Chapter 48

Rebecca's POV.

It took a few minutes, but I managed to get Jared up and we headed back to the clinic. I was happy I remembered to grab some clothes for Jared. Grant and Meriwether were waiting for us in Stephanie's room.

No words were spoken when we walked in. I went straight to Steph's side and kissed her forehead. She looked so peaceful sleeping there. How would I explain to her that she was pregnant, with twins? Worse yet, that she could die if she tried to carry to term? She's already been through so much; I can't even imagine how she'll react to this. I can't make the decision for her though; this is her body. It doesn't matter how old she is.

I started feeling the effects of using so much magic today. I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open. Hopefully I would be used to it soon, then it won't wipe me out so easily.

" Meriwether, are you ready to head back? I think we could all use some rest after today." Even Grant looked ready to pass out.

" Actually, I think I'm going to stay with Grant tonight. That is, if it's okay with you, my Luna." She started blushing and I could tell something was up.

" Rebecca, you might as well know the truth. Meri is my mate. I didn't want to say anything right away, because honestly, I didn't know if she would want to be with me. I wanted to talk it over with her before I told anyone." He took Meriwether's hand and smiled.

" You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm just happy that you're happy. You two look good together." I don't know how others will feel, but I think they'll be good for each other. I also think that Meriwether will be good for the pack.

" Thank you, my Luna." They were giving each other the eye again.

" Meriwether, I need to say something to you." Jared just stared at her.

" Watch it man, I don't want to have to make you a patient." Grant was in his attack stance.

" Oh, shut up Grant, you don't scare me. Anyway, Meriwether, I'm not quite sure why you apologized to me earlier today. And I apologize for my anger. With my body being all wolfed out with no wolf, it really got my emotions all out of whack. But I need to say, you don't have anything to apologize for. You thought you were protecting those you loved. I can respect that. I don't blame you for my family, any more than I blame you for the spell that took Drake from me. I know Drake went through hell, but I also know he doesn't blame you either. All the suffering is because of someone that wanted more power than they deserved. If you hadn't stepped up, I could have died, I wouldn't have my aunt and uncle with me now, and I wouldn't have you as a part of my family either. I think my parents and grandparents would have been proud of you for protecting everyone you did, and for helping Jack all these years. You are a true Lunar Warrior." I couldn't have said it better myself.

" Oh, thank you Nikeeto, I mean Jared. I have missed you so much." She gave him a great big hug, and Jared in return hugged her back just as much. " I should say though, I was never a Lunar Warrior, I just wanted a chance to help fix everything." She was blushing.

I knew that being a Lunar Warrior was quite an honor for those chosen. Only the ones with heart, loyalty, courage, and that could be trusted by the Moon Goddess herself were allowed to serve.

" Meriwether, I don't know if it's allowed, but I would like to ask you, well, would you consider being one of my Lunar Warriors? It would be an honor to know that someone as brave and as smart as you were protecting me." Please don't be mad at me for this Celeste. I just know in my heart that she was meant to be my guardian, my Warrior.

" Really, you mean it? Yes, of course, I accept, oh my Goddess, did you hear that Grant. Me, a Warrior for the High Luna. I think I'm going to cry." Grant hugged her and whispered in her ear. I couldn't make out what he said, but whatever it was had her kissing him all over.

" Okay, as much as I would love to stay and be by my girl, we really need sleep. I have a ton of things to do tomorrow, so I will see you both at some point. Goodnight." Would I even be able to make it home?

Jared said his goodbyes and we headed out. Once we got back, I saw that all the lights were still on in the house, and all the cars were still here. I really wasn't up for anything more tonight, neither was Jared. The only problem was, I was too tired to sneak us in. We decided to just get it over with, maybe they would see the exhaustion and let us go to bed.

" Oh good, you guys are back. We all waited up to make sure you were both ok. Come sit, you guys both look wiped out." Mom helped me to the couch and Aussie got up from his chair to help Jared.

" It has been one hell of a day. I don't think I've ever had so much to do before. At least it's over and we can sleep. Tomorrow is another day. We have a lot to finish up." I don't think I'm moving from this spot.

I had managed to open my eyes enough to look around the room. Alexandria still had tear streaks down her cheeks, but she wasn't crying now. Everyone else seemed to be okay. I mean they weren't overly excited or anything, but they weren't moping about either. That was a good sign, right?

Alex was sitting next to me on the couch, just running her fingers through my hair. I couldn't imagine what all this was doing to her. One day she's happy, then the next her whole world comes crashing down on her. She is an amazing woman; I just hope that this doesn't break her.

" Auntie Alex, I love you so much, and I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of this. I hope you can forgive me for my part in it all." She hugged me closer to her.

" Hush now, none of this is your fault. This all started twenty-one years ago. I'm sorry though, for everything that Kormac put you through, and Stephanie. We have decisions we have to make now; plans we need to make. First, we need sleep, then tomorrow we can figure out how to try and set things right. I think I have a way, but like I said, sleep first." She really is a strong woman.

I stayed here by Alex, just relaxing. I tried to keep up with the conversations around me. They were about Jack and what else he had been doing while he was gone. It seemed like everyone was trying to recap everything he had missed here. I must have finally let sleep take me, because in my head, the talking seemed to drift away until I couldn't hear anything. It really has been an exhausting day.