Chapter 2

Aurora POV

“Exactly, I never get to see you guys anymore. Spill all the tea!” Stacey adds, her blue eyes widening as leans in closer to the two of us. I chuckle, trying to think what would count as tea right now. Kara shakes her head, keeping quiet as usual. “I’m afraid I have no tea.” she chuckles and Stacey’s face drops. “But it’s your birthday. Come on,” she presses, still acting a little hopeful. “Not even an unbelievable present from your mates?” she looks to both of us. “We’re doing presents later,” I tell her as she then turns to Kara. “Elio got me a kitchen aid and a few other baking tools I had been hoping for,” she smiles as Stacey smiles. “That’s great, not exactly what I would call tea,” she mutters as I give her a look. “Is there something you want to share with the group?” I ask as she taps her chin. Gretchen comes out of Stacey’s little dog and jumps up to sit on her lap. “He’s just… changed lately. Not in a bad way. Just different. Like he’s carrying something heavy, but pretending it’s not there. Every time I try to ask, he just distracts me and tells me it’s nothing. But I’m not so sure,” she mutters before looking at her mate, who is chatting with Hunter's beer in hand. I follow her line of sight, biting my lip as I wonder what that could be about.

“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, Jaden, like all alphas, probably just want to keep us safe. Sometimes it can be a little overbearing,” she nods, but I see her chew her lip as if it is more than that. “Jaden would tell you if it was anything to worry about,” Kara replies, patting Stacey’s arm as she nods. “You’re right. He just drives me crazy. I can’t tell some days if I want to kill him or kiss him,” she chuckles as I laugh, knowing exactly what she means. “Probably both knowing you,” her cheeks turn pink as she looks away from us and I see Jaden look up at her from below.

I always knew the mate bond was a powerful force to love another person so completely they are like an extension of your very soul. I was lucky enough to be given four mates, and I love each one equally and completely. They literally changed my world and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each one is utterly perfect and balances our family just right. Sebastian is head of security, Ethan head of combat training, Caleb manages the books and keeps the pack in running order and Gabriel heads up the pack hospital. I make sure all of them don’t get stressed, keep the kids safe on top of my luna duties.

We have three little pups of our own. Luca, our eldest, is special. Selene said he would unite the packs. But gods never speak plainly. What they mean by ‘unite’… I’m terrified to find out. Our packs are untied through our conclave meetings and by blood, with my siblings mated in different packs. We have tried to strengthen to unions to protect Luca. I know at some point something will change to cause the shift where our alliances break down. I just want to give Luca as much time as possible before he takes this all on. I gnaw on my lip as I watch him walk around the pool before sitting down, dipping his legs in, his bright silver eyes shining in the sun.

It’s nice to see Luca as himself. With our family, he doesn’t have to hide. Because of his silver eyes that burning like liquid flame. Caleb had created some glasses for him to dull the colour to a mute grey. His aura rivals my four alpha mates - four grown alpha men, and he is only eight. The level of power in his little hands terrifies and overwhelms him. We all know he is safe here amongst family, those we trust the most, and he doesn’t have to hide. But I know it is only a matter of time before our pack and others begin to notice just how different he really is. That is something I am not ready for. His prophecy came from Selene herself and as much as I want to fight his battles for him, that would mean battling the actual gods to do so.

Each morning I wake praying no one will notice, no one will ask questions. Will see just how different he truly is. I see the curious looks in their eyes, the way the suspicion begins to seep in. It’s one thing for them to acknowledge that he is different. I have no idea what I will do if they see him as a threat.

The glasses Caleb created help but as wolves, it is rare to wear glasses and those add a layer of curiosity. For eight years we have managed to hide his eye colour and explained his incredible aura, strength and speed with the fact he is the first child to be born to five alphas. Our bond is rare and that helps. But when Logan and Violet came along, the difference between them is stark. I watch him as he sits by the pool, his sharp features set in a slight frown his dark blonde hair ruffled on top of his head as he looks at his cousin playing in the pool splashing each other and having fun.

He struggles so much to fit in and it drives his anger far more than anything else. He has ripped off cabinets and destroyed furniture when he gets annoyed. Only to break down afterwards because he feels like he can’t control it. He has a lot of power for someone so young. Gabriel has stitched us all up more times than I can count. To help Luca not feel so guilty and to hide to the pack his strength. Wolves heal quickly at the best of times. His strength is beyond most of our healing. But he is my baby boy and I wish more than anything he didn’t have this burden.