ALMOND
I forced my eyes open, my head throbbing with intensity. Gradually, my blurry vision began to clear, revealing an unfamiliar room. The air carried a different scent, unlike anything I was accustomed to.
"You're awake. That's a relief," an unfamiliar voice remarked. I turned my head, and there stood an incredibly attractive woman, dressed in a white coat with her blond hair neatly falling behind her ears. She wore a smile that seemed out of place. She appeared to be a doctor. If she was indeed a doctor, then why was I here?
"How do you feel now?" she inquired, while I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.
"Why am I here?" I asked, my confusion obvious.
She remained silent for a moment, her eyes examining me as though she had a microscope hidden within them.
"Alpha Logan brought you here after you fell down the stairs," she responded, and I nearly scoffed at her statement. I could barely recall how I ended up in this place.
"Are you experiencing any pain?" she asked, her words sounding distant as I attempted to piece everything together.
I strained to solve the puzzle, despite my worsening headache.
Then it hit me, the entire sequence of events. How I walked in on Logan cheating on me, how I rejected him, and how his anger escalated into a violent strike.
Every detail played out before me.
I closed my eyes tightly, trying to hold back tears at the thought of my ill fate.
"Luna!" Her voice called out, jolting me out of my thoughts.
I separated my eyelids to find her standing over me, her gaze fixed on mine. She was closer now.
"Don't dwell on it too much, Luna. I have some good news for you," she informed me, and I raised an eyebrow, curious about what it could be.
"What is it?" I asked, noticing the mischievous grin on her face.
I sensed something was amiss when her grin widened.
"You're pregnant," she announced, her joy radiating from ear to ear. "Inside you is a little Alpha Logan," she added, offering her congratulations.
The mention of his name made me feel sick. I despised him for what he had done to me.
If it weren't for him, this would have been a joyful occasion. The Kingdom would have celebrated the news of their Luna finally having an heir.
Now, as I thought of him, I wondered how he would react if I ever told him. Would he hate me even more and try to harm the baby?
I pondered, running my right hand over my stomach.
Tears I had been holding back threatened to escape.
"I'm sure the Alpha would be thrilled to hear the news. I should inform him personally," the doctor suggested.
As the pack’s doctor, she had the privilege to call the alpha concerning anything to do with his Luna, but I couldn't allow her to do it. I had no idea what he was capable of just yet.
"Please don't," I said sharply, observing her curiously.
"Is something wrong?" she inquired and I shook my head immediately. I couldn't let her suspect that there was something going on between Logan and I.
"No, not at all. I mean, wouldn't a husband be more delighted to receive the news from his beloved wife?" I asked, and she nodded in agreement. Except, I wasn't his beloved wife anymore. Ouch! That stung.
"Okay then. I'll make the necessary arrangements so you can leave soon," she replied, and I nodded, concealing the sadness in my eyes behind a forced smile. I watched as she exited the room, my hand returning to my stomach.
*****************
The cab came to a halt right in front of the house, and my heart raced as I laid eyes on the white building. I was filled with fear, unsure of what to expect from him once I stepped inside.
What would he say if I told him about the baby?
What would be his response? My feet were frozen and unable to move as I kept staring at the building.
He hadn't bothered to check on me or pick me up after my discharge. It saddened my heart to realize that the Logan I used to love was no longer the same person.
With a heavy sigh, I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. My expression shifted to shock as soon as my gaze met Logan. He was on his knees.
"Logan!" I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.
He crawled toward me and gripped my legs.
"Forgive me, Almond. I never intended for any of that to happen," he said, his voice sincere, sounding exactly like the mate I fell in love with. I was speechless, unsure of how to respond.
"Please, Al. Say something. I beg of you," he pleaded, his voice trembling, tears glistening in his eyes.
I wasn't certain if I was right or if my eyes were playing tricks on me. But whatever it was, my hardened heart began to melt towards him, the wall I had built before walking into the house came crumbling down as I stared at Logan.
"Please, Al!" he whispered, and I closed my eyes briefly, trying to hold back my own tears.
I couldn't bear to see him in this state. Despite what he had done, I loved him with all my heart. I couldn't let him continue to punish himself like this.
"It's okay, Logan," I finally managed to say, reaching out my hand to help him up.
"Are you sure, babe?" he asked, his voice filled with tenderness, his eyes overflowing with love.
He loved me. He looked at me with love, at least in this moment. I nodded, biting my lower lip. Warmth spread through me as his fingers touched mine.
