Blood moon

Chapter 67. She Cried

The shadows of night lengthened over the forest, casting a blanket of darkness as the moon rose in the starry sky. In the midst of this magical and silent setting, two figures stood face to face, at a meeting point between family ties, responsibilities and the deep secrets that had marked their lives. Hunter Halland, the red-eyed alpha, faced his older brother, Harley, whose magnificence and power had been transformed into human frailty by the goddess who had created the werewolves.

Hunter fixed his intense gaze on Harley, observing the lines of his human face, which still bore the distinctive features of his wolf heritage. The conversation ahead would not be easy, but it was necessary in order to understand the repercussions of his actions and make decisions for the benefit of all involved.

Harley, his golden eyes now hidden behind brown irises, looked at him with a mixture of melancholy and resignation. The goddess had punished his pride and power by turning him human, an irony that constantly reminded him of the importance of humility and redemption.

—Hunter— Harley began in a soft but weighty voice —I know my actions have affected all of us, but especially you and Andrea.

Hunter nodded solemnly, aware of the complexity of the situation they faced.

—Andrea is in the middle of all this, and we must face the consequences of our decisions.

Andrea, the human who had come into their lives with her charm and vulnerability, had been a point of connection and conflict between the brothers. The relationship she shared with Hunter was undeniable, but there was also a shared history with Harley that had scarred their family ties.

—We need to talk to her— Hunter continued firmly —Tell her the truth and make sure she's comfortable and safe here.

Harley nodded, his expression full of understanding.

—She deserves to know everything, and she deserves to make a decision based on the truth.

Hunter looked at his brother with a mixture of determination and concern.

—Harley, we also need to talk about us and how we're going to handle this situation.

Harley nodded, seeming to agree that the conversation needed to address the complex dynamics between them.

—I know Andrea has a soft spot for you. I can't deny that that hurts, but I understand that there's a lot more at stake here.

Hunter sighed, recognizing the truth in his brother's words.

—What I feel for Andrea is genuine, but I don't want her to feel pressured to make a decision based on feelings of obligation. After all, he just saved her from the clutches of George Garroway.

Harley looked at his brother with gratitude, understanding the difficulty of the situation Hunter faced.

—So, what do you propose?

Hunter looked him in the eye, his gaze revealing a mixture of determination and resolve.

—Andrea will stay in the family home, as we have already determined. We will both protect and care for her, regardless of our differences. But the decision about what she wants to do with her life and the baby will be hers.

Harley seemed to consider his brother's proposal, his gaze reflecting a mixture of gratitude and acceptance.

—I accept your terms, Hunter. It's time we face the consequences of our actions and build a path based on responsibility and respect.

The forest seemed to murmur its approval as the brothers shared their decision. The full moon continued to rise in the sky, observing the encounter with its radiant presence. Though the circumstances were complicated and the challenges daunting, the Hallands were united by an unbreakable brotherly bond and a shared determination to do the right thing.

Hunter turned to Harley with a serious but also compassionate expression.

—However, there is one point on which we differ. I feel Andrea should have the option of joining the pack as the alpha's mate. Her connection to me and her commitment to our world are undeniable.

Harley frowned, his gaze intense as he considered his brother's words.

—I understand your arguments, Hunter, but I also see the value in allowing her the option of a normal life, away from our responsibilities as werewolves.

Hunter nodded respectfully, knowing the differences between them were inevitable.

—I understand your concerns, Harley. We both want what's best for Andrea, but our views are different.

Harley ran a hand through his hair, looking deep in thought.

—This is a difficult situation, Hunter. My own experiences as a human have shown me the value of freedom and simplicity. I want Andrea to have the choice to live a life without the complications of our werewolf existence.

Hunter nodded with understanding, his expression softening as he considered his brother's arguments.

—I appreciate your perspective, Harley. We both want Andrea to make an informed and authentic decision.

The forest continued to rustle softly in the background as the brothers exchanged views. The full moon continued its slow ascent, watching the encounter with its silent glow.

Harley looked at Hunter earnestly.

—I propose that Andrea be given time to consider her options. Let her stay here in the family home, where we will be available to her for whatever she needs. But the final decision about her path will be hers.

Hunter considered his brother's proposal, appreciating his sensitivity to Andrea and his desire for her to be in control of her own destiny.

—I agree, Harley. That is a fair and respectful decision.

The brothers shared a moment of silence, their brotherly connection communicating what words could not fully express. As the full moon continued to rise in the sky, Hunter and Harley realised they were at a pivotal point in their lives. The goddess had left her mark, and now it was up to them to take charge of their destiny, face the consequences of their actions and build a future based on love, compassion and unity.

—Harley, I want you to know that my feelings for Andrea are deep and genuine— Hunter said sincerely —But I understand that our perspectives differ, and I'm willing to respect her choice.

Harley nodded with a grateful look.

—Hunter, I admire your integrity and your ability to consider all sides of this situation. No matter what the outcome, what matters most is that we make decisions based on respect and love.

Hunter nodded, grateful for his brother's words.

—The most important thing is that we stick together as a family and provide Andrea with the support she needs during this crucial time.

—I agree— agreed Harley, his tone charged with a shared sense of responsibility.

The brothers shared a moment of silence, their brotherly connection speaking beyond words. As the moon continued to rise in the sky, Hunter and Harley realised they were at a pivotal moment in their lives. The goddess had left her mark, and now it was up to them to take charge of their destiny, face the consequences of their actions and build a future based on love, compassion and unity.

Harold Halland knew that his two sons were having a tense conversation, now without ever imagining it, it was his youngest son who had complete control of the pack and also found himself allied with the Goddess who created the werewolves, it was all an unreal feeling.

He couldn't understand how life had lined up for that, now he had this woman in the house. He had treated her with understanding, after all she was pregnant, she had the next leader of the pack in her womb, it didn't matter if it was a girl or a boy, as long as she was alpha, she ruled, based on the experience of alpha grandfather, alpha father, there would be no doubt what her eyes would be like, whoever had the baby would have the future.

Andrea found herself in a foreign chamber, utterly bewildered. A few hours ago, she was restrained in a tube, listening to George Garroway's account of his fight with Hunter Halland, the man who had unmistakably loved her the most. Now, she was under the same roof as the entire Halland family. She gasped, realising that it was a risky situation, and that her future was uncertain. She knew that it was irrevocably linked to that of the Halland werewolf pack. The baby in her womb was a part of that realm, and nature would inevitably catch up with her, even if she desired to flee from that world.

She cried for what she felt were many hours, she stood in front of the windowed doors in the room. The dawn rose at dawn, her eyes were swelling, she felt very sad, she hoped very much that she would be able to meet her mother at some point, she had many doubts about how the pregnancy and delivery would go, her whole life was taking a one hundred and eighty degree turn.