Chapter 158: Father's Acceptance

Chapter 158: Father's Acceptance
(Gretel’s POV)

We soon broke the hug and wiped our tears with our palms. The food needs attention. Jazmine walked back inside with a gentle smile.

She had stepped out earlier while my mother and I were having our emotional moment, and now she returned quietly, clearly choosing not to interrupt us.

Her calm and understanding personality makes me love her more. Sweet, loyal Jazmine. In many ways, she had been the first person who felt like a true family to me during my most painful years.

Without thinking, I rushed forward and hugged her tightly. My chest was heavy with emotion.

“Jazmine, I honestly feel ashamed seeing you here after the way I disappeared from campus that awful day. I just left without saying anything..."

"...I can’t believe you came all the way here for me. I’m so sorry I made you worry. Your friendship has always meant a lot to me.”

She hugged me back just as tightly and shook her head, waving off my apology like it wasn’t needed. “Stop that, silly,” she said with a chuckle.

“There’s no need to go digging up the past. I’m just so happy we finally found you. I couldn’t bear to lose you, you know that? And hey, who says the whole adventure wasn’t a little exciting?”

Her light tone and sweet teasing made me laugh, even though tears still clung to my lashes.

That was Jazmine—mostly turning things positive, refusing to let darkness take over. With a heart like hers, it was easier to face things when she's by my side.

We laughed together for a moment before she reassured me that our friends—Mira and Bianca—were extending their greetings from back at the camp.

When she told them she had to come home because of an emergency, they told her to greet me. That lifted a big weight off my heart. They were not worried.

Then the warm, sweet smells coming from the pots besides us reminded us that lunch wasn’t done yet.

So we jumped into action, finishing up the baking of soft sweet rolls and tasty meat-filled tarts, all while chatting about things we missed while separated.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with these incredible women who had cared for me and shown me love felt like coming home.

Even though there were still serious problems outside these walls, but now, I felt safe. I felt whole.

When everything was finally ready, we took it to the table and set it, before sitting down around it, smiling and laughing. The food looked delicious, and the room was full of warmth.

Then, my father—Alpha Hayden—walked in. I swallowed hard. I hope he doesn't do anything nasty now.

He stood before his chair and cleared his throat, that deep voice cutting through the light chatter. I hope his speech won't be so unwelcoming.

“Esteemed family and guests,” he began, sounding more formal than usual.

“I have joyful news to share, now that my mate has returned to us. Tonight, we will host a grand feast here in the pack. Everyone will be invited to meet my guests.”

I narrowed my eyes on him, curious. What was he planning now?

He continued, his voice sounding full of pride. “Tonight, I will officially welcome back my beloved mate, Helena, into her rightful place beside me as Luna of this territory.”

He gestured toward my mother, who gave a warm smile. The sunlight streamed through the large windows behind her, making her look even regal.

“And,” he added, looking in my direction, “as most of you now know, fate—or perhaps a destiny—has made us witness my daughter, Gretel, returning to us after many painful years of separation..."

"...Because of this, I will also recognize her chosen mate, Devion, in tonight’s ceremony.”

My heart leapt at those words. I stared at him, stunned. Did I hear him right? He was going to acknowledge Devion as my mate in front of everyone?

I suspected my father wasn’t exactly thrilled about Devion, but this... this was huge.

A complete turnaround from how he used to treat him—as if Devion were some threat or outsider.

Without caring about tradition or appearances, I jumped to my feet, laughing and clapping with joy. I couldn’t help myself.

My usually strict and inpersuasive father was actually accepting Devion! Whether it was my threat last night or Mother’s calming presence softening him, I didn’t know.

But this moment sounded like a miracle.

I looked toward Devion, and he was already smiling at me, looking relieved, proud too. Then, with graceful respect, he dipped his head toward my father and spoke with politeness.

“Thank you, Alpha Hayden. You honor me greatly by recognizing my bond with your daughter. I truly appreciate your blessing, and I hold no bitterness for the misunderstandings between us. I hope we put it all behind us now.”

His voice was calm and respectful, but I noticed the slight tightness in his jaw, the guarded look in his expression. I wondered what exactly had passed between him and my father before.

Maybe there were things I still didn’t know. But I hoped this moment would help them both move forward.

To my surprise, Father reached out and placed a strong hand on Devion’s shoulder, not as an Alpha to a subordinate, but more like a father to a son. If I'm guessing correctly.

“Let’s forget the past, my son. Tonight is about unity and fresh beginnings. Now, let’s eat. We still have a feast to finish preparing.” He suggested.

And with that, he returned to his plate, motioning for us all to do the same. The tension that had once filled the room seemed to disappear like smoke in the wind. Warmth replaced it. Real, peaceful warmth.

After lunch, the women—including Mother, Jazmine, and even old maiden Agnes, who seemed to remember mother—burst into cheerful squeals as we began talking about the celebration.

We needed to find our best gowns and prepare for an evening full of important guests and traditional ceremonies. It felt like something out of a fairy tale.

I couldn’t help but giggle as we all hurried off together to start getting ready, excited like little girls again.

For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t afraid of what was coming next in this place. I had my mother back.

I had my friend close. My father was finally letting go of his anger. And Devion—my Devion—was finally back by my side.

Tonight would be the beginning of something new.

Something beautiful. I pray so.