Chapter 363: AURORA

“Come on… don’t kid me,” I said, rolling my eyes at Joclyn. Turning to Dane, I raised a questioning brow. “She’s joking, right?”

Dane held my gaze, his expression subtly shifting. Then, a one-sided smirk curved his lips. “Wrong,” he said, grabbing the back of my neck and pulling me into a deep, fiery kiss.

“Gross!” the kids groaned, covering their faces in exaggerated disgust.

I stared at Dane, wide-eyed, as he kissed me with a passion that tightened my chest. My mind raced, considering what he implied. I pushed gently against his chest, swallowing hard.

“Dane… am I…?” I started, my voice barely a whisper.

“Yes!” he exclaimed, grinning as he took my hand and kissed it. “You’re pregnant, Aurora.”

My hands flew to my face, my eyes lighting up with joy. “Oh… thank the Moon Goddess!”

I turned to Joclyn, who beamed with delight. “Congratulations, Luna,” she said warmly.

I nodded, my heart swelling, then shifted my gaze to Trajan, who quickly moved to Joclyn’s side.

“Wow… I’m so happy for you, Aurora,” Trajan said, his excitement palpable. He glanced at Joclyn, and they exchanged a knowing smile. “Come here,” he added, opening his arms.

Without hesitation, Joclyn stepped into his embrace. Trajan’s arms wrapped protectively around her waist, but, as if jolted back to reality, they both sprang apart, avoiding eye contact with the rest of us.

Piper and Warrick, smiling sweetly, hugged each other, and even Sera and Tristan followed suit, embracing one another.

I giggled at the scene, warmth filling my chest. The love and care radiating from everyone was overwhelming, and I felt truly blessed.

Dane wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me close. Looking over his shoulder, my eyes met Evander’s. He frowned, dramatically crossing his arms.

“Well, since I don’t have anyone to hug, I guess I’ll just hug myself,” he muttered, wrapping his arms around himself in mock loneliness.

I burst out laughing, shaking my head.

The doctor walked in, his brow lifting in surprise at the crowd. “I see you all missed your Luna,” he said. “You can all leave soon. Once the Alpha follows me to finalize her discharge, make sure she rests and eats well.”

I nodded gratefully, and Dane ruffled my hair before following the doctor out.

Sitting up on the bed, I swung my legs over the edge and stretched. I felt significantly better, though I wasn’t sure if it was the rest or the love that filled the room.

Noticing Trajan and Joclyn whispering in a corner, I cleared my throat. “What are you two plotting? I hope it’s not about naming the baby.”

Trajan chuckled. “Not at all. Joclyn was just suggesting we go fetch those wildflowers.”

Joclyn stepped closer, nodding. “It’s a perfect time to go, especially since everything feels so peaceful.”

I glanced out the window and agreed. “You’re right. But before you go, how did the ball turn out?”

Joclyn’s face lit up. “It was a huge success! Everyone’s still talking about it. You did the right thing, Aurora.”

“That’s great,” I said with a smile. “Now, get going. Just don’t come back too late.”

Trajan and Joclyn left the room, and Evander approached me. “Do you need anything? Water, pickles, maybe a snack?”

I shook my head. “No appetite right now. Why don’t you take the kids home and rest?”

Tristan immediately clung to my hand. “No, Mummy. We’ll leave when you and Dad do.”

I sighed, exchanging a glance with Evander, who simply shrugged and took a seat.

Piper approached me, her voice gentle. “We should head back. We don’t want things getting out of hand while we’re away.”

I nodded, smiling as she tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Thanks, Piper.”

As she moved aside, I noticed Warrick kneeling behind her. My jaw nearly dropped, but I quickly composed myself, not wanting to ruin the surprise.

When Piper turned, she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Warrick?” she whispered.

Warrick held out a ring, his eyes full of love. “Piper Montague, will you spend the rest of your life with me? Marry me, Piper.”

The room fell silent as we all watched, holding our breaths.

Piper’s eyes glistened with tears. “Yes… I’ll marry you, Warrick,” she said, holding out her hand.

Warrick slid the ring onto her finger, and she raised it with a soft squeal. “It’s beautiful! I love you, Warrick!”

Warrick pulled her into a tight hug just as Dane returned.

“Nice ring, Piper,” Dane said with a grin. “Looks like we’ve got a wedding to plan.”

I smiled as Dane walked to my side, taking my hand. “We can leave now,” I said softly.

A nurse wheeled in a wheelchair, but Dane waved her off, scooping me up in his arms.

“You don’t have to carry me,” I protested.

“I want to,” he said firmly.

I relaxed against him, snuggling closer as we left the hospital. Piper and Warrick led the way, while Evander and the kids followed behind us.

When we arrived at the pack house, Dane carried me to our room. Evander and the kids retreated to their own quarters.

“Put me down,” I said as we reached our room. Dane gently lowered me to the ground.

“I’m fine now, really,” I assured him, my tone honest this time.

Leaving him by the door, I walked to the window and pulled back the curtains. The view outside was peaceful—the pack bustling with life, people chatting and going about their business.

“I love this peace and unity,” I murmured, my eyes softening.

Dane stepped behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “You’ve earned it,” he said, pressing a kiss to my neck. “You’ve done so much for me, for everyone, for the pack, Luna.”

I rested my hand on his as my gaze remained on the pack below, warmth filling my heart.

– End –