Heart of a rogue

Bonus chapter 2 -

The sun hung low in the sky as we crossed over from the spirit realm, stepping back into the world we had once left behind. I felt a familiar tingle run down my spine as the cool evening air greeted us, so different from the ethereal warmth of the spirit realm. Beside me, Leo held Canaan's small hand while I carried Aemma in my arms. Her bright green eyes sparkled with excitement, and I could feel her energy radiating through me.

"Mama, is this where the wolves live?" Aemma asked, her voice filled with curiosity. She had heard countless stories of the pack and the world beyond, but this was her first time seeing it with her own eyes. "Will there be real wolves?"

I laughed and kissed the top of her head. "Yes, little one. This is where the wolves live. You'll see them soon enough." I had visited a few times, mainly for Sam and my aunt. But I never took the kids with me, but left them with Leo. He also rather stayed in our realm. He was afraid if he stayed here too long, his mind would warp like back in the day and he'd do unspeakable things again.

I sometimes visited Abel too, just to have a talk. I still considered him a good friend. But I had spoken to Declan maybe four times in the past six years, he just was too busy with running the pack and taking care of a family. He had found a mate, a gentle and caring woman named Inara. I barely had spoken to her, it was painful still. 

Aemma wiggled with excitement, and I put her down. She ran a few steps ahead, her dark curls bouncing with every stride. Her little brother, Canaan, held back, his thumb in his mouth, wide eyes taking in everything with quiet curiosity.

As we approached the pack grounds, I could see the familiar figures of Declan, Abel, and Joshua waiting for us. Time had certainly done its work here; they looked older, the lines on their faces more defined, but their smiles were still warm and welcoming.

Declan's eyes lit up when he saw us. "Lucille," he called, striding forward, his steps quickening as he closed the distance. When he reached us, he smiled brightly at me. "You look... you look well."

I smiled at him. "You too, Declan. You too."

Declan's gaze shifted to Leo, and they shook hands, a silent understanding passing between them. The tension that once existed seemed to have evaporated into something like respect. "Leo," Declan greeted, "good to see you."

Leo nodded with a friendly smile. "And you, Declan. It's been too long."

A small commotion drew our attention away. Abel and Joshua approached, each with their mates and children in tow. Abel's mate, Lairi, a tiny woman with dark hair, smiled warmly at us. Their three kids trailed behind them: Will, a mischievous four-year-old with a toothy grin, Dasha, a two-year-old with a head full of curls, and little Gemma, a newborn, nestled securely in Lairi's arms.

Joshua stood with his mate, Rosael, a tall, statuesque woman with warm eyes. Their little boy, Chester, clung to Rosael's leg, looking curiously at the newcomers.

As introductions were made, Declan's own children joined the gathering. Noah, the oldest at six, was already looking like a miniature version of Declan with a mop of dark hair and a determined expression. Lukas, four, and Lysander, three, looked on with wide, friendly eyes, and little Kailee, their baby sister, was cradled in Declan's arms.

I reached out and pulled Canaan closer, who hadn't run off with the other kids. He nestled against me, hiding his face in my shoulder. His small, shy demeanor was a stark contrast to my Aemma, who was already trying to convince Noah and Will to play tag.

Declan crouched down to Canaan's level, a kind smile on his face. "Hey there, little guy," he said softly. "I'm Declan. It's nice to meet you."

Canaan peeked at him shyly and then turned to hide his face again. I laughed and handed him over to Leo, who immediately kissed his forehead, comforting him as he cuddled into his father's chest. He was such a father's boy, always hiding in Leo's arms.