Blood moon

Chapter 96. Himself

Hunter had been mulling things over for a long time. He wanted something different for himself. He thought about the possibility of leaving the pack, of lightening the burdens he carried on his shoulders because he wanted to be with Andrea, especially now that she was pregnant. He yearned for a moment with her because lately, he felt like he didn't see her enough.

One evening, as the moon hung low in the sky, casting a gentle glow on the forest clearing, Hunter decided to act on his desires. He had asked Andrea to meet him at their favorite spot, a serene glade with a small, sparkling stream running through it. The scent of pine and wildflowers filled the air, and the sound of crickets provided a soothing backdrop to their meeting.

Andrea arrived, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

—You asked me to meet you here. What's on your mind, Hunter?

Hunter took a deep breath, his gaze locked onto Andrea's.

—I've been thinking a lot lately, Andrea. About us, our future, and what I want.

Andrea tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips.

—Tell me, Hunter. What's been on your mind?

Hunter stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently cradle her face.

—I want more time with you, Andrea. I want to be there for you and our child. I want to cherish every moment we have together.

Andrea's eyes shimmered with emotion as she placed her hand over Hunter's.

—Hunter, that's what I've always wanted too. I love you.

Hunter leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, lingering kiss. As they pulled away, he whispered

—And I love you, Andrea. From now on, I'm going to make every moment count, starting with this one.

They settled down for their picnic, hand in hand, under the moonlit sky, their hearts filled with love and hope for the future.

Under the soft moonlight, Hunter and Andrea savored the delicious picnic that Hunter had prepared with care. There was a spread of savory sandwiches, crisp, fresh salads, and a variety of sweet treats. The aroma of the food mixed with the scent of the surrounding forest, creating a sensory delight.

As they enjoyed their meal, Andrea looked at Hunter with affection in her eyes.

—You've outdone yourself, Hunter. This is amazing.

Hunter chuckled, a warm smile on his face.

—Well, I figured a special day deserved a special meal.

They continued to talk, sharing stories and dreams, as they often did. Hunter's worries about the pack and his desire for a different path in life came up again.

Andrea reached out and took his hand, her touch reassuring.

—Hunter, it's natural to have these thoughts. But remember, we're a team. We'll face whatever comes together, just like we always do.

Hunter nodded, gratitude in his eyes.

—You're right, Andrea. I don't know what I'd do without you.

She squeezed his hand gently.

—You don't have to find out, because I'm right here with you. We'll navigate this journey together.

Their conversation was filled with tenderness and love, and as they finished their meal, they lay back on the blanket, gazing up at the starlit sky.

Andrea rested her head on Hunter's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

—Hunter, no matter where life takes us, as long as we're together, everything will be okay.

Hunter wrapped his arm around her, holding her close.

The moment was filled with love and intimacy. With their gazes deeply connected, Hunter and Andrea slowly leaned in towards each other. Their lips met in a gentle yet passionate kiss, sealing their commitment and mutual love.

It was a kiss filled with promises and hopes, a reminder that together they could overcome any obstacle. The whisper of the leaves in the wind seemed to celebrate their love, and in that moment, they knew that they could face the future with unwavering strength and devotion.

—Andrea, you are my anchor. I love you more than words can express.

They lay there, hand in hand, hearts entwined, watching the stars twinkle above, feeling the warmth of their love surround them. In that moment, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them with unwavering love and support for each other.

After their romantic kiss, Hunter held Andrea close, his hand resting gently on her abdomen where their child was growing. He spoke softly, his voice filled with warmth and concern.

—Andrea— he began —how are you feeling about the pregnancy? I want to know how you're really doing.

Andrea nestled closer to him, her head resting on his chest. She let out a contented sigh.

—I'm excited, Hunter. Scared at times, too, but mostly excited. Knowing that we're bringing a new life into this world, our world, it's a beautiful feeling.

Hunter pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his heart swelling with love for both Andrea and their unborn child.

—I'm excited too, Andrea. I promise I'll do everything I can to support you through this journey. Our child is going to have an incredible mother.

Andrea smiled, her eyes filled with tenderness.

—And our child is going to have an amazing father, too. We'll figure this out together, Hunter. We have each other, and that's all we need.

They lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, the forest around them serenading their intimate moment. As they talked about their hopes and dreams for their growing family, they felt a deep sense of connection and love, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, hand in hand.

The night continued to embrace them, and they spoke softly about the future. Andrea shared her dreams of a loving family, filled with laughter and joy. She expressed her hope that their child would grow up surrounded by nature and the beauty of the forest, just like they were experiencing that evening.

Hunter listened intently, his heart swelling with love for Andrea and their unborn child.

—I can't wait to see our child's face for the first time— he said with a tender smile —To hold them in my arms and show them the wonders of this world.

Andrea's eyes glistened with emotion as she replied

—I know you'll be an amazing father, Hunter. Your strength and love will guide our family.

As the night grew darker, they decided to pack up their picnic. They walked hand in hand through the moonlit forest, their hearts filled with love and anticipation for the journey that lay ahead.

With each step, they knew that their love would continue to grow, that they would face the challenges of parenthood together, and that their bond would only strengthen as they embarked on this beautiful chapter of their lives.