Blood Moon's Tears

A Year Later...

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the gathering as Lele and Lucian stood hand in hand at the centre of the clearing. Their faces were adorned with radiant smiles, their eyes locked in a loving gaze that spoke volumes. It was the culmination of a year filled with growth, healing, and newfound love. Lele finally accepted Lucian as her mate and learned to give him the trust he deserved. His patient and loving aura did wonders to warm her coldhearted outlook on what she believed was true. The Alpha ceremony was a momentous occasion for the Golden Eclipse Pack, a celebration of unity and a fresh start.

As the sun-kissed sky painted a vivid tapestry above them, Lele and Lucian exchanged their vows, their words filled with promises of love, protection, and unwavering loyalty. The pack watched in awe as the couple sealed their commitment with a passionate kiss, their love resonating through the bond they shared.

After the family photo was taken, Lele was approached by Veleena, who held a small package in her hands. With a smile that radiated warmth, she handed Lele the package and said, “Aunt Lele, I have a present for you.”

Lele, touched by Veleena’s gesture, carefully unwrapped the package to find adoption papers inside. She looked at Veleena, her eyes filled with love and gratitude, and said, “You don’t need adoption papers for us to be family, sweetheart. From the moment I found out you were Kirsi’s daughter, you became a part of my heart. I love you, Veleena, and I’ll always be here for you, whether there are papers or not.”

Veleena, her eyes shimmering with emotion, nodded and replied, “I know, but I wanted you to know that I chose you as my mom. Officially.”

Lele hugged Veleena tightly, her heart overflowing with love. “Thank you, Veleena. I’m honoured to be your mom.”

Lele then reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box. She handed it to Veleena, who opened it to reveal an opened locket. One side held a family portrait of Lele, her sister Kirsi, their father and mother, a precious memory captured in time, though still slightly scorched. The other side displayed a family portrait with Lucian, Lele, and Veleena, symbolizing the love and unity they had found together.

“This necklace belonged to your mother,” Lele explained. “Lucian gave it to me a while back. I want you to have it, Veleena, as a symbol of our family, past and present.”

Veleena’s hands trembled as she took the necklace, tears of happiness filling her eyes. “Thank you, Aunty Lele. I’ll cherish it forever.”

In the background, Kenji expertly served as the bartender for the event, mixing drinks with skill and flair. Eriena had joined Kenji at the bar, just as he finished serving a colourful cocktail to a pack member. She leaned on the bar, a playful smile on her lips.

Kenji, always the bartender with a twinkle in his eye, asked, “So, how does it feel being a part of a new pack after so long?”

Eriena chuckled, taking a sip of her drink, and replied, “Weird, but not as weird as you telling me what’s in the Blood Moon.”

Kenji laughed softly, leaning on the counter. “I told you before, Eriena. The Blood Moon is a cocktail. A variety of ingredients combine their essence to make the drink everyone knows and loves.”

Eriena raised an eyebrow teasingly. “So you still don’t know what you’re making. Got it.”

Kenji shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “And you still don’t know if you believe in second chance mates or not. Got it.”

Eriena sighed, her expression turning serious. “Let’s not talk about that, please, Kenji.”

Kenji, ever the persistent friend, probed gently, “Why not? Do you or do you not believe you have a second chance mate?”

Eriena hesitated, her gaze distant. “How can I not when I’ve been seeing him more often now that I have a break from the association to get settled into my new pack?”

Kenji nodded, understanding her point. “Okay, so then what’s the issue?” Kenji inquired as he slid her a drink.

Eriena looked down at her drink, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know if he’d accept me as a mate. If he’s willing to be marked and no longer be single, his life will change forever. That’s a huge commitment for someone to agree to, all in the name of love and some ties to a stupid bond.”

Kenji reassured her, “I think he’s willing to make that commitment. What’s the worst he has to deal with? Shifting? He already knows everything and he’s practically one himself. All he has to do is just adjust to becoming a full werewolf instead of a half-breed. So tell me the truth, what are you really afraid of?”

Eriena sighed deeply, her vulnerability showing. “I’ll scare him away. My job as a bounty hunter. The danger, the secrets…”

Kenji chuckled softly. “He already knows. Look, if you don’t like the guy, then say so. He can take rejection, and he’s content with living life as a single man if that should happen.”

Eriena grinned playfully, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Yeah, sure, maybe he wants to reach the age of 35 so he can see if the rumours of being 35 and single really turn him into some type of wizard.”

Kenji chuckled. “I’m already considered a wizard. Your statement holds no power.”

Eriena raised an eyebrow, her playful banter returning. “How about this, I’ll give you a chance if you tell me what’s in the Blood Moon you made for me.”

Kenji leaned closer with mock seriousness. “The souls of the damned… I’m kidding. It’s the same amount of love and care I put into each drink, along with a squeeze of one small lime.”

Eriena shook her head in amusement. “You’re insufferable, you know that?” she teased, lifting her glass and downing the Blood Moon Kenji had made for her, savouring its unique taste.

Lucian, Chase, and Torao observed the heartwarming exchange between Lele and Veleena, along with the smiling faces of the old and new pack members, their hearts filled with pride and happiness. They watched as Veleena, guided by Lele, experienced the sensation of flying, her laughter filling the air as Lele manipulated gravity with her abilities.

Under the setting sun and amidst the love and laughter of the Golden Eclipse Pack, Lele and Lucian’s union marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—a chapter filled with love, family, and the promise of a bright future. All the while Eriena and Kenji's relationship seemed to be filled with love and playful banter in a budding romance that held no secrets.