Chapter 12 - N12

As the days passed, Stella and Lucas continued to care for Lucas' father, whose health slowly but surely improved. Their bond grew stronger every day, and with each victory, no matter how small, they moved one step closer to the future they hoped for.

The rejected mate remained a threat on the horizon, but Lucas and Stella were willing to do anything to protect their family and their pack. Their love, determination and courage would guide them through all trials, and together they would build a future where love and trust would reign supreme. The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft, golden light. Stella stood by Lucas' father's bed, watching the vital signs displayed on the monitor. The old man seemed more peaceful today, and his vital signs showed signs of improvement. A smile appeared on Stella's lips. His efforts and dedication were finally beginning to bear fruit.

Lucas entered the room silently, a hopeful smile lighting up his face when he saw Stella's expression. "How is he this morning? he asked softly, moving closer to look at the screens.

"Much better," Stella replied, her eyes bright with relief. "He is responding well to treatment, and his condition is improving every day. That's a good sign. »

Lucas leaned down to kiss his father's forehead, then turned to Stella with gratitude evident in his eyes. "I don't know how to thank you, Stella. You work miracles. »

Stella shook her head. "It's not a miracle, Lucas. Just proper care and a lot of determination. But thank you for believing in me. »

They looked at each other for a moment, a soft but palpable tension hanging in the air. Since she had returned to the pack, their interactions had been marked by a renewed closeness, a friendship that was gradually reborn. But behind this friendship, new emotions were developing, feelings that seemed both familiar and new.

The triplets, for their part, were slowly but surely integrating into the life of the pack. Each day brought its share of discoveries and adaptations, but their curious minds and inexhaustible energy made the transition easier. The pack members were beginning to accept them, although lingering questions still floated.

One morning, while Stella and Lucas were eating breakfast in the kitchen, the children rushed towards them, their eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mom, Dad Lucas, can we go play outside with the other kids? » asked one of the triplets, the others jumping impatiently alongside him.

Stella exchanged a look with Lucas, a tender smile on her lips. "Of course, my loves. But be careful and stay together, okay? »

The children nodded happily before rushing outside, their laughter echoing in the cool morning air. Lucas watched the children run, his heart filling with warmth. "They're adjusting really well," he said, his eyes never leaving the triplets.

"Yes," Stella replied, her gaze softening with affection. "They're amazing. I am so proud of them. »

Lucas turned his head towards Stella, his eyes full of gratitude and admiration. "And I'm proud of you, Stella. What you do for them, for my father, for us... it is beyond words. »

Stella felt her cheeks redden slightly under the weight of his gaze. "Lucas, we are family. We must take care of each other. That's what matters most. »

Their hands brushed briefly on the table, a contact that sparked a spark of warmth between them. This simple gesture spoke volumes about the depth of their connection.

In the following days, Lucas and Stella spent more and more time together, not only to take care of his father but also to rediscover their friendship and build new bonds. They often walked through the woods, sharing memories of their childhood and hopes for the future. These shared moments revived precious memories and aroused new emotions, feelings that seemed stronger with each passing day.

One afternoon, while they were resting under a majestic tree, Lucas turned to Stella, his gaze filled with a tenderness that he could no longer hide. "Stella, I... I want to tell you something. »

Stella looked at him carefully, feeling her heart speed up. "What the hell, Lucas? »

He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Since you came back, I couldn't help but feel something stronger than just our friendship. I know I've made mistakes in the past, but... I feel something for you, Stella. Something real and deep. »

Lucas' words resonated in Stella's mind, awakening a wave of contradictory emotions in her. She felt the same way, but the fear of suffering again kept her from letting go completely. "Lucas, I...I feel something for you too. But I'm afraid. I'm afraid of suffering again. »

Lucas took her hand in his, squeezing gently. "Stella, I understand your fears. But I'm ready to do anything to prove to you that I'm serious. That we can build something beautiful together, for us and for our children. »

Stella looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I want to believe you, Lucas. I want to believe that we can have a second chance. »

Lucas gently wiped away a tear that was rolling down Stella's cheek. "So let's give it a chance, Stella. Together we can overcome all obstacles. »

Their lips slowly moved together, sealing their promise with a sweet, hopeful kiss. At that moment, under that tree, they promised each other to overcome all difficulties, to build a future based on love, trust and family.

Back at the pack, the members observed the triplets with growing curiosity. Their energy and joy of life brought a new dynamic to the community, but their origins remained a mystery to many. Questions were whispered, assumptions were made, but none dared to directly confront Stella or Lucas.

