Chapter 13 They Meet Again
It looked like a family. A woman gently sprinkled water from Bluemoon Lake onto her children. The three–year–olds burst into laughter while she gazed at them with warmth in her eyes.
It was a Bluemoon Pack tradition. When a werewolf cub turned three, the first drop of lake water, which was touched by the morning sun, had to be sprinkled on them to bless them with good health.
They look so happy.
That was the thought that crossed Michael’s mind.
If Jessica had survived, if he and Lily had stayed together, their child would have been this age by now. He could have been the one performing this wellness ritual.
The lake in Bluemoon Valley shimmered beautifully beneath the rising sun.
Since Lily’s death, Michael had developed a fear of water, yet today, for reasons he couldn’t explain, he felt the urge to move closer.
Gentle ripples spread across the surface, disturbed by the wind. Staring into them for too long gave him the illusion of being pulled in.
A voice, sharp with urgency, called from behind. “Hey! What are you doing?”
Michael turned and froze. Standing there was a man he never thought he’d see again–Louis.
Taking a step back, Michael suddenly became aware that half his body was already in the lake. No wonder Louis thought he was about to drown himself.
For a long moment, they just stood there in silence. Then, the little girl in Louis‘ arms tilted her head and looked at Michael curiously. “Sir, what are you doing?”
“I…” His voice came out hoarse from disuse. After a slight pause, he managed, “Just admiring the view.”
“You should stand back a bit, she advised with innocent concern. The water is cold.”
Louis said nothing-
Michael hadn’t seen Louis since Lily’s funeral three years ago–the day he’d gone to see her one last time and ended up being beaten by Louis.
Louis let out a humorless chuckle, his expression unreadable. “What a coincidence.” His eyes were distant and cold. “It’s been a while, Alpha Michael!
“It has.”
It felt as though his soul had been torn from his body. Michael stared at Louis blankly, noting his clenched fists and the little girl’s innocent face. His voice was barely a whisper, even to his ears.
“So, you’ve found a mate and had a child?” Michael murmured. “Congratulations.”
The girl giggled. “He’s not my daddy. He-
“That’s enough, baby” Louis cut her off, his expression dark. He held her closer, clearly unwilling to let her say more. “Don’t talk to strangers.”
Obediently, the little girl rested her head on Louis‘ shoulder, stuck out her tongue at Michael, and waved. Michael instinctively waved back.
Louis had returned.
1/2
Chapter 13 They Meet Again
+10 Free Coins
Three years ago, Michael had heard that Louis had resigned from the Bluemoon Pack’s hospital and joined another pack. He never thought he would see him again.
But the truth was, as a werewolf doctor, Louis was no match for an Alpha like Michael.
Back then, their fight had been completely one–sided–Louis landing every hit while Michael made no effort to resist. In that relentless storm of punches, he had lost a fang.
Even now, whenever his tongue brushed against the space, a dull ache spread through his mouth and skull. It was a permanent mark, just like the loss of Lily.
The pain had never faded.
But the fact that Louis now had a child with someone else–that was something Michael hadn’t expected.
Lily had been Louis‘ destined mate.
And yet, in just a few years, Louis had already found another.
Of course, it wasn’t unusual. The Moon Goddess always granted second chances.
But Michael knew he would never be given one. His sins were too deep. He had lost his mate forever.
If only he hadn’t tormented her so cruelly, maybe Lily wouldn’t have thrown herself into that freezing lake.
She had never been suited for the Bluemoon Pack. Southern wolves like her had thinner fur and couldn’t endure the cold.
Even wrapped in scarves and thick jackets, she would still tremble like a fragile creature battling her instincts.
And yet she had stayed for him.
Only now did he truly understand the depth of his coldness and cruelty.
Lily had grieved Jessica’s death as much as anyone, but he and his family had treated her like an intruder, driving her away with sharpened spears when all she wanted was a place in the pack.
He couldn’t forgive himself.
As Michael remained lost in his regrets, Louis had already returned to his car with the child.
Inside, the heater was running, filling the space with warmth. A woman dozed in the backseat, her head resting against the
Louis pressed a finger to his lips, and the little girl, Cici, immediately covered her mouth in understanding.
The car door opening stirred Lily. She rubbed her eyes groggily, her voice still heavy with sleep. “How did it go? Did Cici complete the wellness ritual?”
