While Stella moved forward with her new life with Paul, Lucas focused on rebuilding his own. Freed from Emily's toxic influence, he gradually found the strength to reorganize his pack and restore trust among its members. He knew the road would be long, but he was up for the challenge.
One day, returning from a long meeting with the pack council, Lucas found himself thinking about Stella. He wondered if she had found the happiness she deserved. He wholeheartedly hoped that was the case.
The years passed and Stella, now married to Paul, lived a full and happy life. She continued to shine in her career, becoming a reference in her field. Her children grew up surrounded by love and support, and the little family she had built with Paul was a source of constant happiness.
One evening, while they were celebrating their wedding anniversary, Paul raised his glass in a toast. "To us, to our family and to the future. I love you, Stella. Thank you for being the extraordinary woman that you are. »
Stella smiled, moved. "And thank you, Paul, for always being by my side. I love you. »
They toasted, surrounded by their friends and their children, and Stella felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She had been through so much, but she had found the strength to rebuild her life. She had found the love, stability and peace she had been looking for for so long.
Meanwhile, Lucas continued to work on himself and his pack. He knew he couldn't erase the past, but he could build a better future. He sometimes found himself smiling when he thought of Stella, happy to know that she had found happiness.
Stella and Lucas' paths, although they had gone their separate ways, had each found their own path to healing and happiness. And even if their lives had taken different directions, they would forever remain linked by the past they had shared and by the memories that would continue to live within them.
Lucas sat by his father's bed, observing the deep lines on the face of the man who had always been an unwavering authority figure. The patriarch of the pack, a once powerful and respected man, now seemed a shadow of his former self. The disease had insidiously eroded his strength, leaving Lucas helpless and powerless. The pack medics had done everything they could, but it was clear they were running out of solutions.
Lucas clenched his fists, his heart heavy. "Dad, I'll find a solution. I promise you. »
His father, Alaric, opened his eyes weakly and nodded. "I know you will do everything in your power, my son. But don't forget to take care of the pack. »
These words weighed on Lucas. Since his coronation as alpha, he had dedicated his life to protecting and leading the pack. But now his father's life was at stake, and he felt burdened by a new kind of responsibility. He knew he had to find someone with exceptional medical skills. Someone who could offer hope where there was none.
Suddenly, an image popped into his mind: Stella. He remembered her not only as his childhood friend and first love, but also as an incredibly intelligent and dedicated person. He had heard of his achievements in the human medical world. Maybe, just maybe, she could be the one to save her father.
Lucas stood up abruptly, determined. He had to contact her. Despite the weight of the past and the pain of their separation, he had to do everything to save his father. He left his father's room, heading quickly towards his office. Once there, he took a deep breath before dialing Stella's number.
Meanwhile, Stella finished her day at the hospital. She left the operating room, removing her mask and cap, tired but satisfied with the work accomplished. His thoughts went to Paul and the children, imagining the warm dinner that awaited him at home.
As she walked towards the locker room, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and felt her heart stop when she saw Lucas' name on the screen. What could he possibly want after all this time?
She took a deep breath and answered, her voice shaking slightly. "Lucas? »
"Stella, thank you for responding," he replied, his voice deep and full of gravity. "I know this is unexpected, but I need your help. My father is seriously ill, and we need your expertise. »
Stella felt a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Lucas, I...I'm sorry about your father. But I don't understand why you are calling on me. »
"Stella, you are the best doctor I know. And even though we were apart for years, I never forgot how talented you are. Please help us. »
Stella's heart sank. She thought about everything she had left behind when she left the pack, including the painful memories of Lucas and their lost love. But she couldn't ignore the distress in his voice, nor the call of duty to a man who had once been like a father to her.
"Lucas, I'll think about it. Give me some time. »
"Thank you, Stella. That's all I'm asking for now. »
She hung up, her hands trembling. Her thoughts swirled as she changed and headed home. When she arrived, Paul greeted her with a warm smile and a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, honey. Rough day? »
"Yes, a little," she replied, trying to hide her confusion. But Paul, always attentive, noticed her agitation.
"What's wrong? »
Stella sighed and sat down on the couch, inviting Paul to join her. "Lucas called me today. His father is seriously ill, and he wants me to come back and help them. »
Paul frowned, visibly worried. "Stella, that's a big ask. Are you sure you want to dive back into this world? »
"I don't know, Paul. It's complicated. I have so many memories there, good and bad. But I can't ignore someone who needs my help, especially not Alaric. »
Paul took her hand and squeezed it gently. "Whatever you decide, I will support you. But also think about yourself and what this could bring you back to life. »
Stella nodded, grateful for his unconditional support. "Thank you, Paul. I'll think about it seriously. »
That night, Stella tossed and turned in her bed, unable to fall asleep. Memories of his life in the pack came flooding back. She remembered the happy times with Lucas, the pain of their separation, and the strength she found in raising her triplets alone.