One evening, while Stella and Lucas were having dinner with some members of the pack, one of them, an elderly man named Harold, spoke up. "Stella, Lucas, I have to tell you that we are impressed with how your children have integrated. But... there are questions among us. Questions about their parentage. »

Stella exchanged a look with Lucas, feeling nervous. "I understand, Hiccup. I know their arrival raised questions. But I assure you that my children are my priority, and their well-being comes first. »

Hiccup nodded. "We know that, Stella. And we see how much you care about them. But the pack needs to understand to be able to fully accept them. »

Lucas placed a soothing hand on Stella's. "Harold, we understand your concerns. And we intend to answer all your questions in a timely manner. But for now, we just ask for a little patience and trust. »

The pack members nodded, accepting this answer for now. They knew the truth would emerge eventually, but they were willing to give Stella and Lucas the time they needed.

In the following days, Stella and Lucas continued to spend time together, strengthening their bond and their determination to overcome the challenges ahead. The triplets, meanwhile, were thriving in their new lives, bringing renewed light and joy to the pack.

One evening, as Stella tucked her children in for the night, one of them, Lily, looked at her with eyes full of curiosity. "Mom, are we going to stay here forever? »

Stella gently stroked her daughter's hair. "I don't know yet, darling. But what I know is that as long as we are together, everything will be fine. »

Lily smiled, reassured by her mother's words. "I love you, Mom. »

"I love you too, Lily. And I love you all, more than anything in the world. »

Stella quietly walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. She found herself facing Lucas, who was waiting for her in the hallway. "Are the kids asleep? » he asked softly.

Stella nodded. "Yes, they are tired after a long day. »

Lucas took her hand, gently pulling her towards him. "Stella, I want you to know that I'm here for you. For you and for our children. We will build something beautiful, together. »

Stella felt her heart warm at these words. "Lucas, I believe in us. I believe we can do it. »

They hugged each other tenderly, finding comfort and strength in each other's warmth. In that moment, they knew they were ready to face whatever came, together.

The days passed, and Lucas' father continued to show

Signs of improvement thanks to Stella's attentive care. Their bond grew stronger every day, and with each small step forward, they got a little closer to their dream future. The pack, seeing their determination and love, began to fully accept them, seeing in them a new hope for all.

The moon was high in the sky, bathing the forest in a silver light that danced between the trees. Stella stood at her bedroom window, watching the shadows move in the wind. She knew that the peace she had found with Lucas and their children was fragile. The tensions within the pack were palpable, and each day brought its share of challenges.

Lucas entered the room, his face serious. "Stella, we need to talk," he said softly, closing the door behind him. She turned to him, seeing the worry in his eyes.

"What's wrong? » she asked, a hint of apprehension in her voice.

"There are rumors going around the pack," Lucas replied, running a nervous hand through his hair. "Rumors about you, about us, and about the kids. Tensions rise, and some members begin to question our leadership. »

Stella sighed, feeling the weight of the situation weigh heavily on her shoulders. "I expected that," she said softly. "Our situation is far from simple, and many people find it difficult to accept. »

Lucas approached her, taking her hands in his. "We have to stay strong, Stella. For us, for our children, and for the pack. Together we can overcome these obstacles. »

She nodded, gripping his hands tighter. "Yes, together. »

But it wasn't just the pack that was the problem. Lucas's rejected companion, Miranda, harbored a dull, burning anger. She had been humiliated and pushed aside, and the sight of Lucas and Stella growing closer every day made her furious. She planned her revenge in the shadows, determined to make Stella pay for what she considered a betrayal.

One night, when Stella was returning home after treating Lucas' father, she felt a presence in the shadows. His werewolf senses were on high alert, every noise amplified by the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Who's there? she called, her voice firm but betraying slight worry.

Miranda emerged from the darkness, a cruel smile on her lips. "Good evening, Stella. It's time to settle our scores. »

Stella tensed, ready to defend herself. "What do you want, Miranda? »

"What's mine," she replied coldly. "Lucas was supposed to be my mate, and you stole him from me. I want what is mine back, and I will make you pay for every pain I have endured. »

Stella took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Lucas is not something you can own, Miranda. He made his choice, and you must accept it. »

Miranda burst out laughing, a cold sound that echoed through the night. "You think it's that simple? I'll show you how wrong you are. »

Before Stella could react, Miranda lunged at her, claws extended and eyes flashing with rage. The fight was intense, each of them using their werewolf abilities to try to gain

the advantage. Stella defended herself as best she could, but she knew Miranda was more experienced in combat.