Kamrynn's POV
"Not much to celebrate when you have feet like this. I can't wait till they're out. Balloon-like feet are not a flex." I grumbled, adjusting my feet once more.
Rmonica nearly choked on her tea. "Gosh Kamrynn, you're too much. I'm supposed to be the funny one, you know." She replied with a wink.
We both burst into laughter, the sound filling the cozy room. For a moment, all the discomfort and exhaustion melted away, replaced by the joy of being with a dear friend. Since everything had happened, Rmonica and I had only grown closer, and moments like this made it clear why.
"Oh!" I suddenly blurted, my hands gripping my stomach.
Rmonica shot forward. "What? What's wrong?"
I winced, then let out a shaky laugh. "Nothing. One of them just kicked my ribs. Hard."
Rmonica sat back with a relieved chuckle. "They're strong already. You're definitely going to have your hands full."
"Don't remind me," I said dryly. "I can't even reach my toes anymore, let alone handle two of these little troublemakers at once."
"Fear not, Kamrynn dear. You have me." Rmonica said confidently, then added with a teasing tone, "at least your cravings are still manageable, right?"
I froze for a second before giving her a sheepish look. "Speaking of cravings…"
Rmonica narrowed her eyes playfully. "Let me guess. Pickles and peanut butter again?"
I wrinkled my nose. "No, thank the goddess. I was actually thinking of black forest cake."
"Black forest cake?" Rmonica repeated, her tone exaggeratedly scandalized. "Kamrynn, you've been holding out on me. Why didn't you say so sooner?"
"I didn't want to be a bother," I said with a small laugh.
She stood, brushing her hands off. "Stay right there. I have just the thing."
Moments later, she returned with two plates of rich, moist black forest cake, the scent alone enough to make my mouth water.
"You're a lifesaver," I said, taking a bite and practically melting into the couch. "This is everything I didn't know I needed."
"Don't mention it," she said, digging into her own slice. "Consider it a reward for surviving this far."
We shared more laughter and lighthearted conversation, the sweetness of the cake matching the warmth of the moment. For the first time in weeks, I felt truly content, the weight of the world-and my pregnancy-momentarily forgotten in the glow of friendship.
Not long after, the Alpha had announced a grand celebration to honor the Pack's triumph over Eloane's treachery. The hall was filled with the Pack's members, their spirits high as they mingled and celebrated.
I found myself by the refreshments table when Elara approached, her smile warm and inviting. "Kamrynn, it's been a while. It's so good to see you." She said as we hugged as much as my belly could allow.
"How are you feeling?"
"Good," I replied, returning her smile as we broke apart. "I won't lie, pregnancy is a challenge but I'm managing."
Elara chuckled. "You're stronger than most. I'm glad you're here tonight."
"Me too," I said sincerely. "It's nice to feel like I belong somewhere."
Just then, the Alpha's voice boomed through the hall, calling for everyone's attention. The crowd fell silent, all eyes on him as he stood beside Rmonica on the raised platform.
"We are gathered today to celebrate truth and justice," he began, his commanding tone reverberating. "But we are also here to recognize someone who risked everything to protect this Pack and my Luna."
My breath caught as his eyes landed on me.
"Kamrynn," he continued, gesturing for me to join him. "Step forward."
I hesitated for a moment before making my way through the crowd, my heart pounding. As I ascended the platform, the Alpha's gaze softened.
"For your courage and unwavering loyalty," he said, "I honor you tonight by granting you full membership to the Blue Bell Pack."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. My eyes widened. "Membership?" I echoed, stunned. They were accepting me into their Pack?!
The Alpha nodded. "You've more than earned it. No longer will you bear the title of rogue. From this day forward, you are one of us."
He turned to the crowd. "The rite of acceptance will now commence."
The room stilled as the Alpha stepped forward, his presence powerful. "Kneel," he commanded gently.
I did as he asked, lowering myself gently onto one knee.
Placing a hand on my head, he began to recite the ancient words of the Pack's oath. His voice was deep, steady, resonating with an authority that seemed to reach into my soul.
"With this vow, we bind you to us. May the strength of the Pack be your shield and the unity of our bonds be your guide. As we protect, so shall you protect. As we trust, so shall you trust. Kamrynn Delamorte, we welcome you into the Blue Bell Pack."
The moment he finished, I felt it-a warm, pulsing connection wrapping around me like an embrace. It was as if invisible threads tied me to everyone in the Pack, present or not, binding us in a shared strength and loyalty. I also felt it too, a strong connection to the Alpha as the mind link was established, just like it was for every other member. I had truly become one of them.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their acceptance washing over me like a tidal wave.
"Welcome home," the Alpha said, helping me to my feet.
Tears streamed down my face as I whispered, "Thank you. Thank you so much, Alpha."
Rmonica hugged me tightly, her own eyes glistening with emotion. "You deserve this, Kamrynn. I'm so proud of you."
The celebration lasted well into the night, the air alive with laughter and camaraderie. For the first time in a while, I felt like I truly belonged.
As I stood beneath the moonlit sky later that evening, I placed a hand on my growing belly.
"This is a fresh start," I whispered to the little lives within me. "For all of us."
And for the first time in a long time, I looked forward to the future with hope and excitement.