Chapter 179: Chapter 181

Chapter 93- Second Chance

“Miracles were just second chances if you really thought about it—second chances when all hope was lost.“–Kaya

McLaren

Darien

I never thought this would happen to me; to hold my second–chance mate–my mate in my arms.

After Odessa, I thought I’d never love again. I closed out every possibility of a broken heart, caging my own in a steel prison. Odessa had hurt me beyond belief; manipulating and taking advantage of me while she pursued another behind my back. Fed with lies, I questioned my worth as both a man and a mate and decided to never open my heart again, to protect myself and Sirius.

Now Sirius howled in joy, and my heart sprung free from its man–made containment. Mara’s muffled squeak invaded my eardrums as her shaky arms wrapped around me. Her chocolate and cinnamon scent made my soul cry with joy. I detected a hint of mocha, and I loved it. I absolutely loved it. My heart was singing its highest praises to the gods of heaven, especially my Moon Goddess. The vow I made to never love again incinerated to ash, birthing anew for this witch I met two months ago.

Thank you, Selene! Thank you so much!

Mara’s blonde hair tickled my chin, telling me that her veil had slipped. “Oh.” Immediately, I released her, keeping her at arm’s length as my cheeks heated. “I–I’m sorry, Mara, I shouldn’t have been so forward.”

“No harm done, Darien.” Mara shined a modest smile, adjusting her veil by taking it off and resting the fabric inside her satchel. “Ariel told me this would happen. I didn’t believe her at first, but I had to see it for myself.”

“Ariel?” I asked, eyes widening. “Ariel is… with you?”

“Yeah! You wouldn’t believe how we met. I was coming back from a hike with my moms when I found her spirit sitting on my bed. She had chosen me as her new human. We chatted, Moms did a ritual to bind us together for life and… here we are.”

*I… I never heard of this happening.”

“Akin to the soul separation, the bonding ritual between a wolf and their newly chosen host is just as rare.” Estella pressed an arm on Mara’s shoulder, squeezing it with affection. “When Mara told us what had happened, we were astonished to see the sweet wolf spirit had taken a liking to them so quickly. In my heart, I knew this bond would stand the testament of time.”

“So, Mara is officially a werewolf.” Alpha Anthony proclaimed. I forgot he was here with us.

“Yes, and Mara kept her abilities as a witch. She is now a hybrid.”

Hybrid or not, Mara was wonderful. Her sunset eyes found mine, searching for something I couldn’t decipher. Was she looking for trust? Doubt? Sirius wanted to leap out of my chest to meet and comfort both her and Ariel.

“She just has to shift for the first time.” Marjorie mentioned. Mara stiffened and looked down at a striking patch of grass beneath her shoes, fidgeting in her place. Concern shot through my chest like a bullet.

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Chapter 93–Second Chance

“You didn’t shift yet?” I asked her. She shook her head.

“Ariel wanted to be here to do it, which is why we came. Shifting is tough, but since I’m an adult as opposed to a teenager, she said I needed your help to make sure things don’t go wrong.”

“You can trust Darien.” Phoebe grinned at Mara, coming to my defense. “He is an honorable man, I promise you, Mara.” Mara shot a pained glance at Phoebe before nodding, huffing in a profound sigh, with her eyes fluttering close.

“Can my Moms be with me during the shift?”

“Anything to make you comfortable.” The last thing I wanted was Mara to feel uncomfortable around me. A suspicion stirred in my chest that she was hiding something from me, but whatever it was, I’m sure she’ll tell me when the time was right. “There is an area in the forest that is secluded away from the eyes of the pack house. Kiya, do you mind if we use your shifting space?”

“I don’t mind at all!” Happiness stirred in my chest when I looked at her. Her color was back, and her vibrancy shone brighter. I was glad she was okay after these bleary two months. Mara’s head shot in her direction, with her mouth dropping open.

“Kiya? You’re Selene’s-!”

“Avatar? Yup. We can talk more about that after your shift.” She shot Mara a wink, causing gentle pink to colonize on her cheeks. “Good luck!”

It didn’t take long for the four of us to find the secluded spot disguised by redwood trees and earth. Pebbles crunched underneath the soles of our shoes with the mossy perfume of Mother Nature welcomed us into her territory. No matter how many times I run through the woods, her presence never ceases to make me feel safe.

