Chapter 324
Freya
The sterile hospital smell that had dominated my senses for days was finally starting to fade as Jackson delivered the news I'd been desperately waiting to hear.
"Flynn's recovery has been remarkable," he said, reviewing his chart with evident satisfaction. "We're moving him to a regular room this afternoon, and if his progress continues at this rate, he'll be able to go home by the end of the week."
Lucas stood beside me, his presence steady and reassuring. I could feel the warmth radiating from him, that Alpha strength that had become my anchor through this nightmare. When I turned to look at him, his golden eyes were fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart skip.
"Seeing him recover makes you happy, doesn't it?" Lucas asked softly.
I nodded, unable to trust my voice for a moment. "Yes, very happy." The words came out thick with emotion, and I could feel my eyes shifting, the amber wolf glow reflecting the hospital's fluorescent lights. Flynn was going to be okay. My little brother was going to walk again, run again, live the life he deserved.
Lucas's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with my own. "I have more good news," he said, and something in his tone made me look up at him sharply.
He stood there in the hospital corridor, tall and commanding, his Alpha presence radiating that familiar confidence I'd grown to love. There was something different about him now—a vitality that had been missing since the accident. I stared at him, momentarily stunned as my wolf stirred recognizing the change in him.
"What do you mean?" I asked, though part of me already suspected.
"My injuries have completely healed," Lucas said, his smile spreading across his face.
I asked, "Really? Your wounds are completely gone?"
"Really," he confirmed, his eyes warming as he watched my reaction. "Your mother Celia's medical team conducted a full evaluation this morning. Every trace of damage, the internal injuries—it's all gone."
I felt tears spring to my eyes, and I knew my wolf eyes were glowing golden through the moisture. "Lucas, that's wonderful. I'm so happy." The relief was overwhelming. First Flynn's recovery, now this. It felt like we were finally emerging from the darkness that had consumed us.
Lucas reached out, gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "Let's get some air," he suggested. "I think we both need a moment to process all this good news."
---
The hospital's rooftop garden was a small oasis of calm amidst the chaos of the medical center. Lucas led me to a quiet corner where flowering bushes provided privacy from the few other visitors seeking respite. The afternoon sun felt warm on my face.
"This time has been hard on you," Lucas said quietly, settling beside me on a stone bench. "Protecting your brother, dealing with the Morgan Group crisis, handling everything."
I leaned against him, grateful for his solid warmth. "Now that you're recovered, everything will be better." A thought began forming in my mind, something bold and decisive. "Maybe we should do something to let everyone know that Lucas Morgan is back. Let those who want to challenge us understand our determination."
Lucas's eyes flashed with golden light, his Alpha instincts responding to my words. "What do you have in mind?"
I met his gaze steadily, feeling a surge of determination flow through me. "What if we held a public marking ceremony? Announce our union formally, help Morgan Group reach new heights. It would let wolf society know that I've chosen you."
The words hung between us for a moment, heavy with implication. A public marking ceremony would be more than just a declaration of love—it would be a statement of power, unity, and intent.
Lucas pulled me into his arms, his voice dropping to that deep Alpha rumble that made my wolf purr with contentment. "Yes, I owe you a proper marking ceremony. Let all wolves know that you are my mate." The possessiveness and protectiveness in his voice sent shivers down my spine in the best possible way.
"When?" I asked, already feeling excitement building alongside the certainty that this was right.
"Soon," he promised, his lips brushing against my temple. "Very soon."
---
Back in my city apartment, I paced by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering cityscape. I'd already called Bella to invite her to the ceremony, and her joy for me had been infectious. Now there was one more call I needed to make—one that had me second-guessing myself with every step.
I picked up my phone, stared at Celia's number for a long moment, then forced myself to dial before I lost my nerve.
"Freya?" Celia's voice carried surprise but also something that sounded like pleasure.
"I wanted to call you personally," I began, still pacing. "Lucas and I are planning a marking ceremony, and I'd like you to attend."
The silence on the other end stretched long enough that I wondered if the call had dropped. When Celia finally spoke, her voice was warm with an emotion I couldn't quite identify.
"I'm happy that you'd want me there," she said softly.
"Lucas's recovery—your medical team made that possible," I continued, "And Flynn's situation, I'm aware you helped behind the scenes. Whatever happened between us in the past, I want you to be part of this."
"I'll definitely be there," Celia replied without hesitation. "Although, I might not be coming alone. Michael has awakened, and I think he would want to witness your marking ceremony as well."
The phone nearly slipped from my suddenly nerveless fingers. "Michael is awake?" The words came out as barely more than a whisper.
"He came around two days ago," Celia explained. "He's still weak."
"Freya? Are you still there?"
"Yes," I managed, gripping the phone tighter. "Yes, I'm here. That's... that's wonderful news about Michael."
"This gathering, where our family has come together for your happiness—I believe it may be precisely what all of us have needed," Celia said gently.