She smiled, the motherly smile that she would always give me whenever I was sad or pissed off. She and Nicole were the only females I listened to. But even with them, I never showed any affection at all.
“Would it be too much if I ask for a favor, Alpha? For permission? “
“Ask away.”
“I want to ask permission if I can meet Zahra. Dominic told me where she’s living now. And I was hoping I could visit her.” Her shoulders started to shake as soft sobs escaped her throat. “It’s been a long time since I saw my Luna. Twenty-three years. I hope you will understand. It doesn’t mean my loyalty shifts. You, above all, Alpha.”
“You don’t have to go to her. I will bring her to you.” I answered her in a firm voice.
I haven’t made up my mind if I would meet her or not, but the words just slipped off my mouth. And instead of being agitated by that, I felt the exact opposite. I felt like a burden was lifted off my chest.
Maybe it was a good idea to meet her. Maybe I would find my own peace if I could finally face the female that started the turmoil within me.
Katya looked at me with her eyes still glistening with tears, but a wide motherly smile was plastered on her face. “It’s about time you meet your mother, son. It’s about time.”
I had no idea how Nadia arranged for this, but just two days after we talked about the gifts, Timothy, one of my men, came to the packhouse with his van full of gifts.
And my fucking twenty-three-year-old self couldn’t hide the grin on my face. I knew they were all for me. And I was trying to hide my emotions inside, but Nadia’s and Jenny’s excitement was contagious.
“Luna, those are not yours. You need to let the Alpha open it!” Jenny blurted out as she giggled.
“I know! But just so you know, I have never seen so many gifts like this in my whole life! So I’m sure my mate, my Alpha, and the love of my life will let me open one, or maybe all. Right, babe?” She turned around, licking her lips as she winked at me.
I just nodded my head, grinning widely at her with my hands on my hips before winking back at her. I then shifted my gaze away from her to the gifts being transported to my office.
“Timothy, these were thoroughly checked on the border?” I just wanted to make sure they didn’t budge on the security protocol just because it was an order from their Luna.
“I personally checked on those. All clear.” Gamma Sebastian answered. He and the Beta were helping carry the gifts as well.
“Wow! This one is big!” Jenny exclaimed, pointing to the one her mate was carrying.
“I’m guessing it’s a car you can drive,” I answered. I already saw a part of the wheel from the ripped part of the gift.
“Oh, Goddess! Can you imagine how much we can save with all these! We don’t need to buy toys for our pup.” Nadia exclaimed excitedly while clapping her hands, and I just shook my head, watching her with amusement.
The night was already calm and everyone retired to bed. Nadia and I were on the fourth floor at the Luna’s library. We decided to have the gifts transferred here for more privacy and because Nadia wanted to spend time in this place.
“It’s so cozy here.” She scooted her body closer to mine before she covered her thighs with a fleece blanket. We were sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace with a glass of rum in my hand while she was drinking milk in a wine glass.
The warmth of the fire dancing around us and the sparks from her body were just too perfect. I could live for moments like this.
With my arms around her, I rested my chin on her shoulder as I looked at the gifts piled high on the floor beside us.
“Shall we start opening gifts?” I asked.
“Yes!” She exclaimed excitedly before I let her go from my arms.
She turned around and clinked her wine glass with mine. “Happy birthday, Alpha. Let’s open your gifts.”
I chuckled because my birthday was too far ahead, but I let her be. I sipped my drink while watching her enjoy her milk before we put our focus on the task ahead.
Nadia grabbed one gift and read the card attached to it.
“Happy 3rd birthday, dearest Riley! Mommy loves you.”
She smiled at me before she handed me the box, and I placed it on the floor and slowly unwrapped it with Nadia helping me out. It was a sailor suit with a matching sailor hat and shoes, and a small anchor stuffed toy.
I bit my lower lip. I couldn’t explain what I was feeling at the moment. I smiled at my mate and put the gifts aside before nodding at her. “Next one.”