"I forgive you, Logan," I said, forcing a smile.
He responded with the warmest smile I had seen in months before guiding me into the room.
Thoughts of the three of us as a family played in my mind. I had always yearned for a happy family, to live out my fantasy dream, and grow old with my mate by my side.
However, that future seemed uncertain at the moment. Nevertheless, I was willing to take things one step at a time.
His left arm still encircled my neck as we approached the room, yet I made no attempt to shake him off. Strangely, I found solace in his warmth.
He turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.
An exclamation escaped my lips the moment my eyes fell upon the bed of red, beautiful roses scattered across the floor. They formed a straight line, seemingly leading somewhere.
"You did this?" I asked, my voice trembling with the overwhelming surge of emotions.
He nodded shyly. "I realized how poorly I've treated you, and I miss the way things used to be," he replied.
His words sent shivers down my spine. Every fiber of my being paid homage to the lengths he was willing to go for me.
"Oh, Logan," I murmured, holding back the tears threatening to spill down my cheeks.
"But that's not all, babe," he revealed, his gentle eyes fixed on me. "Follow the roses," he said calmly, and I nodded in response, complying with his request.
The path of roses continued onto the bed, forming a heart shape. But it didn't stop there. It led out onto the balcony, ending just before the closed white curtains.
"Allow me to do the honor, my lady," he said, stepping forward to part the curtains.
Tears finally streamed down my cheeks, my eyes welling up with an abundance of joy. The happiness spread through my body, reaching even the tips of my toes.
"Logan!" I whispered, my hands covering my mouth to stifle my sobs.
There were two chairs and a table adorned with candles of various captivating colors, along with a bouquet of roses.
He stepped forward, picked up the bouquet, and extended it towards me.
"For you, my Queen," he sweetly said.
I couldn't put into words how I felt or describe the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me.
All I knew was that I was elated. Grateful that my Logan had returned, the mate who loved me.
"Wait for the grand surprise," he exclaimed eagerly, pulling out one of the chairs. "Take a seat, babe," he instructed.
I couldn't respond, fearing that my voice might escape as a scream. Either that or the moon goddess had claimed my ability to speak in exchange for bringing back my Logan.
Walking towards him, I managed to maintain my composure, preventing my unsteady legs from giving way beneath me.
Settling on it, he walked over to stand beside me.
"Give me a minute," he said before walking out of sight.
My eyes kept running through the words in my mind, again and again. It was hard to believe that I was actually experiencing this. The moon gracefully adorned the sky, illuminating this wonderful occasion. The stars added their sparkle, creating a magical atmosphere. I could hear a song coming to life, a slow melody by Tatiana Manaois called "Helplessly." Though I barely knew the lyrics, I loved it nonetheless.
After a while, he reappeared with a tray in his hands and placed it on the table. He looked breathtaking in his checkered shirt and black pants, with a few top buttons left open. I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked.
"You'll like this, I promise," he announced, a bright smile plastered on his face.
My gaze fell upon the bottle of Picpoul wine and the accompanying glass cups. I wasn't a big fan of wine, but I particularly enjoyed this one. I had never realized he had noticed.
I found myself squeezing his right palm with my left, gently.
"Thank you," I whispered to him, watching as he bit his lower lip before responding.
My heart swelled with warmth, knowing that he had taken the time to create this moment for us, just like he used to do.
"I should be the one thanking you, babe, for being in my life. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me," he replied, his voice firm, emphasizing his sincerity. Every word carried weight.
A lump formed in my throat, threatening to unleash a sob. I nodded in response as he settled into his seat.
He let out a deep sigh, staring deeply into my eyes.
"This reminds me of the day we met," he paused, his smile still radiant. His hand found mine and held it gently. "The day I fell in love with you. The day I knew you would forever be mine," he continued, tears streaming down my cheeks. "You are everything I want, Al. I love you with all I have," he concluded.
"I... I love you too, Logan," I stammered, overwhelmed by my emotions.
I felt embarrassed for being so emotional, but he didn't seem to mind. He smiled, picked up the wine, and opened it with a tool. Carefully, he poured some for himself and me. He then placed the bottle down and picked up his glass.
Raising it in the air, he declared, "To forever!"
With trembling fingers, I lifted my glass to meet his.
"To forever!" I responded, still unable to believe that my fantasy was becoming a reality.
He brought the cup to his lips, his smile growing brighter, and at that moment, I knew that we truly would last forever.