The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer
Chapter 77- Happily Ever After
(Willa)
I was surprised when I didn’t want the night to end. It energized me, to have our joined pack celebrate with us, seeing all of their smiling faces and hearing all their warm wishes. We let Emmett stay up to enjoy part of the party, and My dad volunteered to put the kids to bed because my mom and Caspien’s parents were having so much fun.
We moved the party to a ma*s*sive ballroom I had never been in. There were floor-to-ceiling windows, it looked like something out of a modern castle, and now this was my castle. Finger foods were set up, there were too many people to have a sit-down dinner, and that place was already packed, warm, and bright.
The ballroom was decorated with candles, lights, and greenery with long tapestries in dark blue with their royal emblem, my royal emblem now.
After an hour of dancing, chatting, and eating, I was starting to feel the adrenaline wear off. I knew the rest of the party would go on until well after dawn and I was looking forward to the next one when I could stay out all night, but I knew that would be months if not years away after the newborn phase. That was alright though. I wasn’t giving anything up, I was excited about bringing this baby into our world and having them be part of these events, well, not the midnight ones.
“My Queen,” Caspien said, kissing the back of my hand.
“A vast promotion in a few hours,” I raised an eyebrow, “What would your mother say?”
“Fine, my goddess.”
“I’m not sure I’ve always been favored by the Moon Goddess always, I don’t think she would like the competition.”
“There is none.” He wrapped a strong hand around my waist and pulled me against his chest.
“Don’t jinx us,” I scolded.
“Since when have you been superstitious?” He asked into my ear.
“Since I got everything I didn’t dare dream of and more,” I smiled, but I knew it fell flat. I was still a bit worried this was all too good to be true.
“I feel the same,” Caspien said, touching his forehead to mine, “I guess we’re just going to have to be agitated messes together,”
I laughed, “When did you get so loving?”
“I met a girl,” he shrugged, his icy blue eyes sparkled, “And I fell in love with her beyond reason.”
My stomach clenched. Okay, I could deal with a bit of the cheesiness if he said it was such unadulterated adoration and sincerity.
“Shall we?” He pulled back and I felt like I could breathe again. He held his arm out to me and I wrapped mine around his, fitting perfectly into his nook of his.
The crowd parted for us and neither of us looked back as we headed to our private elevator. Caspien wrapped me in his arms and pulled me across his chest so we could both watch the twinkling city lights as they met the inky black night pierced by dancing stars above.
“Your kingdom,” he murmured into my ear, sending a shiver down my body.
We walked back to our room in silence, I went to the closet to take off my shoes and saw the bank envelope in my purse. I almost forgot Cali and my excursion this morning.
I forgot my task and sauntered out, feeling light and confident, “Here,” I handed him the thick envelope.
“What is this?” A dark brow shot up.
“Something I owe you.”
He opened the envelope and dropped it on the bed next to him, “Willa.” He muttered.
“You promised,” I gave him a look.
“I did, but everything changed.”
“Not my promises,” I shook my head.
“Fine,” he sighed, “How?”
“I haven’t really spent any of the money I made since moving in here,” I smiled at him.
I started to save most of what I made for school and then we moved here so my expenses basically went away. Now that graduation was over. I had one last debt to pay. Even though I was his Luna and Princess, I told him I would pay for my school, and I would be a woman of my word.
“Plus, I held up my side of the bargain, going on a weekly date with you. You’re welcome for introducing you to relish, by the way.” His face contorted at the thought, “So now you have to uphold yours.”
“Fine,” He put the envelope in his jacket pocket, “But this is going into savings for Emmett and the new baby, or a trip for us.”
“It’s your money,” I gave him a sweet smile.
“You’re stubborn,” He frowned, “But I appreciate you keeping your promise, it means you’ll keep yours to me too.” He pulled me to the bed next to him, keeping my hand in his.
“Which one?” I asked, genuinely curious.
Did I forget something?
