Chapter 142 The Birthmarks

Chapter 142 The Birthmarks

Upon returning to the Davenport Pack, Elijah immediately joined the other alphas in the back terrace area. A tent and chairs had already been set up for the royal alphas to sleep and have meetings with Jeremy.

I was about to head back to my room to check on the twins when Jeremy approached me and stopped me for a moment.

"Deli, I need to talk to you about Elijah," Jeremy said bluntly.

I didn't bring up his earlier statement about being willing to accept me anytime, as if it was a subtle threat to Elijah. Instead, I just nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed while Jeremy sat down on the sofa.

"What do you say about King Elijah? What about him?" I asked.

"We still haven't decided whether to tell him about you—about who you really are, Deli. We're afraid the royal wolves might turn on you... or worse, try to eliminate you."

"We both know they are not as savage as the rogue wolves. They have honor and keep their promises, Jeremy."

"When it comes to power, anyone can lose their reason."

I chuckled softly. "Do you think Elijah would actually hurt me or the twins?"

Jeremy was silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh.

"I know he cares about all of you. But I still advise you to keep quiet, for now. At least until the time is right."

"Alright." I agreed, as long as it didn't put me at a disadvantage.

"Good. In that case, I think the matter is settled. I have to get ready to leave tomorrow," Jeremy said, ending the conversation.

As he got up and headed for the door, I quickly grabbed his arm.

"Jeremy, I know this is a lot to ask, but... can you watch over Michael and Elijah for me? And, of course, take care of yourself, Dad."

"Well, I'll specifically ask Raphael and Riddick to keep an eye on Elijah. We're not in the same unit, Deli."

"Ah, okay then."

"Thanks, Jeremy."

"Don't worry. Everything will be fine, Deli."

I nodded and gave him a small smile. What could I do but pray and hope? I didn't want to dwell on my fears—sometimes, you attract what you fear.

Still, the worry lingered.

My throat felt dry as I watched Elijah and the others prepare to leave for Alderwood. There was so much I wanted to say, but my tongue felt tied.

Elijah, standing next to me, turned to face me. Our eyes met, and we held each other's gaze for a few moments.

"Pray for us," he said softly.

I nodded, fighting back tears. "Come back safe, my king."

Elijah cupped my cheek in his hand and offered a small smile before pulling away and getting into the car.

I should have said something else, shouldn't I? Something he could hold on to? Why couldn't I find the right words?

I watched as Michael and Tobi waved at me before getting into the car, followed by Jeremy and Dad.

Moon goddess, please protect them. Please protect them for me.

Aunt Disa wrapped her arm around my shoulder as we watched them leave for Alderwood. My chest hurt as I watched Elijah join the other Alphas and get into his assigned vehicle.

Elijah was part of the third unit assigned to attack the Arlington pack. Jeremy and Tobi would go after the Orson Pack, while Michael and Dad would join the first unit to take on the Fergus Pack.

Waiting and praying was the hardest part, because we had no idea what was going on out there.

"They'll be fine, Delilah. This mission will be successful," Aunt Disa reassured me.

"I hope so, Aunty."

I refused to consider the worst-case scenario. Rogue wolves could be guarding Orson, Fergus, or Arlington, and our combined forces could be overwhelmed.

Even though most of our soldiers were alphas, they were already wounded—physically and emotionally.

Wanda had been smart, attacking the royal wolf families to shake them up. But was it Wanda's strategy... or Camden's?

If Camden was the mastermind, then he was a cursed wolf.

The convoy finally disappeared behind Jeremy's pack gate. The air was eerily quiet as the gates were locked and secured. Guards remained stationed at the perimeter, but every precaution had to be taken.

Feeling exhausted, I went back inside with Aunt Disa.

"I should've gone with them," I muttered.

Aunt Disa gave me a sharp look. "Do you realize that you just gave birth? Your wounds aren't completely healed. Even though we are wolves, birth injuries don't just disappear in two or three days."

"I would have been careful."

"Oh, you're so stubborn!" Aunt Disa clicked her tongue. "Listen, a wolf that has just given birth needs rest, proper food, and care for her pups with all her heart. Your job is to take care of your children until..."

She stopped suddenly and took a deep breath before shaking her head.

"I'm sorry. Your responsibilities aren't that simple." Aunt Disa placed her hands firmly on my shoulders. "You are a queen, leading a kingdom. You must take care of yourself, Delilah."

"Don't worry, Aunty. I will take care of myself and always follow your advice."

Aunt Disa chuckled softly. "You're just like your mother. Stubborn, but still willing to listen."

"Speaking of which, Aunty, you never told me about my mother."

We walked to the back terrace, where the twins were guarded by she-wolves from the pack.

"She didn't talk much or put herself in the spotlight, Deli. But everyone in the pack knew she wasn't an ordinary wolf. Her ways, her presence... she tried to fit in, but your mother was different."

Aunt Disa sighed deeply.

"It's not that we shunned her, but oil and water don't really mix, do they?"

I understood what she meant. Given my mother's status as a fugitive, she must have been on her guard at all times, and anyone in her position would have done the same.

As we stepped onto the terrace, I saw Aurora and Arthur in the arms of their caretakers. One of the she-wolves cleared her throat and looked at me with a hint of concern.

"Delilah, did you see the faint marks on Aurora's right shoulder and Arthur's left shoulder?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No, I didn't notice any marks. I don't think they have any."

"This must remain a secret between us," she said urgently. "For their birthmarks... they resemble an ancient symbol."

I exchanged glances with Aunt Disa. What kind of symbol? The uneasiness in the she-wolves' expressions was undeniable.

"Maybe it's just an ordinary birthmark," I said.

"No, Delilah." The she-wolf's voice dropped to a whisper. "This is the symbol of the Celestial Moon Kingdom!"