Chapter 23 - Wren

Wren felt a wave of relief wash over her as Articus slipped into bed beside her. The events of the past few days had been a blur of fear and uncertainty, but now, in the safety of his arms, she finally felt like she could breathe again.

She scooted closer to him, resting her head on his chest. The familiar scent of him enveloped her—pine, earth, and something uniquely Articus. It was comforting, grounding. This was where she belonged.

"I thought I'd lost you," Articus murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His arms tightened around her as if afraid she might disappear if he let go.

Wren tilted her head up to look at him, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "I thought I'd lost you too," she admitted. "When I heard you talking about marking me and breaking the bond... I thought you wanted to get rid of me."

Articus' eyes widened in surprise, then filled with remorse. "Oh, Wren," he breathed. "That's not what I meant at all. I thought... I thought you felt trapped with me because of the slave brand. I wanted to give you the choice to stay or go."

Wren felt a lump form in her throat—all this time, all this pain, because of a simple misunderstanding. "I don't want to go anywhere," she whispered fiercely. "I love you, Articus. You and our baby... you're my family now."

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Articus' hand came up to cup her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away a tear she hadn't realized had fallen.

"I love you too, Wren," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "More than I ever thought possible. I'm so sorry for everything you've been through because of me."

Wren shook her head, placing her hand over his. "We both made mistakes," she said softly. "But we're here now. Together. That's what matters."

All I want.

Articus leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. Wren melted into it, all the fear and uncertainty of the past few days fading away in the warmth of his embrace.

As the kiss deepened, Wren felt a familiar heat building within her. Her body responded to Articus' touch as it always had, but there was something different this time: a deeper connection, a sense of coming home.

"Are you sure?" Articus murmured against her lips, ever the gentleman, even in moments like these. "You've been through so much..."

Wren answered by pulling him closer, her hands slipping under his shirt to feel the warm skin beneath. "I'm sure," she breathed. "I need you, Articus. I need to feel close to you."

That was all the encouragement Articus needed. With gentle hands, he helped her out of her clothes, his touch reverent as it skimmed over her body. Wren returned the favor, her fingers tracing the familiar planes of his muscled chest and abdomen.

Articus's lips trailed kisses down Wren's body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. His hands caressed her skin, igniting sparks of pleasure wherever they touched. When he reached the apex of her thighs, he paused, his warm breath sending shivers through her.

With a raging hunger in his eyes, Articus buried his face between her legs, his tongue expertly tracing circles around her throbbing clit. Wren's back arched off the bed as she gasped in pleasure, her fingers tangling in his hair, urging him closer.

"Oh yes, just like that," she moaned, her voice husky with need.

Articus's fingers slipped inside her, curling and stroking in all the right places, driving her to the brink of ecstasy. The wet sounds of their intimacy filled the room, a symphony of desire that echoed in her core.

Low feral growls rolled out of him as he breathed deep on her sweet musk. There was a greedy glint in his eyes as he firmly but gently lifted and spread Wren’s thigh to the side.

The sensation of his mouth on her, the flick of his tongue, and the press of his lips sent her spiraling toward an intense climax. Wren's cries of pleasure mingled with his growls of satisfaction, and the room filled with the heady scent of arousal.

As she came down from the high, Wren pulled Articus to her, needing the weight of him on top of her, the connection between them electric and undeniable. Their eyes locked, a silent promise of unbridled passion passing between them.

Articus’ cock glistened with her wetness as he teased her before plunging deep inside her. Wren's moans of pleasure filled the room as he filled her completely, stretching her with a delicious ache that bordered on pain.

The rhythm of their lovemaking was a flowing dance of desire; each thrust a symphony of need that resonated through their bodies. Wren gasped, her nails digging into his back as she met his every movement with equal fervor.

The room was filled with the sounds of their passion—the wet slap of skin on skin, the rhythmic pounding of their bodies, and their shared cries of ecstasy that reverberated off the walls.

As they reached the peak of pleasure together, their bodies trembled with release. Wren's walls clenched around Articus, her name a whispered prayer on his lips as he found his own release inside her.

Their cries of ecstasy filled the room, mingling in a harmonious symphony of pleasure. The intensity of their connection was palpable, a raw acknowledgment of their deep-seated desires.

Breathless and sated, they clung to each other, bodies slick with sweat and skin flushed with passion. In the aftermath of their lovemaking, they lay intertwined, hearts beating as one.

