large gift that isn't wrapped but it's stunning. A beautiful lighthouse carousel that looks like once you plug it in, the light spins around. Her eyes are narrowed at Wayan—annoyance evident on her face as she tosses the keys at him, "You park the car."

Her eyes land on me, and she softens instantly. A smile breaking on her face. It's the first time I'm meeting Luna Kole. I've only heard about her from stories. Plenty of stories. Actually, too many stories. She has quite the record of getting into trouble. A lot of incidents with human police officers and stealing things or wreaking havoc on the world.

I smile back at her, "It's nice to meet you, Luna Kole."

"Please, call me Kole." She approaches me with genuine kindness and somewhat timidly. I can tell she's trying to make a good impression. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, Luna Mia. I'm so thrilled there's another woman in the mix. I've been having to deal with these men for so many years."

"I'm sorry," Alpha Alexander scoffs. "More like, we've had to deal with you."

Kole's eyes narrow at Alexander—an instant shift in her aura that makes me suppress a laugh. Oh, she's trying exceptionally hard to make a good impression. Poor thing looks like a fish out of water.

"I've done nothing wrong." Her teeth gritted in a forced smile as her eyes scream at Alexander. At this point, all three of the men start laughing. Her jaw dropping as she tries to stare them all down.

"Hi Kole." Matthew takes my side, his eyes twinkling as he presses a kiss to my head. His hand coming to the small of my back to draw little circles. He points at the gift Kole is carrying, "Need me to take that?"

"Thanks." She hands over the gift. Looking a bit nervous, and I can't help but feel for her.

I frown slightly, feeling sympathetic towards her. She looks out of place and somewhat unsure of herself. "Are you okay?"

Wayan smirks, taking a place beside her. His arm protectively casing around her. "She just wants you to like her."

She elbows him in the side—a small growl coming from her—Wayan's breath is knocked out of him as spills some of his drink. "Sorry," Kole faces me. "I just don't have a lot of girlfriends. I don't really know what to do in this scenario."

I push a smile, "That's okay. I'm sure we can find plenty to talk about. Matthew tells me you're quite the troublemaker."

The thought of trouble sparks something inside her. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's a little devil. Horns practically coming from the top her head. Yet, there's a sincerity behind it. Like she has a massive wall built up.

"Wayan has told me a little bit about you, Mia. You're far too kind." Her eyes drift to Matthew and she rolls her eyes. "Especially for this one. Although, it is nice not to see you wallowing in self-pity and depression, Matthew."

I can't help it, and giggle softly. Covering my mouth with my hand as Matthew's gaze narrows at Kole. "You'll have to share some of your stories of young Matthew." I tell Kole.

"I don't think—"

Kole interrupts him quickly, "I'd be happy to."

"Don't look so worried," I laugh at Matthew's horrified face. I know he's told me practically everything there is to know. But I do have a feeling Kole isn't one to hold back her punches. "I'm already pregnant and carrying your child. I literally couldn't go anywhere even if I tried."

"Fine," Matthew rolls his eyes. "But only if Kole tells you about the wedding story."

"No!" She and Wayan shout loudly together. Instant fear crossing their expressions.

"Yes!" Alexander's icy eyes twinkle as he laughs into a glass of champagne. "That's the best thing I've ever witnessed in my goddamn life."

"Are they telling the wedding story?" Sage interrupts from behind us. She turns to Clara, "Oh honey. You have to hear this. It's a riot."

Matthew's eyes are full of mischief and his devilish smile is looking down at me. His arm comes over my shoulder as we wait for Wayan and Kole to tell us this supposedly legendary story. I can tell they're having a mind link conversation by the way they're looking at one another. Kole let's out a breath—I'm surprised to see embarrassment cross her face.

"Yeah okay," Wayan sighs out. It's the first time I've seen him short for words. "Well, it kind of started because I found—"

They're cut short as a powerful aura suddenly encapsulates all of us. Everyone turns their heads to face King Aiden who is walking into our backyard holding a large gift. Even in casual attire, he's wearing a crown—almost like it belongs to a prince. It's simplistic but mature and I rather like this one more than his big crown or the one he wears to battle.

We all bow to him, our wolf instincts telling us too. "Oh come now," he says with an eye roll. "We're amongst friends here. No need for formalities."

He walks over to Matthew and me as we stand back up straight. A bright smile coming from his lips as his golden eyes look between us. His curls look freshly cut and there's something gentler in him. The side of him that he hardly shows when others are around and he's trying to exude his Alpha King power.

"Aiden." I say with a small bow of the head. Everyone's eyes shooting to me as I've called him by his first time. Even Wayan looks utterly surprised.

"Helen." He nods back, giving me his hand. I roll my eyes, moving his hand to the side as I pull him into a small embrace. He's stiff at first but quickly hugs me back. This seems to shock everyone to their core. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that the King does not like being touched or having others touch him.

King Aiden holds up the gift in front of Matthew. "I implore you to open this. I need to see your reaction."

Matthew raises his eyebrow curiously. He glances at me before taking the gift and unwrapping it quickly. A laugh escaping him, "You son of a bitch."

I peer at the present, smiling as I see it's a child's drum set. Pink and colorful. Aiden's eyes twinkle and I realize he's mind linking Matthew and me. I have a feeling she's going to be a great drummer.

Matthew scoffs, setting the drumming set to the side. Never.

Aiden turns to me with a knowing smile. I let him reacquaint with Matthew and their band. Kole and I veering to the side to talk to Sage, Clara, and Tyler. Until finally, we're all seated at the table. A blanket of comfort encapsulating us in friendly conversation. Everyone seems to be so happy for us. They keep calling us the Vale's. It makes my wolf hum with adoration.

