Erin’s POV
The past few months had been a whirlwind of activity. With final exams approaching. Fd thrown myself into studying, determined to maintain my academic standing despite everything that had happened in my personal life,
Through it all, Derek had become my anchor. Though he’d never admit it, he’d softened toward me considerably since our bonding. When the pressure of exams and pack responsibilities became too much, I’d find myself in his office, venting my frustrations while he listened quietly. Me rarely offered advice unless I asked for it directly, seeming to understand that sometimes I just needed someone to hear me.
Last week, he’d surprised me by giving me a full week off from my duties at Stone Group to prepare for finals. Your education matters, hed said simply when I’d questioned him. But I suspected there was more to it–he didn’t want me stressed to the breaking point. It was these small gestures that revealed the caring man beneath the hard Alpha exterior.
“Erin! Come downstairs, honey. Amy’s here to see you!” My mother’s voice called from the bottom of the stairs, pulling me from my thoughts.
I glanced at the clock–it was earlier than I’d expected Amy to arrive. Hastily throwing on a casual outfit and running a brush through my hair. I hurried downstairs to find my friend already comfortably settled on our living room sofa.
“Good morning, baby,” Amy greeted cheerfully, her eyes bright despite the early hour.
“Morning,” I mumbled, still not fully awake.
“You’ve been looking more and more drained lately,” she observed with a knowing smirk. “Last night with the Pack Alpha, you must have–ow!
My face felt hot with embarrassment. I’d jabbed her in the ribs, glancing nervously toward the kitchen where my mother was preparing breakfast. “Shut up,” I hissed. “My mom will hear you.”
Amy leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Our pack’s Luna.”
The title still felt strange to me. Technically, as Derek’s mate, I was the Luna of the Darkwood Pack–the female counterpart to the Alpha, responsible for the pack’s well–being in ways different from but complementary to the Alpha’s role. But we hadn’t made any formal announcement yet, and I hadn’t taken on any official Luna duties.
“I can’t believe we’re developing our relationship a little more each day,” I confided, my voice barely audible. “Sometimes I’m afraid someone will take it all away from me.”
Amy squeezed my hand. “This is your destiny. How could anyone take it from you? Don’t overthink things and waste the happy moments you
have now.”
She was right, of course. I smiled, feeling some of my anxiety ease. Whatever the future held, I had Derek now, and t
s enough.
My mother called us to breakfast, and the three of us sat down to eat. Mom had prepared a full spread–pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. As we ate, I noticed her studying me with a mixture of pride and concern that only mothers can master.
After breakfast, Amy drove us toward Silvermoon Academy. I flipped through my notes in the passenger seat, reviewing key points for my last
exam.
“I bet you’ll get the highest score in the class,” Amy said, glancing over at my intense concentration. “I really don’t understand why you still study so hard.”
“Amy, please just let me read these points,” I replied, not looking up from my notes.
She shrugged and pulled out her phone, starting to text Jack.
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Chapter 216
The familiar campus came into view, and I felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. Just one more exam, and then I could focus fully on my work at Stone Group and my developing relationship with Derek. The thought brought a small smile to my face.
After finishing my exam, I met Amy and Jack at the student cafeteria. They sat close together, fack’s arm draped casually around Amy’s shoulders, their body language speaking volumes about their connection. I felt a pang of envy–not because I wanted jack, but because their relationship seemed so uncomplicated compared to mine.
“What’s your plan, Erin?” Jack asked as I settled into a chair across from them.
Before I could answer, Amy jumped in. “Erin plans to leave the pack after the exams. So today we’re going on vacation. She turned to te eagerly. “What’s your plan? Are you going somewhere with the Alpha?”
I considered her question. My soul mate was the Pack Alpha–we couldn’t just take off on vacation like normal couples. The last time we’d left the pack together, it had been more of a business trip, though it had ended up feeling like a vacation in some ways.
“I went out a few months ago,” I said finally. “Now I just need to focus on my work.”
Amy sighed in disappointment. “How can you be so unromantic, baby? Do something with him…
My cheeks heated at her implication. “God! This is so embarrassing! Jack, make Amy shut up!”
Jack raised his hands in mock surrender. “You’re the one who told me to take care of your beloved friend… I can’t do anything now.”
Amy’s eyes brightened, and she threw her arms around me in a tight hug. “You spoke up for me to him. What a surprise!” She squeezed me harder. “You’re so sweet!”
Despite my embarrassment, I felt happy for my friend. She and Jack were good together, and they deserved their happiness.
“So where are you two going for vacation?” I asked, eager to change the subject.
They excitedly detailed their plans for a weeklong getaway to a beachside resort.
“By the way,” Amy added, “Silverpine Pack territory is nice too, right? Can we stop there for a day?”
“Sure,” I agreed easily.
“Everything is good there. But make sure to bring a guide. The villagers don’t speak our language. They speak a different one, I warned, remembering my own experience.
Amy looked confused. “Wait, how do you know about the villagers?”
I realized I’d never told them about getting lost during our trip. “I should tell you. I got lost there.”
Both Amy and Jack looked shocked. “Then how did you get back?” Jack asked.
“Someone helped me,‘ I said simply.
“Who?” Amy pressed.
“I didn’t know him, but his companion called him Alex. He pronounced it a bit differently, like he was speaking another language.
“Alex? Sounds pretty ordinary,” Amy remarked.
I turned to Jack. “Do you know if the hame has any meaning?”
Chapter 216
Jack nodded. “In Greek, it has a special meaning–protector or guardian.”
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