Afterward, they lay tangled in each other's arms, Wren's head tucked under Articus's chin. His hand rested protectively over her stomach, where their child grew.

"I can't believe we're going to be parents," Wren murmured, a mix of excitement and nervousness coloring her voice.

Articus pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I know," he said softly. "It's scary, but... I can't wait to meet our little one. To watch you be a mother."

Wren smiled, snuggling closer to him. "You're going to be an amazing father, Art."

As she drifted off to sleep, safe in Articus's arms, Wren felt a peace she hadn't known in years. For the first time since losing her parents, she felt like she truly belonged somewhere. She had found her pack, her family.

The next few days passed in a blur of rest and recovery. Cassius's pack healer, Elara, visited daily to check on Wren and the baby. Each time, she left with a smile and reassurance that both mother and child were doing well.

Articus barely left Wren's side, fussing over her in a way that was both endearing and slightly exasperating. He made sure she ate regularly, bringing her meals himself and hovering anxiously until she'd cleaned her plate.

"Art, I'm pregnant, not made of glass," Wren laughed one afternoon as he fluffed her pillows for the third time in an hour.

He had the grace to look sheepish. "I know, I know. I just... I want to take care of you. Both of you."

Wren's expression softened. She reached out, taking his hand and placing it on her stomach. "You are," she assured him. "Just by being here."

As her strength returned, Wren began to explore Cassius's fortress. It was a far cry from the rundown bar where she'd worked or the shabby apartment she'd called home. The halls were wide and airy, filled with artwork and tapestries depicting wolf pack history.

Cassius himself proved to be a gracious host, always ready with a kind word or a funny story to lift her spirits. Wren found herself warming to the gruff Alpha, seeing glimpses of the man Articus called family.

One evening, as they sat in the fortress's cozy library, Cassius regaled them with tales of Articus as a pup from the one time he and his Dad had visited the Dark Side. Wren couldn't help but laugh at the image of a young, mischievous Articus getting into all sorts of trouble.

"You should have seen him," Cassius chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Barely waist-high and already trying to boss around wolves twice his size. My father always said he was going to be the greatest Alpha the White Moon pack had ever seen."

Articus groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I was a child," he protested weakly. "You can't hold that against me."

Wren grinned, nudging him playfully. "I don't know," she teased. "I think it's cute. My little Alpha in training."

As the days passed, Wren found herself growing more and more comfortable in her new role. The idea of being an Alpha's mate, of helping to lead a pack, no longer seemed as daunting as it once had. With Articus by her side, she felt like she could face anything.

Still, there were moments of doubt. Late one night, unable to sleep, Wren found herself on one of the fortress's many balconies, staring out at the moonlit landscape.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Articus's voice came from behind her, soft and concerned.

Wren turned, offering him a small smile. "Just thinking about... everything," she admitted. "It's a lot to take in."

Articus came to stand beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Having second thoughts?" he asked, a hint of worry in his tone.

Wren shook her head, leaning into him. "No, not at all. It's just... I've been alone for so long, Art. The idea of suddenly having a whole pack, a whole family... it's overwhelming sometimes."

Articus pressed a kiss to her temple. "I understand," he said softly. "But you don't have to face it alone. We'll figure it out together, step by step. And if it ever gets to be too much, you just have to say the word."

Wren turned in his arms, looking up at him with a mixture of love and gratitude. "What did I do to deserve you?" she murmured.

Articus smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I ask myself the same thing about you every day," he replied.

As the end of the week approached, Wren felt strong enough to consider returning to White Moon. The idea filled her with equal parts excitement and nervousness. This would be her home now, her pack—the place where she and Articus would raise their child.

The night before their planned departure, Cassius hosted a small dinner party in their honor. The dining room was warm and inviting, filled with the delicious aromas of roasted meats and freshly baked bread.

As they ate, Cassius raised his glass in a toast. "To Articus and Wren," he said, his voice carrying across the table. "May your union bring strength to White Moon and usher in a new era of cooperation between our territories."

Wren felt a surge of emotion as she looked around the table. These wolves, who had been strangers just a week ago, now looked at her with warmth and acceptance. It was a far cry from the loneliness she'd known for so long.

After dinner, as they prepared for bed, Wren turned to Articus with a determined look in her eye. "I'm ready," she said simply.

Articus raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Ready for what, Love?"

