"Leia, is it true you’re going to marry three of my cousins?" Inara asked suddenly with intrigue flashing in her eyes, which startled Leia mid-sip. The glass of vanilla shake froze halfway to her lips before she slowly lowered it to the side table.
"What are you talking about?" Leia’s brows furrowed.
Inara leaned forward, her eyes glittering with mischief and sothing deeper. "Grandma was telling Mom earlier that you’ll soon beco the Luna of the Darkmoor Pack. She even spoke about how grand she imagined my cousins’ wedding would be."
But when she caught the bewildered look spreading across Leia’s face, Inara’s smirk faded. Realization dawned on her, Leia had no idea what had been planned for her.
"Grandma never ntioned any of this to , nor to your cousins," Leia said firmly, confusion flickering in her eyes.
"That’s because she hasn’t spoken to them about it yet," Inara replied. "But I was sure she had already told you. Grandma kept insisting you’re their fated mate." A knowing smile curved her lips.
Leia exhaled slowly. "Yes, I am. But I’ve never given marriage a thought... and Grandma certainly hasn’t discussed it with ."
Before Inara could respond, a voice rang out from the doorway. "Leia!"
Rhea hurried in, her expression filled with alarm. In the blink of an eye, she was at the bedside, wrapping her arms tightly around Leia. "You’re hurt! I only found out this morning. Are you alright?" She pulled back quickly, scanning Leia’s face and hands with worry.
Leia offered a small, reassuring smile. "It’s just a wound on my stomach. It’s already healing, so you don’t have to fuss over ."
Still unconvinced, Rhea set a bouquet down on the bed. "Get well soon," she said warmly, before holding up a small white bag. "And look, I brought you your favorite almond-walnut cookies! I baked them for you. Eat them and get well soon."
"Thank you, Rhea. This is such a thoughtful gift," Leia said, giving a genuine, warm smile. Her eyes then shifted to Inara, who was quietly observing from the side.
"This is Inara, cousin of the three Alpha brothers. And Inara, this is my friend, Rhea," Leia introduced them. The two girls exchanged polite greetings.
"Inara, you look so young... how old are you?" Rhea asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"I’m turning twenty soon," Inara replied with a soft smile. "Still in college," she added.
"That’s wonderful! I really miss my college days," Rhea chuckled. She leaned slightly toward the bouquet. "You should try the cookies as well. I’m sure Leia won’t mind sharing."
"Of course not," Leia said. "Sharing only makes love grow stronger."
"I didn’t get the full details, but I heard soone attacked you here," Rhea said, turning back to Leia, her eyes filling with concern once again.
Leia wondered if Lucien had deliberately kept the incident from the others. Deciding it was best to stay silent, she chose not to reveal anything further.
"Yes," Leia admitted softly. "I was attacked inside the mansion. Honestly... I don’t know much myself. I was unconscious for most of it, so I couldn’t make sense of anything. While Lucien and Ronan knows everything, he refuses to share with ." She tackled the answer tactfully.
"I see... You’re an easy target for people here. The Darkmoor Pack is known for its strong defense and security systems. For sothing this big to happen, soone from inside must be involved," Rhea said, her expression serious, brows furrowed in concern.
anwhile, Inara quietly wondered why Leia hadn’t shared any of the details. She decided to stay silent for now, planning to ask her later.
"By the way, Leia, I’ve been hearing strong rumors in the pack... that you’re going to be our official Luna soon!" Rhea exclaid, her eyes sparkling with excitent. "I’m so thrilled! I want to be your Maid of Honor, and I’ve already decided on the decorations. Of course, you’ll have to approve everything."
Leia smiled, feeling a mixture of warmth and awkwardness. She hadn’t even allowed herself to think that far ahead, and she hadn’t confessed her feelings for her three mates yet. Yet everyone else seed already looking forward to her wedding.
"Ladies, may I have a mont with Leia?" Kieran’s voice called from the doorway, firm but polite as he cleared his throat.