Matthew is sitting next to me, holding my hand above the table. The attention purely on the two of us as his friends start asking us about our relationship. Matthew talks about how when he first met me, he thought I was absolutely gorgeous and couldn't imagine why someone would be so stupid as to reject me.

"When did you figure out you loved her?" Clara asks with a bright smile. Everyone seems so intrigued—grappled by our crazy love story.

Matthew smiles at the table, his thumb drawing circles on the back of my hand. Turning to the side, I can't help but suppress a blush. I had never actually asked when he thought he was in love with me. There's a little boyish wonder behind him—it makes him happy, and I can tell.

"Um..." He cracks a grin, "I took Mia on our first date at the university library. And she said she likes it when I wear my glasses. My wolf and I couldn't believe it. He literally said, and I quote, 'Holy hell, I think I'm falling in love with her.'"

I can't help it—my aura starts glowing. I know they can all feel it. I don't even bother to hide it as Matthew keeps his eyes homed in on me. Bringing my hand up to his lips to leave a small kiss.

That's how the night goes. Alexander—who has hardly spoken in comparison to the rest of us—can't help asking us about the Mate bond. Aiden, Alexander, and Tyler all have longing looks on their faces that they try to conceal as best as possible. An evident desire to meet their Mate. Even Wayan and Kole can't help it and look at one another like they completely understand it. Sage and Clara also flaunting their newfound love.

We all share stories. Enjoying each other's company as Wayan tells us about something crazy Kole did, only to be countered by something wild that Wayan did. Alexander invites us to visit his pack the Sierra—preferably in the summer when there isn't as much snow. And King Aiden...he just looks happy. His eyes constantly looking between us to his friends. I think a part of him acknowledges he made the right choice. Seeing how we're all laughing and enjoying each other's company. He even gave us all invitations to his ball later in the year.

"You should do this every year, Mia." Sage says gingerly. Our bodies leaning back into the chairs. Having spent hours talking.

I smile brightly—knowing very well that I will make it an annual thing. And in a few years, I know that Aiden will be sitting here with his mate and son. Alexander will have a beautiful woman to his side. Next to Matthew and I will be our grown Juliet. I place my hand over my swell, smiling down at the little baby girl who's yet to come.

I can't wait, my wolf purrs.

***

After the dinner party, all our guests except for King Aiden, were escorted to their rooms. They decided to stay with us this weekend and tomorrow we were all going to head on a boat through the lake. Unfortunately for King Aiden, he didn't have as much liberty to do that, so he had to get back to the Royal Palace as soon as possible. Not to mention, he's still dealing with the rebellion.

Once everyone was gone, Tyler excused himself to his room as Matthew and I try to clean up some of the dishes. We decide against washing them and just throw them into the sink to worry about tomorrow.

I yawn slightly, bringing in the last set of plates. Matthew smiles at me—his aura hitting me with pure contentment. "Tired, gorgeous?"

"A little." I admit with a shrug.

"Come then." Matthew swoops me off my feet—holding me bridal style as he carries us up the stairs. I have my arms wrapped around his neck, nuzzling him gently. Instead of taking us to the bedroom, we go into his office. The sight of his books bringing me comfort. He's added a few baby books to the collection as they're scattered on his desk.

Setting me on the sofa, he plants a kiss against my lips. "Which book do you want to read tonight?" His voice gentle.

"You pick one." I tell him with a soft smile. I watch as he walks around his library—carefully analyzing each book as he tries to decide which he wants to pick up. His hands trail on the spine of a few books until he finally grabs one. An excited smile as he quickly comes towards me—making sure to grab his glasses from the desk.

Matthew sits on the sofa, pulling me to his side as we comfortably lie down. Usually, I would be the one that reads, and he'll play guitar, but already his hand is finding my bump. He loves being close to the baby and I think reading lets him do that.

I purr contently into his side as he opens The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. I let Matthew's voice drift me into a different world. Every time he flips a page, he places a kiss on my cheek. It keeps me awake—and keeps me full of adoration and love. I can't help it as I press myself closer to him. His hand slowly rubbing against the baby.

"Will you read to her every night?" I ask him quietly.

"Every night, gorgeous." He kisses my forehead. "To the both of you."

I smile, "I was thinking her first book could be The Princess Bride. Or The Little Prince."

Matthew grins, "Maybe she'll get to read our love story."

I frown slightly, inclining my head so I can look up at him. "What do you mean?"

Matthew sets the book to the side, pulling me closer to him. His intense green eyes softening as they stare at my face. "Aiden told me that our story is being spread through the werewolf community. He mentioned that even on the Royal Island, there are historians that are writing it into the history books."

My jaw basically drops, and I grab Matthew's hand to squeeze it softly, "What do you mean? It can't possibly be that..."

Special? I think to myself.

It is special, my wolf replies instantly.

"We were bonded to one another." Matthew chuckles, "The love story of Matthew Vale and Mia Holms—two rejects who find love in the most unlikely circumstances. There were love triangles, battles, suspense. You have to admit, it's one hell of a story."

I lick my lips—thinking back to all my favorite romance novels. Thinking of how I've only ever wanted to find Matthew—the find someone who would love me and put me first. A man who's charismatic and charming and God-awfully sexy. I can't help but smile, "You're my fictitious book character."

"And you're just mine, Mia." Matthew smiles brightly. Leaning forward to press a kiss to my lips. His hand reaching up to cup my face, "All mine. My Mate, forever and always. Mia Vale."

I melt against Matthew. I've only ever wanted a happily ever after and I guess...I finally got mine.

My wolf purrs, The End. 

A/N: Thank you...just thank you guys for reading. Stay tuned for my next story <3<3 Please comment and just...let me know how I did for my first work <3 I hope you'll miss Matthew and Mia as much as I will