"To go home," Wren replied. "To White Moon. To start our life together properly."

The smile that spread across Articus's face was radiant. He pulled her into his arms, spinning her around in a moment of pure joy. "Are you sure?" he asked when he set her down, his hands cupping her face gently.

Wren nodded, her smile matching his. "I'm sure," she said. "It's time."

The next morning dawned bright and clear. As they stood on the helipad, saying their goodbyes to Cassius and his pack, Wren felt a mix of emotions swirling within her.

Excitement for the future, gratitude for the kindness she'd been shown, and a touch of sadness at leaving this place that had become a sanctuary in a land she had grown up to believe didn’t possess any such thing.

Cassius approached them, his usual gruff demeanor softened by emotion. He clasped Articus's arm in a warrior's grip, then surprised Wren by pulling her into a gentle hug.

"You take care of each other," he said gruffly as he stepped back. "And don't be strangers. That pup of yours is going to need to know their Uncle Cassius."

Wren felt tears prick in her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything."

Articus nodded, his arm tightening around Wren's waist. "We'll be back soon," he promised. "Maybe for the full moon run?"

Cassius nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "I'll hold you to that."

As they boarded the helicopter, Wren took one last look at the fortress that had been their refuge. Cassius stood on the helipad, a solitary figure waving goodbye. For a moment, Wren thought she saw a glimmer of tears in the tough Alpha's eyes.

The rotors began to spin, drowning out all other sounds. Wren felt Articus' hand slip into hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She looked up at him, seeing all the love reflected in his eyes.

As the helicopter lifted off, Wren waved to Cassius, watching as his figure grew smaller and smaller. The fortress receded into the distance, the rugged landscape of the dark territories spreading out beneath them.

Articus leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke over the noise of the engine. "Ready for our next adventure?"

Wren smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "As long as I'm with you," she replied, "I'm ready for anything."

The helicopter banked, turning toward the White Moon territories.

Toward home .

Epilogue

Wren

"Mama, look! I did it!"

The excited squeal of a child's voice echoed through the sun-dappled forest clearing. Wren looked up from where she was arranging a picnic blanket, a smile blooming on her face as she watched her son, Ash, proudly holding up a small, crudely woven flower crown.

"That's wonderful, Sweetheart!" Wren called back, her heart swelling with pride. At two years old, Ash was a bundle of energy and curiosity, his silver-white hair—a perfect blend of his parents' coloring—glinting in the late afternoon sunlight.

Wren settled back on the blanket, one hand resting on her swollen belly. Their second child was due in just a few short weeks. As she watched Ash toddle over, his chubby legs carrying him as fast as they could, she marveled at how much her life had changed in the past five years.

Gone was the lonely, bitter rogue waitress she'd once been. In her place was a woman who had found her place in the world—as a mate, a mother, and a Luna of the White Moon pack.

Ash plopped down beside her, his little face scrunched up in concentration as he carefully placed the flower crown on her head. "Pretty Mama," he declared, looking pleased with himself.

Wren laughed, pulling him into her arms and peppering his face with kisses. "Thank you, my little wolf," she said. "It's beautiful."

As Ash snuggled into her side, his small hand coming to rest on her belly, Wren's mind drifted back to the early days of their return to White Moon territory. She remembered how nervous she'd been, wondering if the pack would accept a former rogue as their Luna.

But Articus had been right by her side every step of the way, his unwavering support giving her the strength she needed. The pack had welcomed her with open arms, many of them touched by her story and impressed by her resilience.

Juniper, in particular, had become a close friend and confidante. The witch had taken Wren under her wing, teaching her about pack dynamics and the responsibilities of an Alpha female. With Juniper's guidance and Articus' love, Wren had grown into her role, finding a sense of purpose she'd never known before.

"When's Papa coming?" Ash asked, pulling Wren from her reverie.

She smiled down at her son, running a hand through his silky hair. "Soon, little one. He just had to finish up some pack business."

As if summoned by their conversation, a rustle in the nearby bushes announced Articus' arrival. Ash's face lit up, and he scrambled to his feet. "Papa!" he cried, launching himself at Articus as the Alpha emerged from the tree line.

Articus caught his son mid-leap, swinging him up into the air with a laugh that echoed through the clearing. "There's my little warrior!" he exclaimed, settling Ash on his hip. "Have you been taking good care of your mama while I was gone?"

