Chapter 77: Prove the Worth

Chapter 77: Prove the Worth
"Father..." I swallowed hard, tapping Azarius's shoulder gently to signal him to put me down, but instead of complying, he only tightened his hold.
"Darling..." I tried again, giving his shoulder another tap.
Azarius remained unmoved, his voice steady as he addressed my father. "Count Stallone, we've reconciled. I told you already. I’m not giving up on her. I will do whatever it takes to make amends."
I furrowed my brow. When did he say that to Father?
Sensing my confusion, Azarius turned to me, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "I spoke with your father earlier," he explained, his tone tender. "I told him I wanted us to be together again and that I was willing to wait for you to decide if you’d have me back."
A wave of emotion surged through me, the mate bond between us strengthening. It was as though his words resonated with my very soul. Without speaking, I knew his feelings were genuine.
Amazing...
"Oh..." I murmured, realization dawning. So that was why I had seen them talking earlier. Azarius had declared his intentions to my father.
He’d never stopped wanting me. My wolf howled with joy, celebrating his resolve.
Father sighed, his gaze heavy with disapproval. "You’ve hurt my daughter deeply," he said, his voice firm. "And you think I, as her father, could forgive you so easily?"
Azarius carefully set me down, standing tall.
"You’ll feel the same way when Amaryllis finds a mate one day, Azarius. It’s only natural for a father to protect his daughter. Right now, that means you’re not welcome here."
Father’s tone shifted, dropping the honorifics. It was a clear sign of his seriousness.
"Father..." I stepped forward, shaking my head in protest. "I’ve wronged Azarius too. He endured so much pain because of me. He has every right to be upset with me." Placing myself protectively in front of Azarius, I continued, "He’s my mate, and I want to be with him again. Please..."
Now that we’d marked each other, I longed for us to rebuild our family. I missed him—his kisses, his touch, his words, his strength. I missed every part of him.
I wouldn’t let anyone tear us apart again, not now, not ever.
"Darling," Azarius said softly, placing his hands on my shoulders. I turned to him and saw his reassuring smile. He kissed my shoulder gently.
"I appreciate you standing up for me," he said, his voice low and warm. "But let me handle this."
He kissed my lips briefly before stepping in front of me, bowing his head to my father.
"I understand your anger," Azarius began, his tone respectful. "If Amaryllis faced something similar, I would feel the same way. But if I saw that her mate was determined to make things right and give her the world, would I stand in the way if she was happy?"
Taking my hand, he kissed it tenderly before continuing. "You know how broken I was when Macedonia left. You witnessed it firsthand. I nearly neglected my duties as Alpha King. It was so bad that even my mother and brothers struggled to get me back on my feet. Eventually, you came to check on me yourself."
I held back a gasp. He didn't tell me that Father visited him. All he told me was his brothers troubled him to get back on his feet. 
I didn't know Father was part of helping Azarius. I felt my heart being squeezed because it was my fault that my mate suffered so much because of my action.
I thought running away would be best for us, and at least, to save my face from him. I didn't want to face him... where he would look at me with contempt. 
He looked my father in the eye. "You’ve known for years how much I love your daughter. You warned me back then that my heart would break if she ever found her mate. But do you remember what I told you? I said I would do everything in my power to make her mine, to make her my wife and my Luna Queen."
Azarius’s gaze softened, his eyes filled with warmth and devotion as he spoke. "We’ve endured a painful past, but here we are, finding our way back to each other. I won’t let her go again. I want to build a complete family for our daughter and for us."
His words struck a chord deep within me, and my vision blurred as tears welled up.
"Azarius..." I whispered, overwhelmed by his confession.
He had an uncanny ability to say exactly what I needed to hear, his words carrying a steady reassurance that wrapped around my heart. Azarius had always been a man of integrity, a man who lived by his promises. Even before he discovered we were mates, he was loving and devoted.
He was the very man I had fallen for years ago.
And now, as I stood before him, I realized he hadn’t changed. That same man, with the unwavering strength and tenderness that had captured my heart, was here, offering me the world once more.
Father's stern gaze lingered on Azarius, his silence stretching long enough to make the air between us feel heavy. My chest tightened with anticipation, my hands instinctively clutching Azarius's arm as though he might slip away if I let go. Azarius placed his hand on top of mine, giving me a gentle squeeze, silently telling me that everything would be fine.
Finally, Father spoke, his voice measured but carrying a weight of emotion. "You have endured much for my daughter, Azarius," he admitted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But words alone will not erase the pain both of you endured or the mistakes you two have made."
Azarius stood firm, unflinching under Father’s scrutiny. "I don’t expect forgiveness to come easily," he replied, his tone resolute. "But I will prove my love and devotion to Macedonia every day for the rest of our lives. I failed her once. I will not fail her again." He looked at me, drawing out a gentle smile which I returned the same smile to him.