“This is the place.” I announced. “Now, Mara, all you have to do is-”

Mara threw herself behind the largest bush in the area, green shielding her body from my view. She squeaked again, ruffling the leaves as she stomped three times. “It’s alright! I just killed a spider!”

I rose an eyebrow, unsure whether I should be confused or amused. I turned to look at Marjorie and Estella, but the most they offered me were uneasy smiles as they went to their daughter.

“Mara, are you sure you don’t want to come out here?” I asked, now concerned.

Her sharp laughter, layered with her anxiety, echoed in the space. “I’m fine right here!”

“You sure?”

“Positive!”

“Mara is…” Estella droned, working on the best words to say next. “Not comfortable stripping in the presence

of others.”

“But, we’re her mate!” Sirius exclaimed. “We can make her feel better, right?”

“I have faith, but it is up to Mara. She discovered our bond no less than twenty minutes ago. She needs time.”

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Chapter 93–Second Chance

“That’s alright.” I gave a hearty smile to the woman, finding a boulder to sit on and wait. “She can come out when she is ready.” The bush leaves continued to rustle with Mara’s movement, her clothing popping from behind, handing them to her mothers. After the last of her garments were discarded, I continued to sit, waiting for her to emerge.

But she didn’t. She still hid.

“Mara? Are you okay?”

“Yes! I’m just not used to being nude in the forest!”

“It is mind–boggling at first, but the more times you shift, the more Mother Nature will accommodate you. She holds no ill will to the wolves who enter her domain, especially the new ones.” Mara grunted in response and ceased her shuffling. Marjorie and Estella glanced at each other before craning their heads behind the bush, their eyes glossing over in white as their mind–links opened.

After a while, my concern became unbearable. Mara deserved to shift in a safe space, but I couldn’t help but wonder if she feared me. Was I too intimidating? Did we get off to a horrendous start? Was my presence that alarming to her? My heart dropped in fear while Sirius whimpered, desperate to get closer to comfort her.

Maybe I should try a different approach.

“Mara?” I called out again, rising to my feet. “You don’t want me to see you, right?”

There was a pregnant pause between the bush and me. A small sigh floated from behind as her mothers. shifted their bodies to sit on the forest floor. “I’m… not ready for that, Darien. I’m sorry.”

“There is no need to be sorry, Mara.” She had nothing to apologize for. “Is there anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable?” Another pause followed, but not for long, because Mara’s bare hand shot out from the bush, flexing her fingers.

“Can… can you hold my hand while I shift?”

“I will.” I walked over, kneeled on the ground, and held her supine hand in my own. Her hand was smaller and softer in mine, and I couldn’t help but relish it by running my thumb over the back of her hand. There was something she was hiding from me. Her embarrassment sunk into my skin like quicksand. She didn’t want me to see her, and there was nothing on this earth that could anger me about that. I will happily wait until the day she is comfortable enough to tell me what is bothering her.

Until then, I’ll support her in every way that I can.

“Alright, Mara. Take in a deep breath.” Marjorie said, her arm disappearing behind the bush. “You and Ariel are one. Allow her to come forth in your mind and body. Let go of the shackles chaining you to your body and lean into your wolf for support. Your shift will hurt, but Darien, your mother, and I are here by your side. Just breathe through the pain and it’ll all be over sooner than you realize.”

There was a long bout of silence.

Mara’s breathing equalized into gentle puffs.

Then the screaming started.

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Her titanium grip squeezed my hand as the discordance of bones snapping shattered the surrounding air. Sirius battered against my chest, trying to claw his way toward Mara, but I pushed him back. Her mothers cooed and murmured words of encouragement to her, trying to ease the thick tension in the air.

This was Mara’s shifting ceremony. Her official entry into Wolfhood. It wasn’t the same as having the entire pack’s support, but this was the next best thing.

Brown fur sprouted from her skin, growing in thickness and length. Growls mixed with her screams as the volume of her snapping increased in speed and in volume. Her furry palm lengthened and stubbed, her sharp claws sprouted, and dug into my skin.

Come on, Mara! You’re almost there! Just a little more! I believe in you!

After a grueling couple of minutes, the growling and screaming ceased. Mara’s hand, or paw, shot back into the bush at the speed of light. The leaves rustled in both movement and the pleasant wind blowing through us, soothing the accumulating heat in the air. The women gasped, grinning tearfully as they sang their compliments to their child.

“Oh, you look gorgeous!” Estella exclaimed.

“That’s our little trooper. You completed your first shift. Welcome, Ariel.” Marjorie grinned.

