Chapter 73

I looked down at my precious newborn twins, my heart swelling with fierce maternal love. Both Ryan and Dylan looked just like their father as with Mathew. I felt a pang of jealousy seeing that I carried them for so long only for them to look like a replica of their father. Nonetheless they were my bundle of joy.

Dylan's tiny rosebud lips twitched adorably, as if he were dreaming of nursing. Before I could decide if he needed to eat, Dominic had already scooped him up.

"He needs to eat," my mate said, in that deep, authoritative voice that never failed to send a shiver through me. I quirked an eyebrow at him, knowing full well the real reason he was so insistent.

"Let the poor thing sleep a while longer," I replied, trying and failing to sound nonchalant.

We both knew Dominic loved few things more than watching me breastfeed our children. To him, it was primal - more than mere nourishment. The act awakened an unmistakable hunger in his eyes that set my skin tingling with awareness.

Sure enough, when Dominic placed Dylan in my arms, his smoldering gaze burned with masculine desire. "You know how watching this gets me," he practically growled.

I gently placed Dylan back down in his crib, knowing Dominic's insistence on watching me nurse the twins. A soft smile played on my lips as I turned to face my overbearing mate. He hadn't been there for the birth of our son Mathew, and I knew he was determined to be present for every moment with the twins.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him down into a passionate kiss. "You're such a wonderful father," I murmured against his lips when we finally broke apart. I couldn't resist adding teasingly, "But if you don't stop trying to boss me around, I'll have to make you pay for it later."

Dominic's eyes danced with amusement and the promise of pleasure at my playful threat. Before he could respond, the pitter-patter of little feet entered the room. Mathew came running in, holding my mother's hand.

I beamed with pride as Dominic immediately scooped up our son, peppering his chubby cheeks with kisses. Seeing him bonding with Mathew filled my heart to bursting. Mathew now had a whole lot of family to play with.

"Can I see my beautiful new grand babies?" My mother asked hopefully.

A low, instinctive growl rumbled from Dominic's chest as he clutched Mathew protectively to his side as if he was the twins. As the alpha, he was still fiercely possessive over our newborn twins.

Putting a calming hand on his arm, I replied, "Maybe in a year or two when he's not so territorial, Mom. You know how protective new alpha's can be."

She chuckled soft-heartedly. My alpha may be stern now, but I knew eventually Dominic's need to keep our babies close would ease. For now, I relished having my small family all together.

Suddenly, Linda showed up, making my smile drop. She stopped at the door, happily waving with her mate hand in hand. She still looked old after I had sucked out her youth. I had seen her a few times since the war, but she had always steered clear of me. Deep down, I knew Dominic was being protective and had warned Linda to stay away from his mate.

"May I have a word with the Luna?" Linda called out.

Dominic stepped forward, his voice firm. "For what reason?"

Linda took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I want to apologize for all the wrong I have done to Freya in the past." Her eyes met mine, filled with sincerity. "I am truly sorry."

I regarded Linda for a moment, seeing the genuine regret in her eyes. I nodded slowly, accepting the apology, fully aware of what she desired. I walked over to her and gently touched her hand. As I did, a soft glow emanated from my fingertips, and I restored Linda's youthfulness.

Her face lit up with happiness as she felt the years lift away. She hugged me tightly. "Thank you," she whispered. "Congratulations on your twins."

I smiled, watching as she left hand in hand with her mate.

My mother approached me, a look of pride on her face. "That was a wonderful thing you did."

While I watched them leave, my mind drifted back to Dominic's parents. While his father could see Matthew, his mother Carolyn could not, even though she came by every day and begged. Just like everyone else, she would serve her time being shunned by the pack until she was deemed fit.

During all this, I missed my best friend Michael, but he was busy with his mate, who was pregnant back home. Alpha Scott and his mate were pregnant as well. I missed Alpha Michael and Alpha Scott dearly.

Suddenly, I had another visitor: Dominic's father. I smiled warmly and motioned for him to come in. He entered, and I could see the secret longing in his eyes as he tried to get close to the twins. Dominic growled protectively, making his father back away. I looked around at my family, feeling a swell of happiness and contentment. Everything was perfect, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

As I gazed around at my precious family, I felt Dominic's intense stare upon me. When I met his eyes, he was smiling that smile that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. In a few long strides, he crossed the room and enveloped me in his strong embrace from behind.

His muscular arms wrapped snugly around my waist as he nuzzled against my cheek, placing a lingering kiss there. Despite his earlier alpha posturing, this tender gesture spoke volumes about the bond we shared.

"What's on that beautiful mind of yours?" Dominic murmured huskily in my ear, his warm breath fanning against my neck.

I leaned back against his broad chest, relishing his proximity and intoxicating masculine scent. "Just thinking how incredibly lucky I am," I admitted freely. "I have you, our sons, a loving family...it's more than I could have ever dreamed."

"I'm so proud of you," he whispered softly in my ear, his breath tickling my skin.

I leaned back into him, closing my eyes and savoring the moment. "Thank you," I murmured, turning my head to kiss him on the lips. "I love you, Dominic."

"I love you too, Freya," he replied, his voice filled with emotion.