The Rogue Lycan Princess

Chapter 146

SHADOW

After eight months, Califf and I just moved into our new house. We finally got our own home and privacy, but of course, these guys were my family, and our home was always open for them.

I watched Kindra and Duke’s twins rolling over the grass from the patio. Sometimes, I felt a pang of jealousy in my chest that one thing was missing in our lives— kids.

Now, the pack had been peaceful for more months. I’d been ready to have kids of our own, but every time we planned, it got interrupted.

“You will have your own. Just work hard on it.”

I rolled my eyes at Raven. “Shut up, will you?”

“A little prince and princess playing with their kids would be nice.”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Oh, our mate just arrived.” She was right. Califf just pulled off the driveway. August opened the door for him.

“Take the car. I don’t need it, and I will use the SUV if I want to go out.”

“Are you sure?” August asked. He gained some muscles and color on his cheeks. If I noticed it right, he became more handsome. When he wasn’t busy in college, he spent his weekends with us and, sometimes, drove Califf to his meetings.

“Yeah. I’ll call you soon.” Califf walked away and stopped. “And August, study before party.”

“Yes, boss.” August saluted, and then he saw me waving his hand. “Hey, Luna.”

“Stay for a few minutes.” I gestured and smiled.

“I can do that.”

Then Califf wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. “I miss you so much, baby.”

“Jeez. You’re only away for a day.”

He cupped my face and faked his dismay look. “You did not miss me?”

I blinked and pretended thinking. “Let me think.”

He smiled. “Poor me.”

“Yeah. Poor you.” I didn’t let him go yet. “Don’t hate me.”

“Why?” His brows were drawn together as he looked down at me.

“I invited some friends over. They’re in the backyard.”

“Really? And why would I hate you?”

I pursed my lips before I answered, “Because maybe you want me all to yourself.”

“I will have you all by myself later.” He loosened his tie. “Let’s go see our friends.”

We entered the house. August followed us through the hallway to the kitchen exit door.

“Alpha! Happy birthday!”

“Whoa!” His eyes widened in shock, and he hadn’t moved, but his eyes scanned our friends and families. “I don’t celebrate my birthday, but thanks.”

His brother said, “Well, come here so you can blow the candle. And we’ve been starving.”

“Took you long enough,” Everlee said, smiling, and kissed him on the cheek. “Happy birthday, Cal.”

“Happy birthday, Alpha, even if I’m the only human in the pack.” August’s words made me smile. I lost my wolf and my gift not long ago, but I’d learned so much about what it was like to be human.

When I got Raven back, I finally learned how to control my gift, and the High Priestess had completely given me the authority to practice my healing power.

We sang a happy birthday song for him, and then he made a wish and blew the candle lit up by Aira’s magic.

“Thank you, guys.” He then turned to me. “You know I don’t celebrate birthdays, that’s why you said don’t hate me. I could never hurt you, someone who has been there for me through every difficulty and happiness. And you remember my birthday. Thank you, my love. My little rogue.”

My face broke into a smile. “Your little rogue, huh? Well, tell Midnight happy birthday.”

“Yeah. I love you.” He kissed me quickly, but it still got whistles from our friends.

“Luna, the tables are ready,” Homer said through the pack link.

“Okay, guys. Time to go.”

“Yeah. They’re ready,” Duke confirmed it.

“Where?” Califf asked me in confusion.

“Do you think we’re the only one who wants to celebrate their Alpha’s birthday?”

“You told everyone but me?” The surprised look on his face was cute.

“Spank me later, but yeah.” I beamed at him, and he shut it with a kiss.

“I can’t wait.”

Zack brought the cake outside. The twins giggled when they saw the cake, and those pretty little eyes lit up.

Califf swiped the icing and bent to put on their noses. They gushed and rolled on the blanket. When he stood straight, he saw everyone bringing food and drinks and distributed them on the tables.

Lyon lit up the lights while Tor and Kairo flew hundreds of balloons in the sky.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say, baby.” I thought I just made him cry. He was overwhelmed by the love of his pack. Despite the trials and members we lost, these people remained loyal to him. He blinked off the tears and hadn’t heard the next good news I had kept for last.

“Speech,” the pack chanted. Even my father, Kain, and Sheriff Carter, who had just arrived, joined them, chanting in unison.

“Come on, son,” Waylon said, sitting next to Eleanor, and I saw the pride from his parents.

