Rejected Luna, Chose Single Daddy as My Mate

Going Home

Amelia's POV

Last night with Ryan and the children was unexpectedly warm. A glimpse of a life I hadn’t realized I longed for. The triplets have utterly enchanted me. Their laughter is the sweetest melody, their boundless energy both exhausting and endearing.

This morning, I found the motel kitchen silent and untouched, so I filled it with the sizzle of bacon, the rich scent of fresh eggs, and the warmth of pancakes stacked high. When Ryan entered, his startled expression spoke volumes. Didn't his ex Luna ever cook for him? Do they survive on cold cereal and the occasional Omega’s efforts?

After we ate breakfast, it was time for me to go to my grandfather's pack. I am going to miss the triplets, and I wish that I could keep them for myself, but I know that their daddy loves them a lot. He will not be able to survive without them, so I cannot take them with me, but maybe I can convince him that they can stay with me for a few days. It is the holidays, and they don't need to go to school.

I already have a bond with them, and I do not want anything to happen to them. These children have carved a place in my heart as deeply as my own unborn child, and I’ll fight for them with the same ferocity. Ryan is my mate. My wolf knows this truth even as my mind rebels.

However, I am afraid to commit to anyone again and be cheated on again. I am afraid to have another Leona in my life. What if Ryan is not ready to have a new mate? What if history repeats itself? What if there is someone like Leona in his life who will kill my baby to be with him? Besides, can I ask an alpha to have another man's child as his own? Many Alphas do not want to do that. They do not want to be responsible for the child of another man. I am afraid that it may happen again, and he may kill my baby because he does not want me to have a baby with another man. There are so many scenarios playing off in my head, and I want to protect my child. I will not allow my child to die in this life.

As we pull up to my grandparents’ house, their relieved embraces anchor me. They are very happy to see me, and I can see that they are glad that I am safe.

"Are you okay? Honey, we've been worried to death about you." Grandfather’s voice was rough with concern as he pulled me into a crushing embrace. "We heard what happened at Lucas's birthday party. You know that we don't get invited because he doesn't like us."

"Alpha Ryan, I cannot thank you enough for standing up for my granddaughter and not allowing Lucas to hurt her. I don't like that little bastard!" His grip tightened before he turned to Ryan, eyes glinting with gratitude. "I was very against their wedding because I knew that they were not mates and that they were only getting married because of pack loyalty. Lucas never wanted us to come and visit because he did not want us to come close to Amelia. Had I known he was dishonoring her with some back-alley affair, I’d have torn his throat out myself."

Grandmother’s gaze dances between Ryan and me. Does she sense it? The electric pull between us, the way the air thickens when we stand too close? She’s always seen truths before they’re spoken. My grandmother is a very wise woman, and I believe that she knows that there's something between Ryan and me.

I know we're all going through a very difficult time because of what happened between Lucas and me, and I do not want Lucas to come after my grandfather or his back. But I know that he is too cowardly to do that because my grandfather's pack is mighty, and he has mighty allies like Alpha Ryan.

"Alpha Ryan," my grandmother began, her voice warm as summer honey, "as thanks for protecting our Amelia, won't you and these precious pups join us for dinner?" She knelt down to level with the triplets, "What do you say, little ones? Would you like that?"

Before Ryan could say anything, the triplets agreed.

"Yes! Yes!" Tammy clapped her hands together, her brothers bouncing beside her. "Can we call you Grandma? You look just like how a grandma should look! And Grandpa too! We've never had grandparents close by before."

"Oh, my darlings, nothing would make me happier." My grandmother smiled and stood up, smoothing her skirts. "Now come inside. I've got a fresh cake waiting, and there's always room for more at my table."

With a conspiratorial wink to Ryan, she added, "And these three can stay the night. Their father may collect them tomorrow. If he can bear to be parted from them so long."

"Alpha Ryan," Grandfather said, clapping a hand on Ryan’s shoulder, "Walk with me. There are a lot of things that I want to show you. I want to show you where the ropes come through." His eyes flicked meaningfully toward Grandmother and me. "Let's leave the two women to talk. I believe that they have a lot to talk about. I can feel that they want to be alone."

A knowing glint passed between them. Grandfather had always been perceptive. He likely sensed the unspoken bond humming between Ryan and me the moment we arrived.

As they walked away, I caught Grandfather murmuring to the triplets, "I’d be honored to stand as your grandfather. Something tells me we’ll be family soon enough."

My cheeks warmed. Of course, they knew. Grandmother’s sharp eyes missed nothing, and Grandfather’s wisdom ran deeper than the Black Lake itself. I know they will think that I am not happy about having a new mate so quickly after what Lucas has done. My grandparents know me better than my parents do.

The kitchen enveloped us in the scent of vanilla and cinnamon as Grandmother handed each child a generous slice of cake.

"Eat up, my dears," she chimed, her voice light but her gaze heavy with unasked questions. The moment their laughter turned toward their treats, she turned to me, hands clasped. "Now, my heart… tell me everything."