Chapter 227
227 –First Wedding Night
Madeline:
The drive was long. Even to reach the pack’s border, we had to sit in the car for half an hour.
During that time, my kids had fallen asleep in the back in their seats.
I had no idea Baxter had packed some food from the wedding to help the children.
We fed them in the car, and even though he urged me to eat too, I could not.
The events of the day kept running through my mind.
Once in a while, I felt like tearing up, but I reminded myself that I was a mother now and had to stay composed.
When the headlights caught the wooden sign that marked the rogue territory, I sat up and pinched the space between my fingers.
The board carried the name of the pack we had just been banned from.
In fact, we have been banned from every pack now. Baxter must have noticed because he glanced at me.
“It is fine. We will be alright,” he told me, keeping one hand on the steering wheel while he watched the road.
“Why did you do that? Why did you jeopardize everything?” I shifted toward him in my seat, my dress gathering under me. 1
“I told you why I did it,” he replied, brushing his thumb across his eyebrow while he kept his eyes forward. “Do not keep asking me the same thing p>
“I don’t believe it,” I muttered, folding my arms across my chest.
I had worn his coat, which helped me stay warm.
“Well then, there is nothing I can do except prove it with my actions,” he remarked, and goosebumps rose on my
arms.
Thankfully, the coat covered them, so he would not see how even a simple sentence from him affected me.
“What are we going to do now? Where are we going to sleep?” I asked, changing the subject and letting out a small grunt while looking out the window.
“Why do you care? My arms are strong enough to keep you warm,” he replied. 1
The minute he said that, I snapped my head toward him.
I caught the small smile on his lips even though he kept his eyes on the road. He knew he had pulled a reaction from me.
“I am serious,” I hissed at him.
“There is a rogue motel nearby. We can stay there for a few days,” he explained. His fingers tapped the steering wheel lightly, almost as if he was counting the distance. “They only let rogues stay for two days. It is not permanent. It is only a small help for anyone who goes rogue p>
“What are you thinking?” he asked once he noticed how I kept opening and closing my mouth.
“I did not know people were going rogue here. I mean, I knew rogues exist, but I did not know there would be a
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motel for them. When did werewolves become so accepting of anyone wanting to leave a pack and start over in the woods?” I asked, remembering how difficult it used to be when I lived here before I gave birth.
“It is not that simple. Rogues have started a war. You must have heard that they are violent now. They attack pack members who wander near rogue territory. They steal from them. So the packs decided to build a motel to help rogues who are in real need. It is complicated,” he explained.
A few things he said already gave me shivers in my spine.
“How are we going to live in the woods with three children, Baxter?” I asked, and sadness took over me.
“Madeline, you and I can protect them. You are strong enough. I am strong enough. Do not worry about that,” he replied.
The way he included me instead of acting like he would protect us alone gave me unexpected hope.
At least he respected me.
“All right,” I whispered, letting out a tired sigh. I did not know what else we could do.
After two days, we would be in the woods with nothing planned.
The car turned into a cracked lane. The motel appeared ahead. It was shaped like a wide U.
The rooms lined the three sides, all facing the parking lot in the middle.
A narrow office stood at the entrance, and the rest of the area was filled with rooms.
I also noticed a vending machine near the office, so at least the kids could get something to eat if needed.
The moment Baxter parked, he gestured for me to stay inside while he went to book us a room.
I stayed in the car and watched him step out and walk into the office.
After a few seconds, he returned with a key in his hand. His posture stayed straight.
His shoulders lifted as he inhaled the cold air and scanned the empty parking lot.
He adjusted the collar of his shirt as he reached my door and opened it for me.
“Let’s take the kids inside,” he told me.
I gave him a nod and stepped out of the car. He slid his arms under Elara and Gina, lifting them both against his chest.
Their cheeks rested on his shoulders and he shifted his hold to steady their heads.
I opened the opposite door and leaned in, gathering Bodhi into my arms.
Together we wandered into the room. The moment the door opened, I realized how messy this would get.
There was one couch and one bed against the wall. The bed was only big enough for my three children.
What did that even mean? Did Baxter and I have to share the couch?
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.