Chapter 204
As the bodies burned, Keane’s voice rang out, “Let’s go home.” A roar of excitement surged through the warriors.
We were finally going home, no more fear, no more witches and no more rituals.
Just home.
As we approached the pack’s borders, I picked up the sound of voices. A lot of them, overlapping each other.
The whole pack was already waiting when we returned, their eyes filled with a mix of relief and gratitude. The Alpha and Luna that abandoned their wedding to fight a battle had returned victorious.
“Our warriors have returned!” A man yelled, stepping forward.
Hundreds of men and women stepped forward, clapping, pride and gratitude evident in their eyes.
I froze.
They were clapping for us?
It took me few seconds to register what was happening and when I did, a smile crept up my face as I saw them. I was filled with genuine happiness, but I was still in disbelief.
I had half-expected them to hurl insults at us. Well… at me, for abandoning the wedding. I was always the bad egg, the bad Luna and the betrayer.
Maybe my betrayal didn’t exist in this time.
I thought they would be angry for keeping them waiting, but here they were praising us in their exquisite tuxedos and luxurious gowns.
Kaene glanced at me, sensing my hesitation. He squeezed my hand gently. His grip was warm and reassuring.
It felt like a dream.
Sir Alan had held the pack together in our absence and he had spread the right information in the right way. I was grateful for that.
Any mistake or misinformation could rile the pack against us. He was smart.
The celebration did not last that long. The pack dispersed and people returned to their homes.
Some embraced their loved ones that went to battle, and some tended to the wounded warriors.
While some mourned the lost men, the ones who had bravely sacrificed their lives for the sake of pack.
Soon, Kaene and I were left alone. Kaene held me tightly as walked to the hall, our bodies and clothes reeked of blood and sweat.
“We need a shower. Together preferably.” He said, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes in annoyance at his attempt to tease me. He had been avoiding the real conversation for a long time.
What he trying to pretend none of these happened?
He just went on to tease me at any chance he got and it was beginning to grate on my nerves.
I glared at him, stopping in my tracks, “We need to talk.” I said, feeling increasingly annoyed by his nonchalant attitude.
“I know. Not now, darling.” He hushed me, pointing at the door of the hall where we had just reached.
This was where Kaene and I were supposed to have our wedding few hours ago, but it was empty. Except for three people.
I drew in a sharp breath as I saw them. My eyes were wet with tears.
My parents and Kaene’s mother.
It felt so good to see them again, even Kaene’s mom who had caused me hardship. I wasn’t mad at her, not anymore.
I turned to Kaene, his gaze softened as he saw his mom. He didn’t want to admit it but he had missed her just as I had missed my parents.
“Phoebe!” My mom screamed.
I barely had time to react before my mother enveloped me in a tight hug. I was greeted by her smell that I had missed so much and her warmth that shook off the cold I felt. My father followed her, patting my shoulder lightly like a proud father would.
“You scared us.” She raised her voice, her tone laced with a mix of fear and relief.
“Why did you leave like that? You got us worried.” My father said, sharing the same emotions as my mom.
“I had to.” I whispered, barely able to move as tears ran down my cheek.
My mom pulled back just enough to hold my face in her hands, “Don’t cry baby, you’re alive. That’s all that matters p>
I swallowed hard, guilt swallowing me once more. Negan didn’t make it alive.
A soft cough pulled me out of my thoughts and I turned to see Kaene enveloped in his mother’s hug.
“Mother.” Kaene said, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it.
Kaene rarely showed vulnerability, but right now, in his mother’s arms, he wasn’t an Alpha or a warrior.
He was just a son who had missed his mother.
Her gazed shifted to me and then, she stepped closer to me, a smile tugged at her lips.
To my surprise, she hugged me. Not the stiff, distant hug I expected, but something warm and comforting.
I hesitated before I slowly hugged her back. I had hated her once.
But right now, in this moment, I wasn’t angry. I was just grateful.
Grateful that we had the chance to see them again.
Even with my parents and Kaene’s mother by my side, there was a hole in my chest that nothing could fill.
Negan.
He should have been here. He should have been standing beside us, making some ridiculous joke or teasing me. He should have fought beside us.
Instead, there was only silence where his laughter should be.
After our little reunion, it was time to head back to the Alpha mansion. A young wolf came with a car to drive us there.
I had forgotten that cars even existed. It was a quite ride home between Keane and I. We could discuss when we got home.
Right now, I just wanted to relax and enjoy a little moment of silence.
He didn’t speak too, maybe because he had a lot going through his mind or maybe he just wanted some peace and quiet too.
One thing I loved was that he never stopped holding my hand till we got to the mansion.
As we got to the mansion, all maids had assembled outside. They bowed their heads as we stepped out of the car.
They came out to congratulate us for winning the battle, everyone already knew by now.
We entered and the smell of food wafted into my nose. My stomach grumbled in response.
For the first time since I woke up, I realized how hungry I was.
The adrenaline from the fighting and our encounter with the witches made me forget that we haven’t had food.
I ran up the stairs, wanting to take a shower as soon as possible so I can feed myself.. Kaene followed closely behind me.
I entered my suite and I welcomed the warm ambience.
Just as I thought I could push everything that had happened aside, I heard a knock at my door.
“Elder Gita is here to see you, my lords.” A maid announced.
Kaene and I exchanged looks, his jaw tightened.
“Send her in.” He ordered.