Melvina stared keenly at the trio standing before her as they cast furtive glances at each other and scoffed inwardly. 

I guess I’ll have to ask my son, then, she thought, her mind set on uncovering the truth.

Looking away from them and into the hall, she noticed that the meeting had already ended. Pack members were filing out, heading back to their respective homes.

Just then, she heard her husband’s voice through their mind path—the sacred connection created the moment he marked her during their mating ceremony. That link bound not only their minds but their hearts, allowing them to share each other’s thoughts and even pain.

“Have you seen your son?” Peter’s deep voice rumbled through the link.

The tone made her sigh wearily. She knew that voice—that sentence. He only said “your son” when he was annoyed with Derek.

“Yes, I’m with him.”

“How come he wasn’t around for the pack meeting? Is this how he plans to lead the pack?” Peter’s irritation flared, his emotions brushing sharply against hers through the bond. He couldn’t understand his son’s casual attitude toward important matters—like fighting humans instead of preparing strategies for the impending pack war.

There was no way they were leaving the land that had been their home. The White Sted Pack wanted war? Then war they would have, he thought grimly.

“He came back late from a cleaning job,” Melvina replied calmly. “There was a hitch in the movement of some things needed at the new house.”

She prayed silently that he wouldn’t ask where the house was or who was moving in. To her relief, he didn’t. He only grunted in response.

“Okay then. I want you,” Peter said simply—and cut off the link.

Melvina smiled faintly at his words. Looking toward the far end of the hall, she spotted him trudging toward their quarters, holding little Eva’s hand. Their five-year-old daughter’s laughter echoed softly down the corridor.

Gratitude swelled in Melvina’s chest. She would always thank the Moon Goddess for blessing her womb when she’d once believed she could never bear children.

Dr. Sam, the pack’s physician, had told her years ago that she would never conceive again after the fall that damaged her womb during the last pack war. It had been a miracle she’d survived the fall at all.

But two years later, she’d had Derek—her handsome, gifted son.

Her gaze drifted back to the trio before her—or rather, the quad minus one. Derek was standing apart from his friends, leaning against a pillar at her three o’clock, his expression distant. She would question him later about what was bothering him, but for now, she needed to attend to her husband.

Even after all these years, her bond with Peter had only grown stronger. Their love had aged like fine wine—their connection deeper, their lovemaking sweeter than honey itself.

Now, looking at her son, she hoped he would one day find the same. Emma’s face flashed in her mind. She quickly brushed the thought aside. No, impossible. She’s human.

But the image of Emma’s fiery nature and sharp tongue still drew a small smile to Melvina’s lips. If only she were a wolf… she thought wistfully.

“Luna…”

Shane’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. He was her favorite among Derek’s friends.

“Yes, Shane?” she answered with a gentle smile.

“We have to be going now,” he said.

“Alright, sure,” she replied. “Send my greetings to your parents. I’ll walk with Derek.”

She raised her voice slightly on the last part, making sure Derek heard her. She knew her son—he’d probably been planning to slip away with his friends to avoid facing his father’s irritation.

Derek cursed inwardly when her words reached him. He had planned to go off with Shane and spend some time at their place before heading home. His mother always saw through him.

And he knew she wanted to talk—probably about why his mood had been so grim. He’d have to tell her something… but definitely not about Emma.

“Maybe it’s not a bad idea to mention Emma,” Maru said suddenly in his mind.

Derek scoffed quietly. His wolf could be so naïve sometimes.

“If I tell her, Father will find out.”

“Nah,” Maru replied. “She can keep it to herself. You know your mother. Besides, she’s already met our mate. They clicked instantly.”

“She was just being polite to a new face,” Derek countered.

“Polite? She got food for her—and for you guys. How did she even know you were there? Emma didn’t tell her. Think, Derek.”

Derek fell silent. Maru had a point. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to tell his mother after all. She had always supported him, always had his back—even when he made the worst mistakes. Unlike his father, who never hid his disapproval.

And it wasn’t his fault that Emma was his mate. The Moon Goddess had chosen her—not him.

“Derek, see you later,” Shane called, cutting through his thoughts. “Maybe at training tomorrow.”

Derek nodded wordlessly. Shane, Leo, and Clem gave small bows to the Luna before heading out.

When Derek looked up again, his mother was already watching him with open curiosity. She walked up to him and took his arm gently. Together, they strolled out of the hall and into the lush garden she had tended lovingly over the years.

His mother had always adored plants. The garden was her sanctuary, filled with vibrant flowers and fragrant herbs. Even little Eva had taken after her—at only five, she could already name most of the flowers by sight.

“What happened?” Melvina asked softly as they stopped beside a tall tree overlooking the garden.

“A lot, Mum,” Derek murmured. “A lot.”

“Like what?” she pressed, turning to face him fully.

He hesitated, then looked into her eyes. “Can I ask you something, Mum?”

“Of course,” Melvina said, curiosity sparking in her gaze.

Derek took a breath. It was now or never.

“What would you do,” he began carefully, “if a human was my mate?”