Califf sighed in contentment. “You all caught me by surprise. When I left last night to attend an early meeting, I never expected our Luna to have something up her sleeve. And then she told me not to hate her before she brought me to the backyard. How could I even feel bad for someone who brings this pack together, who inspires us? And you guys, stay with me through the ups and downs. I may be your Alpha, and I don’t show how I appreciate you, but deep in my heart, you have my gratitude. Thank you for being here to celebrate my birthday.”

“And thank you guys for not bringing gifts for him. Instead, the money and things you donated will be given to our pups.”

“You did it?” Califf turned to me.

“Yeah, and my father donated one million dollars worth of tuition for our college boys.” I grinned at him.

“You’re kidding?” From a shocked look, he was now grinning at me.

“I know I’m awesome.”

He hugged me tight, making me laugh. “Goddess, I love you so much, baby.”

“Are we gonna eat or what?” Everlee’s voice pulled us apart.

I laughed, and Califf joined me. “Sorry. The birthday boy got carried away.”

“Please?”

We went to our table. My father and Zarah were now living together, and he gave her the southeast corner of the palace for her magic practice. Aira finally passed her study of witchcraft.

Calder and Kain’s relationship had improved, and they spent a lot of time together in the cabin, hunting, foraging, and drinking the stupid tea, as he called it.

At the same time, me and my father were on better terms. I loved Sebastien despite being authoritarian and controlling. I did my duty as the Lycan princess and the Luna of the Night Stalker Pack.

“So when are you two gonna get married?” Of course, Califf had to ask.

“I wanna be a June bride,” Everlee said, making me smile. “And I need your help.”

“Me?” I pointed at myself. “Oh, I’ve been ready since you two found each other. Of course, anything for sisters.”

“Amen to that,” Kindra affirmed.

“So, have you discussed the place?” Zarah asked.

“Just name it, and I will make it possible,” said my father.

Everlee’s mouth hung open.

“Are you sure, Alpha King?” Calder asked in surprise. “I mean, if I want to get married at your palace, would that be okay?”

“He has money and power, Calder. You don’t doubt it.” Zack took a bite of the wild goat he caught with Alpha Frye’s men. He found friends there and spent weekends in Alaska. When I asked if he found his mate, he just shrugged it off.

“I’m just surprised by the generosity. That’s all.”

“You’re family with two packs, bro,” said Duke.

“I’ll take care of the two-week honeymoon. Just tell me when and where?”

“Really, brother?” He had the same expression as he looked at Califf.

“He’s an Alpha. His words are—”

“Zack, just eat, my boy.” I used the grandma moment on him. He just smiled at me.

These unmated boys became my children, and what I loved about them was they were never ashamed to ask or tell me anything, even about their dates. I may not have kids right now, but I had plenty in the pack.

“Son, Everlee, me, and Eleanor will do our best to help you prepare for the wedding.” Waylon patted his son’s shoulder.

“I’d love to be a bridesmaid.”

All eyes were on Aira.

“What? I’d never been one.” She shrugged.

“You don’t have to say it.” Everlee reached out for Aira’s hand. “You’re already one of my bridesmaids.”

“Don’t worry. Tor will be in my groomsmen,” Calder nodded at Tor.

“Thank you so much, Waylon, Eleanor, Alpha, Alpha King,” Everlee said, then she looked at me. “Help me with the gown.”

“Oh, I don’t have taste. I have a stylist whenever I attend meetings, but Aira, Zarah, and I can help you with that. I’ll take care of the cost. Consider it as a wedding gift.” Well, apparently, a princess job pays well.

***

After the delightful dinner, the boys went for a run, leaving just me and Califf. Kindra took her twins home when they started yawning. My father and the rest of the elders left early.

Califf and I sat on the grass. My arm was on his thigh as I leaned against him. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head.

“Hey.” I met his gaze. I felt him everywhere, overwhelmed with the love and support. “You okay?”

“I’m more than okay, baby.”

“Are you still up for spanking?”

His eyes glimmered and darkened. “Do you have to ask?”

“Well, I’m up for spanking and a lot of orgasms, and maybe it’s our time to have a little prince and princess.”

“Fuck, yeah.” He was quick to be on his feet, hand held out.

I grabbed his hand to stand up, and he wrapped an arm around me, cupped my face, and looked directly into my eyes. “You gave me the world. You showed me how to love and to be patient and made me the happiest Alpha alive. I don’t know if I deserve you, but you and I are stuck together through eternity. So you have to suck this attitude up.”

“I will give you everything to see this smile on your face.” I held his chin. “And you, Alpha, made me the happiest, Luna. My chest could burst. I love you so much, and you have me forever. And you are mine, Alphasshole.”

“Mine.”