Forever Luna

renascent

adjective ~ becoming active or popular again

PHOENIX

The newborn haze was a real thing. The days after a new arrival, everything seemed...magical. Like looking through rose-tinted glasses, I couldn't feel prouder and happier than I was now.

The twins took to their new sibling remarkably better than I expected. Belle, however, was adamant that the baby couldn't have any milk. Her jealousy was almost humorous, but it got to the point Nova had to feed her in a separate room, or distract the toddler so heavily she didn't even notice.

Even with the challenges, the days blended into a symphony of tender moments and joy. The house was filled with the soft coos of Aelia, the playful shrieks of the twins, and the gentle hum of daily life. Every corner of our home seemed to echo with the vibrant energy.

Amidst the multitudes of feedings, diaper changes, and stolen moments of rest, we found a new rhythm. Nova's presence was a comforting anchor, grounding me in the midst of the whirlwind. Her strength and resilience shone through, even when she was exhausted. We took turns tending to the baby, each of us cherishing the quiet intimacy of one-to-one time.

Family and close friends visited, their faces alight with joy and curiosity. Each new visitor brought a fresh wave of excitement and congratulations, further enveloping us in the warm, glowing bubble of our expanding family. It was a time of celebration, of shared happiness, and of deepening bonds.

Yet, there were times when the weight of responsibility felt almost too heavy to bear. The sleepless nights, the endless cycle of care, and the occasional moments of doubt all took their toll. And then the shadows taunted us.

I knew Nova lay awake at night thinking about the people who aren't here but should be. I knew she cried for her brother and worried about Charlie and Calida. It was her nature to worry, but she was incredible to put on such a brave face in all the chaos. Time after a new baby was odd, and it was so easy to slip into an unwanted slump. But Nova powered through, constantly distracting herself. It was a coping mechanism I chastised her for, but she always brushed it off.

Who would've thought that I'd be the one trying to get her to open up her emotions?

The tables have turned.

But through it all, we found solace in each other. We laughed off the challenges, celebrated the minor victories, and held on to the belief that we were in this together.

As the days turned into weeks, we began to emerge from the newborn haze. The magic of those early days gave way to a steady, enduring love. And today, I had to go back to work.

I didn't want to.

I did not truthfully fulfil my time away. Sean and Leo managed most of the work, but some things still needed my regard. Signatures, phone calls, bossy alphas... Despite being 'on holiday' to care for my new family, some of them didn't care. A lot of them were nuisance callers that think their matters should come to me rather than the King.

But with a begrudging huff and smack on the ass from Nova, I left the house for what felt like the first time. Gone was the smell of baby vomit, breast milk and poop, my lungs breathing clean air.

Damn, what a privilege.

How lucky was I to have a mate that stays home so I can go bore myself with pack politics?

I hoped I wasn't rusty.

Who was I kidding? I'm never rusty.

Wolves excitedly greeted me as they went for their morning leisure stroll or jog. I bowed my head at them in greeting, the entire pack buzzing with a faint energy. In just two weeks, they'd all get to meet Aelia for the first time. The little wolf already had so much family and friends waiting for her. I could only imagine the chaos she was going to get into growing up.