"Of course!" Rhea replied, her attention imdiately drawn to the tray in Kieran’s hands. "What’s this?" she asked curiously.
"A healing tonic for Leia," Kieran said quietly, his gaze briefly flicking to the bouquet of tulips and the small gift bag nearby.
Rhea smiled warmly at Leia, giving her a gentle side hug. "I’ll take my leave then. Rest well, Leia. Call if you need anything." She waved at Inara, who returned the gesture with a small smile.
"Inara, you should have lunch now," Kieran said. "Aunt Fleur and Grandma are on their way, but it might take them so ti to arrive."
"I’ll take my al with Leia," Inara replied.
"I’ll eat a little later," Leia said softly.
"Yes, besides, Leia should only have a very light al," Kieran added. "Travis is also waiting for you. I’ll join you both shortly."
"Okay!" Inara said, then left the room.
As she ca downstairs, she noticed Lucien and Jennifer standing near the garden entrance from the living room. She ignored them and headed straight to the dining room.
"What did you say to Leia this morning?" Lucien asked.
"Did Leia tell you?" Jennifer chuckled lightly.
"No. There are many other eyes in this house, you know," Lucien replied, a hint of amusent in his tone.
Jennifer nodded knowingly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, I just tell her to grow up if she is dreaming of becoming your Luna. I won’t bla Ronan entirely for this sudden attack of a hunter. Leia was responsible too. All of you are just chard by your mate that you don’t want to see anything else."
"Jennifer, what am I seeing in you? Is it jealousy?" Lucien arched a questioning eyebrow with curiosity.
"Not at all," Jennifer replied, her tone firm yet tinged with concern. "I’m worried for you, Lucien. I’ve seen you hit the lowest points in your life, and I can’t help but be cautious. Leia... she may have a good heart, but when it cos to the pack, she needs to toughen up and it must be done quickly."
Lucien’s expression softened, though a trace of frustration lingered. "You don’t need to be harsh on her. I know how blunt you’ve been, and Leia has never truly lived in a pack before. She’s still adjusting, learning the rules and dynamics. You don’t need to remind her of her weaknesses. She might not feel as hurt hearing it from than from others."
Jennifer shook her head, stepping closer, her eyes sharp and unwavering. "No, Lucien. You’re wrong. You can’t coddle her. How long are you going to wait for her to adjust? A year? Two? Leia needs to understand the pack, and its dangers fast. Others won’t be as forgiving as you, and both she and you could suffer for her naivety."
Lucien leaned back slightly, letting out a asured sigh, his gaze softening with patience. "Your role is to be the pack’s healer, Jennifer, not its enforcer. Leia will learn, but she needs to do so in her own ti. Forcing her will only create pressure and resentnt. I’ve already seen it. As I spend ti with her, I realize sothing important: not everyone is the sa. Yes, I’ve chosen her as the pack’s Luna, but there’s a reason for it. I see what others cannot."
Jennifer’s eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity and insistence battling with her concern. "What do you see, Alpha? I need to know. As a loyal mber of your pack and its healer, it’s my responsibility to understand what you see, to protect her and you. You must tell ." She stepped even closer, her gaze locking onto his, not wavering even for a second.
Lucien’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"I am not obliged to share my secrets with you," Lucien said.
"Fine," Jennifer replied, a faint edge of frustration in her voice. "Then don’t. But know this, I will speak the truth to Leia. She won’t survive carrying these thoughts alone. And I’ve noticed sothing else... she’s hesitant about becoming the Luna of this pack. Deep down, she doubts herself, believes she’s not fit for the role."
Lucien’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of curiosity hidden behind his calm deanor.
Jennifer continued, her voice rising slightly with intensity. "The marks aren’t on her yet. That ans none of you, no matter how much you care, can truly win her heart. You’re all circling around her, but she is the center of the storm, not you. Do you really think she will love you, Lucien? Rember, you rescued her from an auction house, and that mory... that sha and fear... will linger. It shapes her. And no amount of care can erase it overnight."
Lucien’s jaw clenched but he didn’t utter a single word.
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