I took a step back, watching as beautiful Ariel emerged from the bush, her emerald eyes ensnaring mine into their glittering beauty. Mara did it! Ariel was here! Dropping to my knees, Ariel trotted over and buried her snout into my chest, growling and sniffing me.

Heat swam down my cheeks, dripping on my arms. I’m not a crier, but today, I’ll happily claim that title. Not only have I found a person who I know I’ll love with my whole heart, Sirius got his second chance to meet Ariel again. His clawing got intolerable, because I knew he wanted to be with Ariel. To run, just as they were supposed to.

“Wait here.” I whispered in Ariel’s pointed ears. I made haste with stepping behind a tree, stripping out of my clothes, and allowing Sirius to take over. In less than a minute, he trotted over to Ariel and nuzzled his nose into the crook of her neck with uncontained love.

Marjorie and Estella laughed as they watched Ariel and Sirius run into the woods with renewed energy. My mind wandered to Mara inside Ariel, wondering how she was feeling. We don’t have an official link as we are still unmated, but when and if that time comes, I’ll do everything in my power to make certain no harm comes

to her.

Odessa was my first love and first heartbreak, but Mara is the drink of cool water after walking miles in an infinite desert. I wanted to know more about her and what made her unique. I wanted to be the shoulder she can cry on, the support she seeks, and the person to mend her hurt. No matter what, I’ll do and be the best man and mate for her.

That is the newest vow I’m making to my Moon Goddess as a promise to guard Mara’s heart from all those who wish to harm it.

Hmm. I guess Neron’s trouble was a blessing in disguise.

Kiyar

The happiness Darlen deserved had come to him as a medicinal witch. His smiles shined with his glee every time Mara was in his vicinity like she was a noble monarch. Mara and her mothers opted to stay for a week for those two to get to know each other. Neither she nor Darien had made the option for Mara to move to Garnet Moon officially. But whatever decision those two make, I know it’ll be the right one.

Asim had returned to Egypt with his Osiris‘ ashes while I was in the coma. My heart wept that he lost his brother, but it soared, knowing he’ll never touch me or my life again. Nadia and Lucien are living comfortably In my pack and are deciding if to become official members or not. Just like me, they’ll no longer live with the threat of danger hanging over them,

A few days had passed, and I found myself on Zircon Moon territory, this time at the pond. Dad and Anthony had to speak with Neron about the mysterious project he was working on, so I opted to staying around a recognizable place, I wasn’t sure if I could stomach looking at the pack house without being reminded of what I’ve done as Lady Sanguine. But the nausen wasn’t as powerful as the memory of the conflict.

Diana sang her song from a tree branch several feet above me, her neck elongating to follow the flight of smaller birds zipping in her view. My fingers danced on the surface of the pond, ripples stretching from my fingertips. This was where the chaos of my life had started, but now it didn’t have the same impact as it did

before.

I didn’t have the urge to regurgitate my lunch at the thought of being here.

“I thought I’d find you here.” I turned my head to see Neron approaching. He took a seat on the rock next to me, folding his hands on his knees. “Are you okay with being here?”

“Yeah. It doesn’t affect me as much as it did before.” I answered, shuffling to a rock myself. “How did your

meeting go?”

“It went well. I think I have something solid going for the next couple of weeks.”

“Are you ever going to tell me about this project of yours?” I arched an eyebrow. “Does it have to be this big

secret?”

“For now.” Neron shrugged. “At least, a secret to the masses. I was wondering when it would be a good time to tell you, but now is a good time as any.”

“Does it have to do with me?” I asked.

“A little. You were a slight inspiration.” Neron smirked, digging into his pocket and pulling out a small object. His Alpha ring. He stared at it for a moment, turning and inspecting it like a jeweler searching for a phony diamond. “Someone once told me that my fate wasn’t mine to choose, but I sure as hell could change it. It starts with getting rid of this thing here.”

I blinked, trying to put the puzzle pieces in my mind together. “You’re getting rid of your Alpha ring? You don’t want to be Alpha anymore?”

“While this ring represents my status as Alpha, I’m still one with or without it.” He explained. “I won’t be getting rid of my status, just the bonds it holds.”

Chapter 93–Second Chance

Once the pieces fit together, a gasp escaped my mouth, my eyes widening with shock. “Neron… are you…?”

“I’m disbanding the Zircon Moon Pack for good.”

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