Twice Fated

Chapter 9:Rick's Proposal

Bella…” Rick’s voice broke the silence as he stepped closer to her. “Can I ask you something? Why were you in the woods? Did somebody chase you? Hurt you?”

Bella looked up at him, her chest rising and falling as she debated whether to trust him with the truth. Finally, she decided.

“I was chased,” she admitted, her voice soft but resolute. “Two warriors from my old pack. I didn’t realize I was passing through your territory.”

Rick’s expression shifted to one of concern, then softened with something she couldn’t quite place.

“Whatever it is,” he said, his tone gentle but firm, “I’m glad I was the one who found you. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Bella blinked in surprise, her lips parting as if to question him, but he spoke again before she could find her voice.

“Bella… who owns the child?” His voice was tinged with an unmistakable sadness, his dark eyes shimmering with unspoken pain.

Her breath hitched. A lump formed in her throat, and her vision blurred as the weight of his question settled over her. The pain and shame she had buried for so long surged to the surface, crashing over her like a relentless tidal wave. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, the words feeling like shards of glass in her throat.

“It’s Alpha Cole,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rick’s face contorted in anguish. His jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

“Alpha Cole Collins of the Blood Stone Pack?” he spat, his voice laced with fury. “That bastard.”

For a moment, an angry silence filled the air between them. Then Rick took a deep breath, his expression softening as he turned to Bella.

“Marry me, Bella,” he said, his voice steady and full of conviction. “I promise to protect you and love you. We will raise the child together. We’ll teach him to be brave, to be kind. We’ll be there for him every step of the way, cheering him on, supporting him, and loving him with everything we have.”

Bella’s eyes filled with tears. She could feel the sincerity in Rick’s words, the strength of his promise wrapping around her like a warm embrace.

“Thank you, Rick,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, I will marry you. And I promise to be a good Luna Queen here in River Bed Pack. I’ll stand by your side, always.”

I caressed my stomach softly, a strange feeling of warmth and comfort washing over me. I am not alone now; I have Rick with me, who has promised to love and protect me. And I will do everything to protect the little unborn child in my womb. I need to be strong, not just for myself but for my baby. I am thankful to the Moon Goddess for giving me a second chance mate. Rick is a good and wonderful mate.

“Rick,” I said, my voice soft yet firm, “can we not talk about Cole? And… I want to keep my identity a secret.” I paused, then continued, “As of now, I don’t want anyone to know that I am the… former Luna of the Blood Stone Pack.” The words felt heavy as they left my mouth, but a new sense of relief washed over me after I managed to say them.

“I understand. We’ll keep it between us,” Rick replied, his eyes softening with understanding. I smiled,relieved.His support meant everything to me,and I was grateful for that. I am also grateful to Moon Goddess for giving me such a wonderful mate,the Alpha King Rick.