Chapter 34
596words
I smiled, thinking of the small group of young wolves who had shown aptitude for the healing arts. Teaching them had become one of my greatest joys, passing on not just my father's knowledge but the wisdom I had gained through my own experiences.
"I've missed them too," I admitted. "And the work."
We left the nursery quietly, pausing to check on Elena, who was already preparing breakfast in the kitchen. The elderly healer had moved into a small cottage on our property shortly after the twins were born, becoming an honorary grandmother to our children.
"Go," she shooed us with a smile. "I'll send word if they so much as hiccup."
---
The Sterling pack had changed dramatically in the year since our marriage. With Victor's influence removed and Derek's leadership strengthened by our bond, we had implemented changes that made the pack more inclusive and fair. The rigid hierarchy remained for structure, but no longer did it mean that those of lower rank were treated with disrespect.
As we entered the council chamber, the assembled pack leaders rose in respect. I took my seat beside Derek at the head of the table, feeling a sense of rightness that had been absent during my years of hiding.
"Welcome back, Luna," Marcus said with a warm smile. As Derek's Beta, he had been an invaluable ally in the changes we'd made.
"It's good to be back," I replied, meaning it with all my heart.
The meeting proceeded smoothly, covering territory boundaries, relations with neighboring packs, and the progress of the new training programs we had established. When the formal business concluded, a young female wolf—one of my healing students—approached hesitantly.
"Luna," she said, her eyes downcast in respect, "the healing circle wanted to give you something to celebrate your return."
She presented a beautifully crafted wooden box. Inside lay a silver pendant, intricately designed with the symbol of the healing arts intertwined with the Sterling pack crest.
"We had it made to honor both your heritage and your future," she explained. "Your father's healing knowledge lives on through you, and now through us."
Tears pricked my eyes as Derek fastened the pendant around my neck. "Thank you," I said, touching it gently. "This means more than you know."
---
Life settled into a rhythm that felt both miraculous and ordinary. Days filled with pack duties, healing work, and the joys of watching our children grow. Nights spent in Derek's arms, our bond deepening with each passing moon.
The twins developed quickly, as werewolf children do. By their first birthday, they were already showing distinct personalities—Ethan bold and curious like his father, Elara thoughtful and observant like me. Both displayed early signs of the silver wolf's healing touch, a legacy that would continue through them.
On the night of their first birthday, after the pack celebration had ended and the twins were tucked into bed, Derek led me to our special place—the cliff overlooking the valley, where the entire territory spread out below us like a living map.
"One year," he said, his arm around my waist as we gazed at the full moon. "Sometimes I can hardly believe how much has changed."
I nodded, leaning into him. "From enemies to parents in the span of two years. It's quite a story."
"Speaking of stories," Derek said, reaching into his pocket, "I have something for you."
He handed me a small leather-bound journal, its cover embossed with my name.
