Chapter 167: Secure Your Position

Zephyra's POV

Standing outside Moon Shadow Medical Center, I allowed myself a moment to reflect on how dramatically my life had changed in just a week and a half.

Ever since Noah marked me, everything had been... beautiful. Breathtakingly, unexpectedly beautiful. Each morning I woke in his arms, I felt a surge of gratitude wash over me. The bond between us had strengthened exponentially, creating a connection I'd never experienced before. With him, I felt safe. Protected. At peace.

After Noah officially announced me as his mate and Luna to the pack, most members had welcomed me warmly. Of course, some single she-wolves weren't thrilled—those who had hoped to catch the Alpha's eye themselves. Their hostile glances followed me, but none dared step out of line. Partly because Noah had threatened to banish anyone who disrespected me, but mostly because they'd witnessed how easily I'd handled Marigold and her friends.

Speaking of Marigold—Noah hadn't banished her, recognizing her value as a skilled warrior. Instead, he sentenced her to a month in the dungeons with only one meal per day. A harsh punishment, but fair considering her challenge.

The morning after the marking, Noah and I had made love again before picking up Ophelia. Elise had been ecstatic for me, pulling me into a tight hug when she spotted the mark on my neck.

"I'm so happy for you," she'd whispered, eyes sparkling with genuine joy.

We'd had lunch together before returning to our new home—Noah's mansion. Though not as grand as the pack house, it was still impressive. Ophelia had been over the moon when Noah told her she'd have her own room to decorate however she liked. Her excitement had doubled when she learned Lily's room was right next door.

"Does she like unicorns too?" Ophelia had asked, eyes wide with anticipation of a potential friend.

My thoughts were interrupted by a cold voice coming from my phone.

"Zephyra."

I felt my body tense immediately, my voice matching her icy tone. "Mom."

One more reason I'd avoided contact with my parents was their cold attitude toward me. Born to Alpha parents who despised each other, they'd transferred that hatred to me. Being around my mother always left me drained.

"You've been marked and mated without telling us?" Her shrill voice pierced through the phone.

I sighed, feeling the familiar exhaustion that came with dealing with her. "Is that why you're calling? After months of silence, you call because you heard I was marked?"

"What else should I call about?" she replied in that sing-song voice I detested. "Anyway, I heard he's an Alpha. Well done, Zephyra. Now all you need to do is get pregnant with his child to secure your position as Luna."

I closed my eyes, counting to five. "This is exactly why I don't talk to you. You've never made an effort to connect with your only child."

"If that's all you called for, I'm hanging up now," I said firmly. "I have things to do." Without waiting for her response, I ended the call.

The familiar ache started to creep in, but I pushed it down. Why had my mother never cared? Why had she given up looking for me after I disappeared for a month? I shook those thoughts away, determined not to dwell on them. I promised myself I would be a better mother to Ophelia. She would never grow up resenting me the way I resented my own mother.

With renewed determination, I walked into Moon Shadow Medical Center for my appointment.

Amara sat in her usual armchair, glasses perched slightly down her petite nose, notebook and pen in hand. Her office always had this calming effect with its neutral tones and comfortable furniture.

"Hey, Amara," I mumbled as I settled into the couch.

"Good afternoon, Zephyra," she replied with a gentle smile.

I knew this session would be difficult. Being a good mother to Ophelia meant addressing my own issues—issues I'd been pushing away and burying for years.

"I hear congratulations are in order," Amara said with a smile. "Congratulations."

I smiled back, shifting into a more comfortable position. "Yes."

"How does it feel to be mated?" she asked, pen poised over her notebook.

"Honestly, these past few days have been amazing," I answered, feeling warmth spread through me at the thought of Noah. "I never knew I could be this happy and content. Waking up in Noah's arms every morning, I feel grateful because I never thought I'd have this. I never thought a man would accept a tainted, broken she-wolf."

The bond between Noah and I had intensified since the marking. Our connection was stronger, our relationship closer. With him, I felt a sense of security I'd never known before.

"And how about Ophelia?" Amara asked curiously.

"Ophelia is..." I paused, feeling a genuine smile form. "She's thriving. She loves her new room, and she's excited about getting to know Lily. Noah has been wonderful with her—patient and kind. It's like... like we're becoming a real family."

"And how does that make you feel?" Amara asked, her voice gentle.

I laughed without humor. "Like I'm still that little girl desperate for her approval. But I'm not that girl anymore." I straightened my shoulders. "I have Ophelia now, and Noah. They're my family—the family I chose."

"I think the family structure is helping her," I said, surprising even myself. "I've seen some improvement. She's still shy, but I think she'll overcome that with time."