In the morning, after a sleepless night, she made her decision. She couldn't ignore Lucas' cry for help, nor the possibility of saving Alaric. She stood up, determined, and called Lucas.
"Lucas, this is Stella. I've thought about it, and I'll come and help your father. But it won't be easy for me. »
"Thank you, Stella," Lucas said, gratitude evident in his voice. "I promise you that I will do everything to make this go as smoothly as possible. »
Stella sighed, a mixture of relief and apprehension. "I'll make arrangements for my departure and I'll let you know when I arrive. »
She hung up and turned to Paul, who was listening to her from the bedroom door. "Are you leaving then? »
"Yes, Paul. I have to do it. But I will come back as soon as possible. »
Paul took her in his arms. " I understand. And I will be here, waiting for you to return. »
Stella quickly began to prepare for her departure. She informed her department head at the hospital, organized childcare with Paul and his close friends, and packed her bags. She knew this trip would be emotionally charged, but she had to do what was right.
A few days later, she found herself on her way back to the pack. As she approached familiar lands, a mixture of excitement and nervousness took hold of her. She wondered how things had changed, and how she would be received.
When she arrived, she was struck by the wild beauty of the place, unchanged despite the passage of time. The members of the pack looked at her with curiosity and respect. Lucas was waiting for her at the entrance to the family estate, his face marked by worry but also by a glimmer of hope.
"Stella," he said when he saw her, his eyes shining with recognition. "Thank you for coming. »
"Hello, Lucas," she replied, trying to maintain some emotional distance. "Where is Alaric? »
"He's in his room. Come on, I'll take you. »
They walked in silence through the house, each step bringing back memories. Lucas slowly opened the door to his father's room. Alaric lay there, his breathing shallow but steady. Seeing Stella, a faint smile appeared on her tired face.
"Stella, my dear. You came back," he whispered.
Stella approached, taking his hand in hers. "Yes, Alaric. I'm here to help you. »
She immediately got to work, reviewing medical records and assessing Alaric's condition. Lucas looked at her, impressed by her competence and calm. Despite the years gone by and the pain of the past, Stella had remained the same strong and devoted woman he had always known.
As she tended to her patient, Stella felt a wave of memories and emotions wash over her. But she put them aside, focusing on the task at hand. She knew it would be a long road, but she was willing to do anything to save Alaric and honor the implicit promise she had made to Lucas.
Stella stood in front of her apartment window, staring at the city that stretched before her eyes. The conversation with Lucas still echoed in his head. She knew that returning to the pack meant returning to a past she had fought to leave behind. The triplets were her priority, and she feared what that might mean for their safety and well-being. However, Lucas's call had awakened in her a series of memories and feelings that she thought she had buried.
Paul, attentive to her distress, approached gently and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Stella, you've been preoccupied ever since that call. What's going on? »
She turned to him, searching for the words. "It's Lucas. He asked me to come back to treat his father. Alaric is seriously ill and they need me. »
Paul nodded, understanding the magnitude of the situation. "I know it's a difficult decision. But you also have to think about yourself and the children. »
Stella sighed, her eyes reflecting uncertainty and pain. "I know, Paul. But I can't abandon someone who needs my help, even if it means going back there. »
Paul took her hands in his, his eyes filled with understanding. "Whatever you decide, I'll be here to support you. We will get through this together. »
Meanwhile, Lucas sat in his office, a mixture of frustration and despair etching deep lines across his face. His father's condition was rapidly deteriorating, and every second that passed without a solution brought him closer to the inevitable. Emily, his companion, entered the room, a look of displeasure on her face.
"Still moping about your dad? » she asked, her voice cold.
Lucas looked at her, barely contained anger in his eyes. "He's my dad, Emily. And he is dying. »
Emily shrugged, indifferent. "We did everything possible. It's time to think about what's next. »
Lucas clenched his fists. "You don't understand anything, do you? The pack needs him. I need him. »
Emily sighed, exasperated. "Maybe the pack would be better off with an alpha that isn't as weak. »
T
hose words hit Lucas like a punch. He stood abruptly, staring at her with icy intensity. "You've crossed the line, Emily. »