Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 24 - Dinner with mother

Alexander's pov:

She whispered, her voice trembling with relief, "Thank Goddess you're alive."

I was taken aback but returned the hug, feeling the tension in her body.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I replied with a weak smile, though inside I felt anything but.

She pulled back, her face stern again. "Why did you return to the Silver Moon Pack? You know how dangerous Richard is — as dangerous as Bartholomew. Taking such risks... it's reckless."

"I know, Mother," I said softly. "But I went to find my mate."

Her eyes widened, and she placed a trembling hand over her mouth, speechless for a moment. The weight of my words hit her hard.

"Your mate?" she finally whispered, disbelief coloring her tone.

"Yes. I found her."

She sat back down slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she reached for her files again. "Who is she? What's her name? Which pack is she from? What does she look like? Where is she now?"

She bombarded me with questions, her excitement and worry swirling in her voice.

"Mother, I'll tell you everything at dinner," I said, trying to calm her. "Give me some time to shower and change first."

She nodded, still looking at me like I was carrying the weight of the world.

After a quick shower and fresh clothes, I made my way to her house under the darkening sky. The path was lined with blooming flowers, their sweet scent a rare comfort amid the turmoil in my mind.

She opened the door before I even knocked, smiling warmly.

"Come in, son! I made your favorite — roasted burgers, potatoes, and chocolate pie."

I smiled, feeling a rare moment of peace. "Mother, you're the best."

I hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek.

"I know," she said, smirking playfully.

"Thank Goddess you're alive!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and excitement as she held me close.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I replied, smiling widely despite the knot still twisting in my chest.

She pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes. "Why did you return to the Silver Moon Pack? Don't you know Richard is just as dangerous as Bartholomew? Why take such risks?"

"I know, Mother," I said softly. "But I went to find my mate."

At those words, her eyes widened dramatically. She put a hand over her mouth, overwhelmed by the news.

"Your mate, you say?" she repeated after a pause, her voice barely above a whisper. "Really?"

"Yes, Mother. I finally found her."

Her expression changed, curiosity and excitement bubbling over as she fired off questions. "Who is she? What's her name? Which pack is she from? What does she look like? Where is she now?"

I chuckled, holding up a hand to slow her down. "I'll tell you everything at dinner. Just give me a few minutes to shower and change."

I then turned to the head chief standing nearby and asked for his report on the last two days. After he finished, we said our goodbyes and left the guardhouse.

Half an hour later, I made my way to Mother's house. The sun had set, and the first stars were already twinkling in the night sky. The path to her home was lined with blooming flowers on both sides, their intoxicating fragrance filling the air.