The Howling Heart's Forgiveness

Chapter 158

Sitting at the head table with Brynlee on my right and Caspian on my left, my heart feels at ease. Everyone who came to help us take back Pine Moon is mingling with the innocent members Brynlee and I will lead and the room is filled with smiles and laughter. Aunt Asteria and Uncle Gale were welcomed back warmly, the two being surrounded by wolves that had missed them dearly. Tristan was happily making his rounds around the Dining Hall, making sure his wolves were being kind while we all ate breakfast.

But the best part of this morning was watching all the pups Brynlee used to train run up to her, wrapping my Mate in a group hug as she cried her heart out telling the pups how much she missed them. I know she is meant to be an Alpha leading as an equal beside me, but I also can see her taking on more traditional Luna roles if the pups continue rushing to her the way they did an hour ago.

“Penny for your thoughts?” I hear my Aunt ask, noticing that Brynlee has left the table to grab another helping of apple strudel. I have a feeling her craving has only gotten worse since waking up from our nap.

“I am just thinking about how calm the Dining Hall feels.” I mumble out, taking a sip of my coffee. It’s gone cold and with a sigh I chug it back.

“It does feel lighter in here.” Aunt Asteria agrees, her eyes softening as she stares out into the room.

“So what made you come join the head table?” I decided to ask as my Aunt looked like she was enjoying herself mingling with Pine Moon wolves.

“Alastor called my cellphone a few moments ago.” She answers, turning her grey gaze to me.

“He will be here tomorrow to give you the scroll that says you have seven days to prove yourself as a leader and will be staying here to oversee you and Brynlee turning this Pack around.” My Aunt adds with a sigh. I sigh with her, turning to see Brynlee talking with an Elder by the large bay window. Dark shadows show under her eyes but she smiles and laugh happily. This is how a true leader should be with their Pack.

“She was meant for this role.” Caspian states from beside me, a grin on his face.

“You can tell her power has settled since killing Tanya.” Ashton chimes in from behind me, a grin on his face. Devlyn is beside him, a mug of coffee in his hands as he leans into Ashton’s embrace. Looking at Ashton, I am glad he joined us as he and Devlyn look right at home.

“Brynlee just needed a Pack to lead to be the wolf she is meant to be.” Caspian muses. Turning to look at Brynlee, my vision blurs for a moment before the scene changes. The Pack Dining Hall has changed, the tables newer and the walls a soft cream colour. Brynlee stands by the bay window, her long blond hair shimmering in the light. Beside her is the same little girl I saw in my first vision, my daughter Aspen, who clutches at the hem of Brynlee’s dress. I blink, the scene returning to normal but this time Brynlee is walking towards me, her eyes sparkling as she takes in my dazed expression.

[Another vision?] She asks through out link.

[Yeah. I’ll show you it later.] I answer. It’s a vision of the future; one we will be building together as Alpha of Pine Moon.

No.

Not Pine Moon. Pine Moon has died with Valor and Tanya. If we want to be a better back, one with a better life for all those inside then we will need a new name.

“You have that twinkle in your eye.” Caspian teases from beside me, his attention instantly being captured by Odette who has joined us with a plate full of watermelon.

“What are you thinking about?” Aunt Asteria asks, her eyes watching as Delilah and Tristan joke around with Quest, Avery, and Gale.

“Changing the name of Pine Moon when we are initiated as Alphas.” I answer, scooping my arms around Brynlee as she plops into my lap.

“Do you have a name idea?” She asks, her mouth full of the apple turnovers. I chuckle, wiping away the crumbs from her lips and gaining a blush from my Mate.

“I have one in mind but we can discuss it later. Right now we need to regain the respect and trust of our Pack.”