Anne sat at the gate waiting to board withhrr father, daughter,ex-mate and his father. So much had happened in so few hours that her head spun. Yet, she felt.oddly at peace, a peace she had not.felt.since she was a child in the pack. She.closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She had been a rebellious teen. She fought all things "destiny" oriented. Her mama used to speak to her of the Moon Goddess and destiny as if those things were real. Anne recalled the day she saw the most confusion mixed with pain in her mama's eyes. It was the day she laughed at her mama's going on and on about finding her mate and being the Luna. Anne now shook her head at her stubborn, rebellious self. She looked over at her dad, Romero. He had aged so much. Had she contributed to his rapid aging? She was sure she had. Instead of her dad retiring and enjoying Mama, he had to stay Alpha because she walked away.
She glanced at her daughter. She had no idea who she was even until recently and yet look at her now. She stood proud and assured of herself. She had never been that way, even when she was top of her class. She was built for this, wasn't she?
And Rodney...Rodney. She had rejected him even when she knew she was not only mated to him but actually loved him. "Anne?" Rodney startled her.
"Hi." Anne actually sounded shy. Belinda was listening without being obvious. Her mother shy? Hmmm.
"I was wondering if we could talk?"
"Sure. I owe you that much." Anne looked down at the ground. Roberto, Romero, Juan and Belinda moved away, allowing the two a semblance of privacy. Yes, the airport was busy but their gate was surprisingly quiet right then.
"I am sorry." Rodney started.
"Excuse me? I ...I don't understand..." Anne said genuinely confused.
"I never stopped to really listen to you. I just was so enamored with you...well... I ..I just wanted you, my fated mate. Our pack. You as my Luna. I was selfish. I just believed you would respond to the mate bond and come to love me and being Luna...you were born and raised to be the female Alpha. BUT I didn't listen to my mate's needs. I failed you. I am sorry." Rodney spoke quiet and rapidly then he bowed.
Tears ran down Anne's face.
"No. No, it was me, Rodney. I ... I was selfish. I wanted what my human friends had.. freedom. So much so I walked away from all I loved and who loved me...I walked away from me, too. I left myself behind to pursue being human. I was selfish and stupid. I am so sorry, Rodney." Anne was quietly crying while speaking.
Belinda was startled. Even from a bit of a distance she heard her father and her mother and saw tears..real tears yet again falling from her mother's eyes. Juan brought her close to his chest and hugged Belinda tightly.
Anne and Rodney stood there awkwardly. Then both reached out their hands to shake. Tears running down both of their faces. Anne gave a small smile and Rodney did too. Rodney then turned around and walked over to the other four.
"Father, are you alright?" Belinda asked.
"Yes. Finally." Rodney responded. "Now, I am at peace." He looked at Belinda and smiled. Belinda launched at Rodney and hugged him tight. Rodney was surprised...but loved it. Juan smiled and nodded his head at Rodney. Belinda hugged her father for a few more moments. When she let go she looked up and smiled at him. "May I call you 'Dad'?" Rodney beamed. "I would be honored if you would, my dearest daughter."
Belinda hugged him briefly. She separated from Rodney and looked over at her mother. She looked so alone. She glanced at Romero who was starring out the window. She looked back at Anne. Juan nodded at Belinda. Belinda walked slowly over to her mother. "Mother?"
Anne looked at her and smiled slightly. She then looked down at the floor. Belinda held out her hand. Anne looked a little baffled then extended her hand out to Belinda. Belinda grabbed it and tugged Anne in for a hug. "It will be okay. I know it will be." she whispered in her mother's ear. Anne stood stiff at first, but Belinda didn't let go. Finally, Anne relaxed and hugged her back. Anne sighed. Romero turned around and saw thebtwonwomen hugging and smiled, a knowing smile. Roberto put his hand on his old friend's shoulder and squeezed, knowingly. Juan walked over to the two women and stood quietly. Belinda let Anne go and smiled at her. Then stepped back into Juan's waiting arms. Romero walked over and looked at hisbgrand daughter and her mate, then at his daughter. He smiled. He put an arm around Anne's shoulders and kissed her temple. Anne closed her eyes. It had been a long,long time since she had been kissed by her father. She had missed his tender care so much.
Roberto looked into his son's eyes. He saw something he had not seen since Anne left. Peace. He smiled. "Dad," Rodney spoke. "Dad, I finally am okay. I am finally healing. I feel it."
"Time to go home. son." Roberto said and clapsed his son's forearm and brought him into a hug. "Yes, Dad. It is time to go home."
Moments later the call came to board.
There were few on the flight so they were able to actually get some sleep. When they arrived in Manila they had a connecting flight to Mindanao within the hour so they had to move quickly. They realized the possibility of their luggage being behind them was probably pretty great but they could always leave one of their men behind to pick up the luggage when it finally caught up with them. Yes, there was a chance that the luggage would make it but that was slim. Nonetheless, they all just wanted to get back home. Yes, all of them.