Chapter 119 - My Rebellious Luna

BECKY POV

FIVE YEARS LATER

My little Winnie preciosa (precious) just turned ten a few days ago. My parents threw her an amazing birthday party at their home in Acton. She is one spoiled little girl. They had a small carnival for her with horse rides and a petting zoo. Since Devon’s birthday was only a month prior, they were sweet enough to include him as well. He had his own banner and cake, even though we had a party here for him.

What warmed my heart even more is that they also had a fall festival for Adam Jr on his birthday at the end of September last year. They truly did embrace him as part of the family. It was hard for the pack to accept him fully at first, but after the first year they realized he was here to stay and that he was under my protection.

In the beginning, he would slip up and call me mom and Luke dad. For some reason, he thought we would be upset, and he would apologize, but I reminded him that we were here to be whatever he needed. I also explained that I saw him as mine anyway, as my son. Within the first year, we were mom and dad, no apology, and he was our son. The kids called him brother and Alex idolized his big brother. He and Devon were best friends along with Robbie.

He had grown to be such an amazing little wolf. Intelligent, respectful and strong. But there were also hints of insecurities and self-doubt. Although no one outright treated him like an outcast, at least not in front of me, there were looks of curiosity and judgment. I couldn’t protect him from everything, but I always asked everyone to treat each other with respect and to judge someone by their actions.

I knew he felt out of place from time to time because his face was always so expressive. His Aunt Hanna would visit at least once every few months, so he always remembered where he came from. That his mother and father had passed, but he’s begun to ask questions. How did his father die? Why can’t he meet his grandparents?

Luke and I dreaded this day, but we knew we needed to tell him the truth. If he found out from someone else or thought we were hiding things from him, it would break him. I’ve always been honest with my kids, but this is something beyond anything I’ve ever dealt with. Telling a child you are responsible for their parents' death is a sure way to traumatize them.

Especially since Luke, the man who raised him and is his example of what man is, killed his father. His own half bother. Even if it was justified, it’s still messed up. Liam has some explaining to do as well. He is Adam Jr’s grandfather by blood and started all this mess. My parents have taken their place as grandparents as well as Luna Rose, but Liam is his by blood.

That’s why I insisted they both be present today. This is a very long story and we each have a part to explain to him. I was hesitant to do so because he’s only ten, but Luke explained it would be worse if we waited. I know he’s right, but I don’t want to lose him. He’s my little buddy.

Each of my kids has a special place in my heart and our relationships are unique and special. I pray to the moon goddess, la Virgen Maria (the Virgin Mary) y diosito (and God) that he understands. It would break me if he began to see us as his enemies.

ALPHA LUKE POV

My Pastelito is a bundle of nerves and it’s understandable. Adam has grown to be our son. We never treated him any differently from our other kids and now we don’t want things to change. The four of us, Becky, my mom, my dad and I, are sitting in my office waiting for him to arrive. Peering through the open door, his eyes go wide when he sees us all in here.

“Come in Adam, you’re not in trouble.” I smiled at him. He relaxes and walks in, taking a seat to my dad’s right. “What’s going on?” He asks nervously. “There is something you need to know about your father.” I pause and he perks up. The past year or so he’s been asking more and more questions. “This is a very complicated story and I hope that you give us a chance to explain everything.” He nods his head slowly.

I look at my father and he looks like he wants to bolt out the door. His action led to everything that happened. Then again, had he not done what he did… Adam wouldn’t be here. None of us could imagine not having him with us. “Adam.” My father reached out and held his hand. “When I was younger… I was tired of waiting for my mate. I... I made a decision that affected the rest of my life and the lives of everyone around me.” He looked at my mother.

“Worse of all, it affected your father and his mother.” Adam seemed confused and my father thought for a moment. “You see, I had decided to take a chosen mate instead of waiting for my mate.” Adam gasped and covered his mouth. “But our mate’s a gift from the goddess.” He whispered in disbelief. “Your grandfather wasn’t as smart as you.” My mother said and frowned at my father.

