Chapter 222 - The name you chose

Chapter 222 - The name you chose
Roland's POV
Barrett.
The name seemed to pause everything in my mind.
Was I seeing things?
Was my mind playing tricks on me?
I shook my head, trying to dispel the confusion swirling around me.
Was it really him?
Is he awake?
My heart was racing with a mix of hope and dread, while the memories of that night he got injured flooded back, vivid and painful, as I strained to make sense of the sight before me.
The figure stood there, almost ethereal in the light, and for a moment, I couldn't tell if I was dreaming or if reality had finally granted me a miracle.
Taking a deep breath, my pulse quickened as I searched for any sign that this was not just a figment of my imagination.
"That's him, alright!" Fenrir howled in my mind excitedly. "He's awake. Believe it! That's Barrett!"
My gaze shifted over him. He looked fine. Healthy. Well rested. He seemed even happy to be here. I felt a rush of hope surging through me, battling against the disbelief that had taken root in my heart. Yet, the uncertainty gnawed at me, shadowing the joy I wanted to feel.
I took a hesitant step closer, searching his eyes for any sign of recognition or familiarity that could confirm what Fenrir insisted was true.
A smile reached his lips as he shared something with Amaia, and she simply nodded and smiled.
Amaia.
My attention shifted to her—Goddess, she looked stunning! Her hair was done in a simple updo with soft curls that framed her face. Her makeup was applied elegantly and highlighted her beautiful features, while her silver eyes sparkled in delight.
"She picked the dress!" Fenrir exclaimed. "The one you helped Jannie design."
How did I miss that?
The dress was a replica of the original one she wore to our first mating ceremony. Every detail was almost exact. It was a perfect choice, and I couldn't help but admire how it accentuated her figure. The dress flowed gracefully around her as she moved, embodying both elegance and confidence in every step she took.
I internally sighed as my gaze slowly drank her in. She looked as beautiful as the day I first laid my eyes on her.
Barrett slowed his pace as he came closer—as if he was stalling and taking in the moment. When they finally reached me, he looked up at me with a soft smirk on his lips as if he dared me to say something.
He placed Amaia's hand in mine, then leaned in and said, "The Goddess is giving you a second chance in loving and protecting her," he whispered lowly for only me to hear. "Don't screw it up. They are all watching you...."
I felt a surge of determination at his words, a weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. With a deep breath, I nodded, ready to embrace the challenge ahead and prove that I was worthy of the trust placed in me.
Our eyes met as he stepped away, and Amaia took his place beside me. Her presence was a calming force, grounding me amidst the swirling emotions.
"You look beautiful," I murmured.
Her smile brightened as she glanced at me, the warmth in her eyes reassuring.
"Thank you," she replied softly. "So do you, Alpha."
"Do you like my surprise?" I asked.
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded, a playful grin spreading across her face.
"I love it!" she replied, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You've always known how to make moments special. Thank you."
The elder cleared his voice and, a moment later, started the proceedings.
As the ceremony began, I felt a rush of anticipation mixed with joy. With each word spoken by the elder, the atmosphere grew more charged, and I couldn't help but steal glances at her, eager to see her reaction to the unfolding celebration.
The ceremony went quickly. We exchange vows—ironically, the same ones we did on our first mating ceremony.
"So," Amaia asked as we swayed on the dance floor. "What brought all this on?"
"Well," I said, giving her a twirl before bringing her back into my arms. "Today marks exactly a year since you walked through those doors with a mission to seek revenge against your family...."
I paused, giving her a moment to process it.
"Is it already that long?" she asked.
I nodded, giving her another twirl and then a dip. The sound of Amaia's laughter made my heart race faster—it was my most favorite sound in the world.
"...and instead, you found a new beginning with me," I continued. "I wanted to celebrate not just our love, but the incredible journey we've taken together since that fateful day."
Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of surprise and joy, and I felt a warmth spread through me, knowing that this moment was just the start of many more to come.
"Tell her the real reason!" Fenrir urged. "She loves it!"
"I don't think it's such a good idea," I argued.
"Come on!" he urged. "Women like romantic things—this is one of those... Tell her. She'll love it."
"Fine," I gave in with an eye roll.
What was the worst that could happen?
I wet my lips as I tried to find the right words.
"The other reason is more personal," I said, bringing her closer to my chest.
I inhaled deeply, taking in her orange blossom scent, hoping it would calm my already racing heart.
"Today marks our anniversary," I whispered in her ear. "I wanted to celebrate it by remarrying you...."
Amaia stiffened in my arms and slowly pulled away. There was a deep frown on her forehead as my words sank in. I could see a mixture of confusion swirling in her eyes.
"Goddess," I internally moaned. "Did I say something that upset her?"
Amaia's reaction wasn't anything I expected. It caught me off guard. My heart started to race, my mouth turned dry, and I was sweating under the collar. I took a deep breath, desperate to find the right words to ease her tension.
"I told you it was a bad idea," I growled at Fenrir. "Now look at what we've done!"
"Calm down," he huffed. "She's not angry. She is processing..."
"Processing what?" I snapped. "Look at her!"
"She's fine!" Fenrir snarled. "Calm the fuck down!"
As I glanced back at her, I noticed a flicker of understanding in her eyes, a sign that perhaps she was beginning to comprehend my reason for my madness.
"Are you serious?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she were afraid to believe what I had just exposed.
"Yes," I replied. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but …"
"I remember," Amaia suddenly said, as her gaze moved over everything in Cindy's. "The pack used to gather here for functions and events. We held our mating ceremony here... but it wasn't named..."
I slowly nodded.
Over the years, we renovated the building and made it a pub, but the history is still there. Many wolves still have their mating ceremony here.
"But why Cindy's?" she asked.
"Because," I said and pulled her closer. "That is the name you chose for our unborn pup..."