A Luna's True Mate

Chapter 2: Getting Stronger

-Lauren-

I was overjoyed to have my daughter in my arms again. She hugged me tightly, as if fearing I might disappear if she let go. Only when Rider finally arrived to examine me did she release her grip, and we all entered an examination room where he quickly assessed my condition.

I had lost a significant amount of weight, and it was evident I needed to avoid any strenuous activities. However, apart from that, Rider didn’t seem overly concerned.

A psychiatric evaluation would be necessary to ensure my mental well-being, but his optimism gave both Angela and me hope. After the examination, he left us to have some privacy, and I could see the joy radiating from Angela.

She couldn’t stop smiling, and she held my hand tightly in hers. I knew she was relieved to see me returning to my old self, but I hoped I hadn’t caused her too much trouble. That was the last thing I wanted.

“Why aren’t you in England?” I inquired.

“I was needed here,” she replied.

“You should be with your mates and children. I’m sure someone else could have taken care of me,” I suggested.

“Like who?” she countered. “I couldn’t just leave you with a stranger.”

“The people here aren’t strangers.”

“So, I should abandon my mother to them?” she asked.

“You’re a luna now, Angela,” I reminded her. “Your pack needs you.”

“Mom, you needed me.”

It was difficult to argue with that. I had certainly needed help, but I didn’t want to burden my child further. I had already cost my son his life, and later his mate followed.

I was the reason my grandson now had no father or mother. While I knew Ethan was well cared for by the king and queen, I couldn’t shake off the guilt. That’s why I wanted Angela to return home.

“Well, I’m feeling better now," I declared.

“And I’m glad,” she replied.

“Then perhaps it’s time for you to go home?” I suggested.

“Mom!”

“Angela, really, I’ll be fine.”

“No, you’re not fine,” she insisted. “You’ve just woken up, and you need time to recover.”

“Sweetie, I don’t want to keep you from your children and mates any longer. I hear it’s been months,” I reasoned.

“It’s okay. Hunter and Elijah have everything under control. They keep me updated on the boys. They know I won’t return until you’re stronger,” she assured me.

“Angela, please, I’ll be fine.”

“Mom, stop. I’m staying!” she stated.

I sighed, recognizing that stubbornness was a trait inherited from me. Many might assume it came from Connor, but they didn’t know what I was like when I was young—always defying the rules, never listening to my parents.

I hung out with what my parents considered the wrong crowd, not because they were bad people. But because my parents believed they would tarnish my reputation and diminish my chances of finding a good alpha.

“I just don’t want to keep you from your family any longer,” I expressed.

“Mom, you are my family, and after everything we’ve lost, don’t you think we should be there for each other even more?” Angela countered.

I sighed once more, acknowledging that my sweet daughter would never abandon me. She was so kind. I marveled at how she turned out to be so good and so strong.

“Maybe you’re right,” I conceded.

Angela smiled, tightening her grip on my hand.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she reassured me.

“How is everyone? After... your father?” I inquired.

“Better. I mean, we had some trouble, but it’s all resolved now. Things are actually great,” she replied.

“Trouble?” I asked.

“Lucian’s brother paid us a visit. He’s not... nice,” my daughter revealed.

“Like your father?”

Angela shrugged. “No, he didn’t want the crown, just his brother.”

“And?” I pressed.

“Well, he didn’t succeed. We actually have no idea where he went,” she informed me.

“Oh. Should we be worried?”

Angela shook her head. “No, he left willingly.”

“I see. That’s... unexpected,” I commented.

Angela nodded.

“We all found it very strange, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll come back,” she assured me.

“So, everything really is... peaceful?”

She nodded and smiled.

“Yes, it appears that way, but you know how it is with our luck,” she chuckled.

I nodded in response, not because I believed we were on the verge of another war, but because her remark reminded me of what had occurred in the hallway.

Logan... My wolf purred his name inside my head. I was almost surprised to hear her speak like that. She had been very quiet for many, many years.

Of course, we communicated, but she always sounded so sad and never spoke much. Now, it seemed like Logan had coaxed her to be more vocal. She definitely approved of him, and I had to admit, I didn’t think he was a bad choice.

I remembered Logan. We had seen each other at a few parties and such, and I had heard how highly everyone spoke of him and what a good beta and parent he was. Of course, back then, Victoria had been his true mate.

We hadn’t really seen each other after she died. Over the years, I became more isolated and simply didn’t want to participate in those awful social events. Maybe it was for the best. I didn’t believe I could handle losing another mate.

“Mom?” Angela called.

“Huh?” I looked at my daughter, who seemed concerned.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

I nodded.

“Just fine,” I lied.

“Are you sure? I called your name twice.”

“I’m still a bit groggy from everything,” I told her.

“Should I get Rider or Lily?” she asked.

I shook my head.

“No need to trouble them. I just need some rest,” I assured her.

Angela didn’t seem convinced, and I understood her concern. I would have been worried too, but I wasn’t quite ready to discuss what I had discovered. I needed to talk to Logan first before telling everyone else.

“Maybe you should eat a little. Rider said it was okay,” she suggested.

“Maybe you’re right," I agreed.

“Should I get you something?”

“How about we both go?” I proposed. “I could use the exercise.”

“Are you sure you’re strong enough?” she asked.

“I’m just fine, I told you,” I replied.

Angela smiled but still held tightly onto my arm as she helped me stand.

“How does that feel?” she asked.

“I was walking around when you found me,” I reminded her.

“But that doesn’t mean you can’t feel worse now. Maybe I should just go on my own!” she suggested.

“I can do this,” I assured her.

“Are you sure?”

“Let’s just go, and I’ll prove it to you,” I insisted, winking.

We made our way towards the door, moving slower than a turtle, but surprisingly, everything was going fine.