Ash nodded enthusiastically. "I made her a crown, see?" He pointed to the slightly lopsided arrangement of wildflowers perched atop Wren's head.

Articus's eyes softened as he took in the sight of his mate. "You're right, Son. She looks beautiful."

Wren felt a blush creep up her cheeks, even after all these years. The way Articus looked at her never failed to make her heart skip a beat. She held out a hand, and he helped her to her feet, pulling her close and pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

"How are my girls doing?" he asked, his free hand coming to rest on her belly. The sonogram had told them they would be having a girl this time.

Wren smiled, leaning into his touch. "We're good. Though your daughter seems to think my bladder is her personal trampoline."

Articus chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "That's my girl. Strong and spirited, just like her mama."

They settled down on the picnic blanket, Ash immediately diving into the basket of food Wren had packed. As they ate, Articus filled them in on the pack meeting he'd just come from.

"The alliance with Cassius's pack is going well," he said between bites of sandwich. "We've had fewer snatchings since we started coordinating our patrols, and Linus and his cohorts’ operation has been destroyed."

Wren nodded, a sense of satisfaction warming her chest. The improved relations between the two sides of the mountain had been a joint project of hers and Articus'. It was slow going, centuries of mistrust and misunderstanding not easily overcome, but they were making progress.

"Uncle Cassius coming soon?" Ash piped up, his mouth full of apples.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, Sweetie," Wren gently admonished. "And yes, Uncle Cassius will be visiting for the full moon next week."

Ash's face lit up. Despite his gruff exterior, Cassius had a soft spot for his 'nephew', often bringing him little gifts from the other side of the mountain. The big Alpha and his daughter had become regular visitors to White Moon territory, his presence a living symbol of the growing ties between the two packs.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, Wren leaned back against Articus' chest, watching as Ash chased fireflies that had begun to emerge in the gathering twilight.

"Do you ever think about how different things could have been?" she asked softly, tilting her head to look up at her mate.

Articus' arms tightened around her. "Sometimes," he admitted. "But then I look at you, at Ash, at the life we've built together, and I can't imagine anything better than this."

Wren smiled, turning in his arms to press a kiss to the underside of his jaw. "Me neither," she whispered.

A sudden squeal of laughter drew their attention back to Ash, who had managed to catch a firefly and was now watching in wide-eyed wonder as it crawled across his palm.

"Mama, Papa, look!" he called, carefully making his way back to them.

"Well done, little wolf," Articus praised, ruffling Ash's hair as the boy settled between them. "Now, remember what we talked about? We have to let it go so it can go back to its family."

Ash nodded solemnly, his little face scrunched up in concentration as he opened his hand. The firefly sat still for a moment as if stunned before its wings fluttered and it took off into the darkening sky.

"Bye-bye," Ash whispered, waving at the retreating speck of light.

Wren felt her heart swell with love for her little family. These quiet moments, filled with wonder and simple joys, were the ones she treasured most.

As the stars began to twinkle into view, Articus stood up, stretching his long limbs. "I think it's time we headed back," he said, looking down at Ash, who was beginning to rub his eyes sleepily.

Wren nodded, accepting Articus's hand to help her to her feet. As she began to pack up the remnants of their picnic, she felt a familiar stirring in her chest. The pull of the pack bond, a constant background hum that had become as natural to her as breathing.

She reached out through the bond, feeling the steady presence of the pack members back in the town. It still amazed her sometimes, how complete, how right it felt.

This sense of belonging, of being part of something larger than herself. It was everything she'd yearned for in those lonely years as a rogue and more than she'd ever dared to hope for.

As they made their way back through the forest, Ash's energy finally flagged. He raised his arms to Articus, a silent request to be carried. Articus scooped him up easily, settling the boy against his chest, where Ash promptly nestled his face into his father's neck.

Wren walked beside them, one hand linked with Articus' free one, the other resting on her belly where their daughter continued her acrobatics. The forest was alive around them, the night air filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the quiet calls of nocturnal animals.

Wren felt a wave of contentment wash over her as they approached their house. The familiar scents of home surrounded them—wood smoke from the town, the rich aroma of the night's dinner still lingering in the air, and the unique scents of pack members that blended into a comforting whole.

Inside, Wren moved to the kitchen to put away the picnic things while Articus took Ash upstairs to bed. She could hear the low murmur of Articus' voice as he read a bedtime story, the words indistinct but the tone soothing.