My father gulped nervously and clapped his hands together. “No, I wasn’t. The woman I chose was your father’s mother.” He waited to see if Adam had any questions, but he remained silent. “She and I, we had relations before marking one another.” He looked down, unable to look at Adam anymore. “I had to go away to visit another pack and that’s where I met your Nana Rose.” My father looked back up and Adam nodded in understanding.

“Your father is my son… I didn’t know about him until much later. I didn’t do right by him and take responsibility like I should have when I found out.” He explained sorrowfully. “You didn’t want him?” My son said sadly. I hated seeing him so affected. “It was very complicated Adam.” My mother sighed and held my father’s hand.

“I was not happy about the fact that your grandfather had a pup outside of the mate bond. I was petty and didn’t realize that there was more at stake than my pride. I didn’t make it easy for your grandfather to accept your father and he felt so guilty he didn’t fight harder than he should have.” I could tell it was hard for both of them to admit to their mistakes. I was glad they were able to do that for Adam.

My son looked confused by all these revelations. Noticing that, my father continued. “Your father was not happy about my decisions and how they affected his mother and him. Even though he ended up being the Alpha of a pack, he felt he was owed this pack. Being my blood and first born.” He looked at me and I guessed it was my turn.

Becky came to my side and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “Instead of challenging me, he demanded I hand over my pack. When I didn’t, he waged war.” I wasn’t sure if Adam was keeping up with all of this. It was so much for someone so young to understand. “Did he die in battle?” He said, guessing where this was going. I nodded my head, and he sighed, looking down at his hands.

My Pastelito quickly walked over to him and kissed the top of his head. She took a seat next to him and held his hand. “We didn’t know about his mate or you. He killed my Gamma and was trying to attack my Luna, Becky. I… I killed him.” I felt my whole world crumble as those three words slipped from my mouth. How could he ever look at me the same way?

Our son was now crying, and my Luna took him into her arms. “Do you hate me?” He whispered. All our jaws dropped to the floor except for Becky, who didn’t hesitate to answer. “Absolutely not! Eres mi vida. Igual que todos tus hermanos. (You are my life. just like all your siblings)” He turned to look at me and I expected to see anger, but his pleading eyes wanted validation.

I got up quickly and got in front of him. Lowering myself onto my knees, I looked my son in the eyes and told him the truth. “You are my son. That’s how I see and think of you. I could never hate you, never. I just hope that you don’t hate me for taking your father away from you and causing your mother’s death.” Adam shook his head and wiped his tears with his sleeves.

“My Aunt Hanna explained why my mother died, how the mate bond works. She also told me no one knew my mother was my father’s mate, or about me.” He hiccupped and leaned on Becky’s side. “She also told me he caused his own death, but wouldn’t tell me how. Even though she didn’t give me details, I understood.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I could never hate you.” He looked up at me and tears of relief began to fall from my eyes.

My father placed his hand on my shoulder, and I could hear Becky sniffling. “All of you treated me like one of your own… even after my dad tried to take your pack. He attacked your Luna and I understand you had to defend her. He made his own choices and you had to make yours.” I couldn’t believe how mature my ten-year-old son has become. I took him into my arms and held onto him for dear life. I felt like I was going to lose him and I was relieved I hadn’t.

We spent another hour answering all his questions. Some about his father and others about our lives before everything with his father happened. There had been a weight lifted off us and we wanted nothing more than to go on living our lives as we had been. Watching our children grow and form their own personalities.

Adam was very logical, almost too logical for his age, but I supposed having the woman who raised you leave you with strangers would do that. Always respectful and inquisitive. I couldn’t believe how strong he was for his age, a true Alpha.

Winnie is just like her mother, impulsive and free-spirited. The only difference is how sensitive she is, soft and fragile at times. Alex has such a great sense of humor, he can make you laugh when your sad. He’s also very protective of all of us and strives to be the best.

The twins are mischievous and incredibly smart. Sometimes I feel like they are plotting a mutiny. I know they will continue to grow and change. It both scares me and excites me. I have been blessed with my Pastelito and she gifted me the greatest joy of all. Our family.

THE END

A/N - Thank you for reading! Anyone interested in hearing Adam's story? My Verboten Mate. Please add it to your library and let me know what you think so far. I will be updating weekly.