The Howling Heart's Forgiveness

Chapter 85

Watching Quincy leave the office, I walk around Asteria’s desk and take the seat he previously occupied. Asteria watches me as she does, her eyes filled with un-asked questions.

“What did Rune do to you earlier?” She asks and I sigh. I am going to kick Quincy’s ass later.

“I was training with Odette when the Mate Bond let out a danger warning to Rune. He came barging in and took me away to my cottage.” I answer, watching as Asteria’s eyes widen. She subtly looks down and I stiffen in my seat as her eyes land on my stomach. I keep my hands on the armrest of the chair, doing everything I can not to confirm her suspicion while Quest watches on in shock.

“So that’s why everyone has been talking about Rune being a possessive ass hole.” He laughs out, making me roll my eyes.

“He definitely is an asshole.” I agree with a grumble, crossing my arms over and letting out an annoyed sigh. Asteria looks away from me with a small smile on her lips as she turns her attention to Quest.

“When it comes to Brynlee, I am pretty sure my nephew is more an idiot than an asshole.” She muses before her demeanor changes.

“Now onto pack matters, Quest, I need you to plan a few more hunting trips. If you need to go outside of the Pack for it, that’s fine.” She begins, clasping her hands in front of her.

“Why the sudden urge for a hunt?” Quest asks, curiosity and excitement sparkling in his eyes. I know he has been itching to hunt some good game with fall coming fast, he just needed a reason for it.

“Gale called me earlier before we had our meeting to let me know that everyone is coming home. We are expecting the refugees from Willow Bark in four days time and I would like to get some of the freezers stocked with fresh meat by then.” She explains, her eyes softening. Asteria really missed her Mate these last few days and I have to admit that I missed Gale as well.

“Sounds good. I will start planning for the trip so we can leave in a few days.” Quest answers with a nod.

“Could you set one for tomorrow and have our wolves return in two days?” Asteria asks. Quest’s eyes glaze over for a moment, linking one of his Hunters to see if this is doable.

“Chastity says we can run a trip tomorrow morning and be back by the time Willow Bark wolves join us.” He states with Asteria nodding in approval and typing into her laptop.

“Would you like to come along Brynlee? I know your hunting skills are better than mine.” Quest asks, turning to look at me. I go to answer, the idea of getting away from the Pack and hunt down some good pray tempting me, but Asteria is the one to speak instead.

“I need Brynlee here to help me prepare the Pack more. I will ask that you have Chastity take Caspian and Odette with you as well as a few Omegas that are good at foraging.” She turns after making her intentions known, her knowing gaze giving me no room to argue her orders.

“Sorry Quest, but Asteria is right. I am needed here in the Pack.” I agree with a reassuring smile to my friend. He lets out a sigh, scratching his head for a moment as silence settles.

“If you need our Beta here to help you Asteria, then I can’t argue it. Do you mind if I leave to start planning tomorrow’s trip?” Quest relents, accepting the orders.

“Go ahead. Just let Brynlee know which Omegas you are taking on the trip and any equipment you need.” With a wave of her hand, Asteria dismisses Quest. With one final smile from my friend, Quest too takes his leave as well, leaving Asteria and me alone in her office. An awkward silence settles between us and for a moment I wonder what else Asteria has to say. She quietly watches me, her gaze making me feel nervous, like I have done something wrong, and I try my best to appear calm and steady.

“How far along are you?” She asks, making me jump when she breaks the silence.

“W-what?” I ask back, confused by the question.

“The Mate Bond called to Rune because it thought you were in danger. It only does that for one of two reasons. Considering you were training; it isn’t option one because you weren’t in immediate danger. So that leaves option two, you are pregnant and the bond was protecting the pup.” I sigh at her explanation, realizing that she figured out the situation without needing any further explanations. Placing a hand on my stomach, I look down at my lap and smile slightly

“I would say two weeks, maybe three.” I answer, getting a hum from Asteria.

“So it happened during your heat?” She asks and I nod, confirming her speculations.

“I won’t lecture you as you are an adult.” She sighs out, her words growing soft.

“But I will tell you that what ever you decide, I support you. You’re family, Brynlee.” Looking up at Asteria, I see a soft smile on her lips as she stands and makes her way towards me. Her arms wrap around my shoulders, her rose scented perfume washing over me. I rest my head against her, feeling the motherly love she has for me through our bond and take a moment to just breathe since confirming the news.

“Rune said he would support me if I decided not to have it.” I whisper, Asteria pulling away to look at me in shock.

“He said its my choice and for some reason I feel comforted by this.” I continue, smiling as I feel the Mate Bond hum. Asteria watches me, fingers moving to play with my hair as she stands beside my chair.

“He really has changed.” She mumbles and I nod in agreement. Rune has changed a lot since the rejection. I have a feeling that if I decide to keep our pup, he would be okay with co-parenting.

“So, has the Mate Bond reformed?” The question once again catches me off guard, and I hesitantly nod before explaining that it had started repairing itself after the forced heat. How for the last few weeks I have been fighting it but when Rune told me I am pregnant, the bond snapped into place, completely repairing itself. My explanation leaves Asteria silent for a while before she lets out a sight and gives me one more hug.

“The only way it would reform is if the rejected party began trusting their Ex to keep them safe.” She states, surprising me with her knowledge.

“Rune has been showing you that he regrets rejecting you and plans to keep you and his pup safe. Its evident from how he helped you through your heat without marking you which is really hard to do for an Alpha blooded wolf. Not only that, but when the bond reached out to him earlier today, he came without hesitation.” Asteria continues. I mull over her words as she makes her way behind her desk, sitting down in her chair and watching me with a small smile.

“So what do I do with this bond then? I can’t go through another rejection and as hurt as I was, I can’t put Rune through the pain either.” My voice sounds small as I voice my concern. I can see Asteria thinking for a moment before she leans back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest and heaving a sigh.

“As angry as I am with him for hurting you and listening to his stupid father, I can admit that he is working on becoming a better person for you. I am not saying to give him a chance, but I am saying to keep his current actions in mind when making your decision.” She advises. All I can do is nod at her words, unsure what to do from here. Ultimately, keeping the pup and making up with Rune is my decision whether I like it or not.

“I think I am going to head to my office and see if work can clear my mind.” I mutter, standing from my chair and turning to leave.

“I can send you a few files to look at if you’d like. We have a few requests from Rogues wanting to join our Pack that the council sent us and I trust your judgement.”

“Sounds like a good distraction then.” I agree, turning to catch Asteria move closer to her computer. Without waiting for confirmation from her, I make my way out of her office and down the hall to mine. I feel like if I want to decide on whether or not to keep this pup, I should wait till after my ultrasound.

As I reach for my office door, I pause for a moment and take a deep breath. The ultrasound is an opportunity not just for me, but also for Rune. It will be the first time we get to see our little pup and afterwards we can talk and decide what to do with my pregnancy. Pushing my office door open, I open the link between Rune and me and feel his presence immediately.

[I have an ultrasound appointment to see how far along I am. It is three days from now.] I say while entering my office and flicking on the light.

[Do you want me to come?] His deep voice replies instantly, a trace of hope laced with his words. I hesitate for a moment not expecting his reply so fast.

[Yes. I want you to come and then we can talk about what we will do.] Hope and excitement flickers in the Mate Bond and I wonder if I did the right thing.

[I will be there no matter what.] He calls back, his voice filled with happiness. The link closes before I can reply and with a shake of my head and a smile on my face, I sit down at my desk and get to work.