He must have insisted he wasn’t sleeping again.

By the time Articus came back downstairs, Wren had settled onto the couch, a cup of herbal tea cradled in her hands. He joined her, pulling her feet into his lap and beginning to massage them gently.

"Did Ash go down okay?" Wren asked, sighing in contentment as Articus' strong fingers worked out the aches in her swollen feet.

“You mean after pretending he was not asleep so I could read to him for a while?” Articus nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "He’s out like a light. That boy could sleep through a hurricane."

Wren chuckled. "Well, he certainly doesn't get that from me. I was always a light sleeper."

"Was?" Articus raised an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Love, you still wake up if a leaf falls wrong outside."

Wren stuck her tongue out at him playfully. "Well, one of us has to be vigilant. You sleep like the dead."

They fell into a comfortable silence; the only sounds were the crackling of the fire in the hearth and the distant chorus of night creatures outside. Wren found her mind wandering again, thinking about the journey that had brought her here.

From a lonely, angry rogue to the mate of an Alpha and mother to a beautiful son—with a daughter on the way. From someone who distrusted all pack wolves to a respected member of a thriving community. The change was so dramatic, sometimes she could hardly believe it herself.

"What are you thinking about?" Articus's voice was soft, his hand now resting warm and comforting on her ankle.

Wren smiled, setting her empty mug aside. "Just... everything. How much has changed. How happy I am."

Articus's eyes softened, filled with a love so deep it made Wren's breath catch. "I'm happy too," he said simply. "Happier than I ever thought possible."

He leaned forward, capturing her lips in a kiss that was tender and passionate all at once. Wren melted into it, her hand coming up to cup his cheek.

When they finally parted, both a little breathless, Articus rested his forehead against hers. "I love you, Wren," he murmured. "You and Ash and this little one," he placed a hand on her belly, "you're my whole world."

Wren felt tears prick at her eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in his voice. "I love you too," she whispered. "So much."

A small noise from upstairs caught their attention—Ash stirring in his sleep. They both paused, listening, but the house soon fell silent again.

Articus chuckled softly. "I should probably go check on him," he said, pressing one more quick kiss to Wren's lips before standing.

Wren watched as he made his way upstairs, his footsteps nearly silent on the wooden floor. A few moments later, she heard the creak of Ash's bedroom door opening.

Unable to resist, she heaved herself to her feet and followed, pausing in the doorway of Ash's room.

The sight that greeted her made her heart swell with love. Articus was standing by Ash's bed, their son cradled in his arms. Ash's head was tucked under Articus' chin, and his little hand fisted in his father's shirt even in sleep.

Articus was swaying gently, humming a lullaby under his breath. As Wren watched, he pressed a tender kiss to the top of Ash's head.

Feeling her presence, Articus looked up, his eyes meeting hers over Ash's silver-white hair. Without a word, he held out his free arm in invitation.

Wren moved into the room, fitting herself against Articus' side. His arm wrapped around her, pulling her close, and suddenly, their little family was complete—Articus holding Ash, Wren tucked against his side, and their unborn daughter nestled safely between them.

In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of her mate and the soft breathing of her son, Wren knew with absolute certainty that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

And that feeling? That feeling was fucking infinite.

*****

THE END

Hi! I hope you liked reading “The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate”. The next part in this series is “The Alpha's Pretend Mate”. Check out the book and grab your copy below:

The Alpha's Pretend Mate

My brother’s best friend always ignored my plus-size curves, breaking my heart.

He’s a powerful alpha now. And I? I buried my crush on him and tried to move on.

But when a baby girl is dropped on his doorstep, he suddenly needs a live-in nanny: Me.

I’m forced to do it, even if it hurts. Especially when I have to pretend to be his mate…

I knew it was a bad idea to get close to him again. It can only get me hurt.

But I desperately need the money, so I’m forced to live with the pain.

Things get more complicated when pack politics demand that I be sold off and traded for peace.

The only way out is for him to claim me as his pretend mate.

He’s distant and polite, while I struggle with my lingering feelings and our pretend arrangement.

Is it pretending when his tongue invades my starved mouth as if he owns me?

Is it pretending when he teases my weak body as if it belongs to him?

Lines are getting blurry and my body is confused. Is he just playing with me?

Or am I the Alpha’s fated mate?

Get “The Alpha's Pretend Mate” now