Luna blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "I... I did?"
Ryker chuckled softly, his stern Alpha presence softening into sothing warm and fatherly. "Yes, my little moon," he said, his voice deep and fond. Before she could react, he leaned down and scooped her into his arms as easily as if she were still a pup.
Luna squeaked, half-laughing and half-blushing as her father pressed a proud kiss to her round, rosy cheek. "Daddy!" she protested, but her small hands still clung to his shoulders.
He only laughed again, the sound rich and full. "You made your daddy proud today. Speaking wisely before the whole pack isn’t easy. You reminded everyone that strength isn’t just about claws or dominance, but about caring for the land we live on."
Her cheeks turned pinker, and she lowered her gaze shyly. "I only said what Miss Alina taught us about plants and balance," she murmured.
Ryker smiled, brushing a strand of her gray hair behind her ear. "Then it seems your teacher is doing a fine job. But it was you who rembered her words when it mattered most."
He carried her a few steps further down the hall, the afternoon light spilling across the floor. "You’ll make a wise Alpha one day, Luna. Maybe wiser than ."
Luna’s heart swelled with pride, and she nodded earnestly. "I’ll try my best, Daddy."
Ryker chuckled again and set her down gently, his large hand resting on her head in quiet affection. "That’s all I ask, my little moon."
He truly hoped that one day Luna would grow into a true Alpha. Many in the pack still whispered that only males were ant to lead, that strength belonged to sons and not daughters, but Ryker had never believed that.
He looked down at the little girl beside him, her small hand clutching his shoulder, her gray hair glowing faintly under the afternoon light. There was determination in her eyes that reminded him of the moon itself, gentle but powerful enough to move the tides.
That was why he had nad her Luna.
He wanted her to rember that she was not born to live in soone’s shadow, but to shine in her own light, just as the moon brightens the night sky without needing the sun’s permission.
"People can say what they want," he murmured quietly to himself, "but one day they’ll see an Alpha’s heart isn’t decided by gender."
Luna glanced up curiously. "Did you say sothing, Father?"
He smiled faintly, patting her head. "Nothing, my little moon. Just thinking how your na suits you."
She grinned, her small fangs peeking through. "You always say that!"
"Because it’s true," he said warmly. "You were nad Luna for a reason. Soday, when you grow up, you’ll lead this pack not just as Alpha, but as the Luna who keeps it balanced. Strong when needed, gentle when it’s right."
Her eyes sparkled with pride and excitent. "Really? You think I can?"
"I don’t just think," Ryker said softly, his gaze firm and full of quiet faith. "I know."
Soday, she would be known not just as his daughter but as Alpha Luna, the one who carried both the Alpha’s command and the Luna’s grace.
*****
The night had settled softly over the quiet neighborhood, the sky painted in shades of navy and silver. Inside Aunt Lyla’s cozy two-story ho, the air was warm and filled with the faint, comforting scent of freshly cooked food. Dinner plates were still on the table, half-cleared.
"Miss Alina, don’t worry about anything," Dante said from where he sat near the window, his deep voice calm and reassuring. "Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally make sure your mother is safely transported here."
Alina turned toward him quickly, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you, sir. Truly. I can’t tell you how much this ans to ."
Dante gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "You’ve done enough already, Miss Alina. Let handle the rest."
Georgia, who had been stretching lazily on the couch, let out a soft yawn before smiling. "And don’t you start thanking again either," she said with mock sternness. "I’m staying here with your aunt to help her rest and start her healing therapy tomorrow. Your guest room is so comfortable that I might never leave."
Aunt Lyla chuckled from the kitchen doorway, wiping her hands with a towel. "Oh, you’re welco to stay as long as you want, Doctor Georgia. I could use a little sunshine like you around here."
Georgia laughed, tossing her brown hair back. "Careful what you wish for, Mrs. Lyla. I’m a loud guest. I talk to my plants, and sotis they talk back."
That earned a small laugh from Alina, who felt the heaviness in her chest ease for the first ti all day. "Thank you for staying here, Georgia."
Georgia smiled warmly, her tone softening. "Of course, darling. Your aunt’s energy needs balancing, and your mother’s treatnt will go smoother if the ho stays calm and warm. I’ll keep everything in order here."
"Are you sure you’ll be comfortable?" Alina asked again, her natural worry showing.
Georgia waved her hand. "Comfortable? I’m already spoiled! I had dinner, a cold drink, and soone offered homade pudding. I might just retire here."
Aunt Lyla laughed at that. "Then I’ll make sure to keep the pudding ready."
The room filled with soft laughter again, warm and light.
Ethan leaned against the doorway, watching them with a cheerful grin. He looked relaxed.
Since the house was officially under Aunt Lyla’s na now, her husband had moved out with Gina, leaving behind only his old belongings that she had neatly packed away. The change had brought a strange peace to the house, an air of relief that could be felt in every corner. Aunt Lyla seed happier too. She smiled more these days, her laughter no longer forced or weary. The soft glow of the living room light made everything feel calm, cozy, and holy.
After making sure the kitchen and dining table were clean, Aunt Lyla turned to Alina with that warm, motherly tone she always used when she had already made up her mind about sothing. "It’s late, Lina," she said firmly. "It’s not safe for you and Mr. Dante to drive back this late. Why don’t you both stay here for the night? You can leave early in the morning. I insist."
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