Chapter 189: Full of Light

Kairos

I awoke with Riley's warm body pressed against mine, her scent—citrus and mint—wrapping around me like a blanket of comfort. The mental connection between us hummed with contentment, a steady stream of emotions flowing back and forth. I could have stayed there forever, basking in the glow of her mind, surrounded by her love and light.

The thought struck me with unexpected force: I had never felt this free, this unburdened in my entire life. All the darkness that had shrouded me for so long seemed to dissipate when I was connected to her like this. I savored the sensation, afraid it might vanish if I acknowledged it too boldly.

Kieran stirred within me, his attention shifting suddenly.

Listen, he urged.

I focused, following his lead through our mental landscape, and then I heard it—a faint, barely-there whisper. Nia's voice, weak but unmistakable.

Kieran immediately moved toward the sound, his movements careful as he approached Nia in our shared mindscape. I watched through his eyes as he curled his massive form around Riley's wolf, protective and gentle in a way I'd never seen my typically fierce wolf behave.

Nia weakly licked Kieran's face, and he responded with a low, rumbling purr that vibrated through my chest. Nia sighed contentedly at the sound.

"She's back," Riley whispered, her voice thick with joyful tears.

"Yes," I replied, tightening my arms around her. "She's back. She's a strong wolf."

I pressed my lips to Riley's temple, inhaling her scent, feeling overwhelming gratitude that both she and Nia were still here with us. The memory of how close I'd come to losing them sent a spike of cold fear through me, which I quickly suppressed. They were here. They were safe. That was all that mattered.

And four pups. Four little lives growing inside her. The thought terrified and thrilled me simultaneously. I had never imagined myself as a father to one child, let alone four. My own childhood had been so fractured that I hardly had a model to follow.

"Four," I said, still unable to fully process it. "I still can't believe it."

Riley laughed softly, the sound warming me from the inside. "We have so much to do before they arrive. But I know Mom and Dad will help, and everyone else too."

"I'm sure the pack will too, once they recover from the shock," I said, a smile tugging at my lips. The pack's reaction to the news had been comical—their stunned silence after hearing about the quadruplets would stay with me forever.

I traced my fingers over the slight curve of Riley's stomach, marveling at the miracle happening beneath my touch. Four little lives created from our bond. The urge to protect them—to protect her—was overwhelming, a primal instinct that consumed me.

Riley shifted in my arms, attempting to sit up. I immediately helped her, noting how she winced slightly.

"Let me take you to shower," I said, gathering her in my arms before she could protest. "You'll feel better after some hot water."

As I carried her to the bathroom, she asked, "How's Elena doing? I'm worried about her."

I sighed, recalling my conversation with the traumatized girl. "She remembered more about what happened with Rebel. She's... uneasy. Scared about coming back to the pack, worried about what everyone will think."

Riley frowned. "I want to talk to her."

"We will," I promised. "Together."

After helping Riley shower, I noticed her face had paled considerably. She pressed a hand to her mouth, swallowing hard.

"Maybe some crackers and soda ale," she suggested weakly.

I swept her into my arms again, carrying her downstairs. She covered her mouth a few times, fighting back waves of nausea. I hated seeing her uncomfortable, wishing I could take this burden from her.

As we entered the kitchen, Clara's face lit up. "Luna!" she exclaimed, then noticed Riley's expression and immediately shifted gears. "Crackers!"

She moved with impressive efficiency, retrieving saltines and pouring a glass of soda. "Here, Luna. This should help. I'll bring some up to your room too."

"Thank you, Clara," Riley said gratefully, accepting the offering.

"Best to eat something first thing in the morning," Clara advised. "Helps."

Riley nodded, nibbling on a cracker. "Is Elena in the kitchen yet?"

"Yes, Luna," Clara confirmed. "She's helping with some light prep work."

"Can you tell her I'd like to speak with her after breakfast?"

Clara beamed. "Of course, Luna. It's so good to have you back."

I grabbed a blanket from Clara and carried Riley to the back patio, settling her on my lap and wrapping her in the soft fabric. Elena joined us shortly after, her movements hesitant, eyes downcast.

"Elena," I said, keeping my voice gentle. "Riley wanted to check on you."

The girl's eyes darted to Riley, then back to the ground. "I'm okay, Luna."

Riley reached out, taking Elena's hand. "What are you afraid of, Elena?"

Tears welled in Elena's eyes. "Everyone knows what happened to me now. They'll look at me differently. They'll think I'm... damaged."

"No," I said firmly. "That's not how this pack works anymore. Pack is family, Elena. Family protects each other, supports each other."

Elena looked surprised. "But what about those who don't agree?"

"They'll be asked to leave," I stated simply. "This pack is changing. It's becoming what it always should have been. Riley has shown me that. We're stronger together, united."

I meant every word. The pack had transformed in ways I'd never thought possible. Where once there had been fear and blind obedience, now there was loyalty and genuine connection. I'd ruled through strength and intimidation before Riley; now I understood that true strength came from protecting what you loved.

Elena wiped a tear away, but this one seemed different—emotional rather than fearful. "Thank you, Alpha, Luna."

After she left, Riley's stomach seemed to settle. "That went well," she said, leaning against my chest.

My phone rang. Hayden.

"Four?" he said immediately, laughter in his voice. "Holy shit. Maybe try spending a few minutes outside your bedroom occasionally."

I growled internally. I'm going to kill Finn, I thought.

But as I looked down at Riley, smiling against my chest, I couldn't bring myself to be truly angry. This was my life now—full of light, love, and soon, four little miracles.