Father shifted his gaze to me, his expression softening slightly. "Macedonia, are you certain this is what you want?" he asked. "Your happiness is all I care about. If he falters again—"
"He won’t," I interjected, my voice steady and sure. I looked at Azarius, his unwavering strength giving me courage. He nodded at me. "He won’t because I trust him. And because I won’t let fear or the past dictate our future any longer."
A heavy sigh escaped Father’s lips as he stepped closer, his eyes darting between us. "If you’ve both truly reconciled," he began, his tone reluctantly softening, "then I will not stand in your way. But Azarius," he added, his gaze hardening, "know that if you hurt her again, there will be no second chances."
Azarius inclined his head deeply, his voice steady. "I understand, Count Stallone. I will not betray your trust or hers."
Father gave a small nod, though the tension in his shoulders remained. "Then I will respect my daughter’s choice." He turned to me, placing a hand gently on my shoulder. "Macedonia, you have my support. But do not hesitate to come to me if you ever need anything."
Tears welled in my eyes again as I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Father," I whispered.
Father straightened, his posture radiating authority. His piercing gaze moved between us as he spoke, his tone firm. "If you’re serious about my daughter, Alpha King Azarius, then you’ll take responsibility and marry her again. Not just for her sake, but for your daughter’s as well. If you truly want them to be happy, you know what you need to do."
Azarius’s lips curved into a sheepish smile. "If that’s your wish, Count Stallone, then I’m more than willing. Macedonia and I can get married tomorrow."
I froze, my eyes widening as I turned to him in shock. "What?"
Father’s reaction mirrored mine, his eyebrows shooting up. "What did you just say?"
Azarius’s forest-green eyes sparkled with mischief and excitement. "I mean it," he said earnestly, addressing Father before turning to me with a playful grin. "Why wait? I’ve waited long enough for this moment. And besides," he added with a teasing glint, "don’t we have some... unfinished business, darling?"
Realizing the meaning behind his words, I shot him a glare, my cheeks flushing. But his excitement was contagious. Turning back to Father, I nodded with a smile. "He has a point. The longer I make him court me, the more time he’ll have to keep trying to sweep me off my feet after we’re married."
The thought of getting married so soon made my heart race, but in the best way possible. "An intimate wedding tomorrow sounds wonderful," I said, unable to contain my growing excitement.
Azarius leaned closer, wriggling his eyebrows. "And after a month, we can have the grand celebration. We’ll surpass our first wedding. I’ll handle everything myself this time. No one else will touch the arrangements. What do you say?"
I giggled, gently pinching his arm. "Be serious, Azarius. You already have so much on your plate. Don’t add more responsibilities to yourself." Shaking my head with a smile, I added, "Besides, what about Amaryllis? If we’re going on a honeymoon, who’s going to take care of her?"
Azarius shrugged, his grin brimming with confidence. "Everything will be handled, darling. She can stay here with your family or spend some time with her cousins on my side. Trust me, it’s all taken care of. Just say yes, and tomorrow, we’ll be married."
His words left no room for doubt. The way his eyes sparkled with excitement, surpassing even my own, assured me he was ready for this. It was impossible not to be swept up in his enthusiasm.
Smiling, I turned to Father, leaning my head against Azarius’s shoulder. "What do you think, Father? I wish for us to marry tomorrow."
Father sighed deeply, his gaze moving back and forth between the two of us. "Katherine, a little help here," he muttered, his voice carrying a resigned note.
Before I could question him, a soft laugh echoed from behind the post. Mother stepped into view, her face alight with joy. She approached us, her smile wide and warm, and gently clasped our hands in hers.
"Your father means to say yes," she said with a playful lilt, pulling us into a hug. "And I couldn’t be happier for you both. Amaryllis will be overjoyed knowing her parents are together again."
As Mother’s embrace enveloped us, a sense of warmth and belonging washed over me. Azarius’s arms tightened protectively around my waist, and for the first time in years, I felt the jagged pieces of my life falling into place.
Father, though his expression remained stoic, nodded slowly, his sharp gaze softening ever so slightly. “If this is what you truly want, Macedonia, then I’ll respect your decision. But remember,” his gaze shifted to Azarius, “your actions will define your words. Prove to me, and to her, that this reconciliation is not a fleeting sentiment.”
"I will, Count Stallone," Azarius replied, his voice steady and resolute. "You have my word, and my love for your daughter will stand the test of any trial."
Father said nothing more, only turning to lead Mother away, his steps measured but deliberate. I could tell there was a lingering weight in his heart, but his acceptance, even begrudging, was enough for now.
Azarius leaned closer, his voice a gentle murmur as his lips brushed against my temple. "See? One step at a time, my love. Soon, everything will be as it should."
I turned to him, a smile spreading across my face despite the lingering tension. "You always seem to have a way of making things right, Azarius."
He grinned, that boyish charm radiating from him as he whispered, "Only for you."
As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the house seemed to hum with a newfound energy. This was not the end of the battles we would face, but it was a beginning.
It was a promise of healing, of love renewed, and of a family brought back together.
Tomorrow, our lives would change forever. And for the first time in years, I felt ready to embrace it.