Chapter 44

JACE

Holy shit.

My heart stopped as Aurora asked the question. "Does this mean you'll be my new mommy?"

I couldn't breathe, watching Aria's face. This was it - the moment that could make or break everything. My daughter, my mate, my future - all hanging on Aria's next words.

I saw the uncertainty flash across her face, felt the tension in her body. Then something shifted in her expression.

"Aurora, I... I'd be honored to be your mommy," Aria whispered, holding Aurora tight against her chest.

The relief hit me so hard I almost staggered. My chest actually ached from how fast my heart was beating. Aurora squealed with joy, squeezing Aria's neck so tight I worried she might choke her.

"Easy, princess," I said, my voice rougher than I intended. "Let Aria breathe."

Aurora loosened her grip but kept her arms wrapped around Aria. "I knew it," she said proudly. "I asked the moon goddess for a mommy, and she sent you!"

Aria's eyes met mine over Aurora's head. The emotion there punched me in the gut. No one had ever looked at me that way - like I was her entire world.

"Thank you," I mouthed silently.

Aurora finally pulled back, her little face serious. "Now we're a real family. You, me, and Daddy."

"Yes," Aria agreed, a tear sliding down her cheek. "A real family."

I wrapped my arms around both of them, my girls. Mine to protect. Mine to love. "Always," I promised.

Later, after Aurora had calmed down, we took her to the wolf cub center. She practically bounced the whole way there, telling everyone we passed that Aria was her new mom.

"Betty!" Aurora shouted as we entered, running to the older woman who managed the center. "Guess what? Aria's my mommy now!"

Betty smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Is that so? Well, congratulations to all of you."

I kept my arm around Aria's waist, feeling her nervousness. But she stood tall, accepting the curious glances from the other pack members. My mate had courage, no doubt about that.

"We'll pick you up after lunch, princess," I told Aurora, kissing the top of her head.

"Kay, Daddy." She hugged us both before racing off to join the other cubs.

As we walked toward my office in the pack house, I could feel Aria's tension.

"You okay?" I asked quietly.

She nodded. "Just processing. It's a lot. Last night, the mate bond, and now Aurora..."

"Having second thoughts?" I couldn't keep the worry from my voice.

"No," she said firmly. "Never. I meant what I said. I want this. All of it."

Relief washed through me again. "Good. Because I can't imagine my life without you now."

The tension returned when we reached my office door. Four elders waited inside - Elder Thorn, Elder Pavel, Elder Kemp, and Elder Whitman. I'd expected this, but it didn't make it any less irritating.

"Ready?" I whispered to Aria.

She straightened her shoulders. "Let's do this."

I pushed open the door, keeping Aria close to my side. "Elders," I greeted neutrally.

They rose as we entered, offering respectful nods. I gestured for them to remain seated while guiding Aria to my chair. I perched on the edge of the desk, positioning myself between her and the elders.

"Alpha," Elder Thorn began. "We wanted to discuss the implications of last night's events."

I crossed my arms. "Then talk."

Elder Thorn cleared his throat. "Do you remember what we told you about the blood moon ritual?"

"Yes," I replied. "The bond under the blood moon would strengthen my connection to Phantom and potentially unlock the full power of my bloodline."

"That's part of it," Elder Pavel interjected. "But there's something else you should know."

I narrowed my eyes. "What now?"

"We need to inform Aria that she shouldn't participate in the upcoming training exercises," Elder Pavel said.

Aria straightened in her chair. "With all due respect, Elder Pavel, I've been training with Gabriel since I was ten years old. Just because I'm with Jace now doesn't mean I'll stop."

"That's not why—" Elder Pavel began, but Aria cut him off.

"I understand I'm not a warrior by birth, but I'm capable. I know I don't need to join patrols, but I won't stop training. I'll stand beside Jace and protect my family and pack."

Pride surged through me at her words. "I support Aria's decision," I stated firmly. "Yes, I worry about her safety, but she's proven herself more than capable. She's better trained than most of my male warriors."

The elders exchanged glances. Mrs. Thorn, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward.

"Alpha, that's not why we're concerned," she said gently. "The blood moon bond between true mates like you and Aria is special. Not only does it enhance your power as an Alpha with Primal Wolf blood, but it may also trigger a transformation in Aria."

I felt Aria's shock through our new bond.

"What kind of transformation?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We're not entirely sure," Mrs. Thorn admitted. "The texts speak of human mates to royal bloodline wolves sometimes developing... abilities. There's also a significantly higher chance of conception during the Blood Moon ritual—nearly 99% of human mates conceive during this ceremony."

I processed this information, feeling anger rise. "Why wasn't I told this before? We could have waited if we'd known."

"We assumed you knew," Elder Kemp said. "It's mentioned in the ancient texts."

"That I've never seen," I snapped. "You pushed for this bond knowing it would change Aria without her consent?"

"The pack needs your full strength," Elder Pavel argued. "With the rogues becoming more aggressive and organized, we need the power of the Primal Wolves awakened."

I stood abruptly, fury coursing through me. "So you manipulated us? Used us like pawns in your game?"

"Alpha—" Elder Thorn began, but I cut him off.

"You're telling me you not only encouraged me to bond with Aria to break my genetic limitations, but you also knew it would trigger some unknown transformation in her. And you didn't tell either of us, didn't give us the chance to ensure we were both ready."

Elder Pavel had the nerve to look indignant. "The pack's survival must come first. We need a strong Alpha and—"

"Get out," I growled, my voice dropping to a dangerous level. "All of you. Get the fuck out of my office before I remove your elder status permanently. And if any of you are keeping more secrets, now's the time to spill them."

They filed out quickly, heads bowed. When the door closed behind them, I turned to Aria, dropping to my knees in front of her.

"I swear I didn't know," I said urgently, taking her hands in mine. "I would never take your choice away."

Her eyes were wide, shocked. "What's happening to me, Jace?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "But whatever it is, we'll face it together." I gripped her hands tighter. "I love you, Aria. If you're not ready for this, whatever it is, I'll find a way to reverse it. I'll support whatever decision you make."

She met my gaze steadily. "I chose this, Jace. I chose you. If something's changing inside me... we'll figure it out together."

I pressed my forehead against hers, relief flooding through me. Then she pulled back slightly, her expression suddenly intense.

"But Jace," she whispered, "what if I'm pregnant?" Her hands trembled in mine. "What if there's really a baby?" She paled as the possibility sank in.