“All of them, the unspoken ones,” He pulled back staring at me with such an intense gaze that it made my mouth dry and my stomach tightened.
“The one you wear on your neck,” He leaned down to kiss my marking spot. My body buckled when he took my mark in his mouth and ran his tongue over it.
“The one you wear on your finger,” he murmured into my neck as he intertwined our fingers where I wore the ring he gave me, brushing his thumb against the ancient band.
“The one you wear on your head,” He brushed a piece of hair behind my ear, looking up at my crown that matched his.
The crown that was the perfect counterpart, the equal to his. His crowns perfect match.
“I wouldn’t break any of those,” My voice came out as a whisper, “This pack, you, our family is everything to me. I hope you know that, and feel that way too.”
He took a deep breath, tangling his hand in my hair at the nape of my neck. “Everything that I am everything that I will become is yours and has been yours since the moment set eyes on you in the diner.”
I swallowed and before I could think, or even open my mouth to say anything, he pulled me to him. His soft lips hit mine with a wave of butterflies erupted under my skin. He explored my mouth and with each kiss I pushed further against his body, needing him.
His hands expertly unzipped my dress and I was reluctant to stand up and take it off, but I needed him, and I needed his n*ake*dness on me.
“Stand up,” He pulled back and I scrambled off of the bed, tugging my dress down over my hips. He stood almost ripping off his suit.
I watched him hungrily, his tanned skin rippled against his muscles and I took a moment to admire my mate, this absolute god of a man that belonged to me and me only.
“Need help?” He asked when he was only in his boxers.
“Yes, er, no.” I shook my head, quickly unhooking my bra and stepping out of my underwear. I didn’t want him to take his time with me. I needed him on a carnal level. It was instinctual.
Get our man – Iris growled and I didn’t even need the push.
He smiled at me approvingly before taking off his boxers, his length sprung the confine,s and my mouth went dry as he wrapped his hand around his c*oc*k his eyes raking over me. I hoped this insane reaction I had to him would never fade.
I moved to take off the crown I almost forgot I was wearing, only remembering when Caspien’s glinted in the moonlight.
“Keep the crown on,” His voice was rough and I nodded.
He closed the space between us. I gasped when he picked me up, but he held me steady against him. I wrapped my arms and legs around him, his length pressed into my stomach, and I grabbed onto his neck so that I could move my c.ore up and down it. I sighed at the slight bit of pressure and the eruption of tingles already.
“What do you want, Willa?” Caspien held me up, one hand digging into my a.ss while the other tugged at my hair f.orcing my face towards his, “Tell me and I’ll make it happen.”
“On top, I want you now,” I breathed between soft moans, my n*ippl*es pressed against him, rubbing against his hard chest with every one of my movements.
I didn’t want him to do anything to me, I needed him, I needed all of him on my terms.
“F*uc*k, Willa,” He grunted into my neck, sending vibrations through me.
I was so lost I didn’t realize he was backing us onto the bed. His strong hands held me and kept me on top of him.
I slid over his length one last time before re-adjusting myself over him, positioning his soft tip on my entrance. Caspien sighed at the feeling, and my body lit up in anticipation of the p.leasure that was awaiting me.
I lowered myself over him, gasping at the sensation of his hard smooth c*oc*k filling me up. It was e.cstacy, I sighed in relief. This was everything that I needed.
I pulled up and slowly pushed myself down until he was fully inside me. I clenched around him as my r.elease already started to build.
“Willa,” he groaned, and it turned me on further.
I pushed into him rocking back and forth, placing my hands on his firm chest, and taking him in completely.
“Cas,” I breathed as he t.hrust up, lifting me up slightly.
He reached out for my hand, helping me steady myself as I picked up a rhythm that I knew would send us both over the edge.
I wanted to close my eyes and submit to the bliss, but I didn’t want to take my eyes off Caspien watching me. He was gorgeous, beyond that. He was everything I never thought could be mine.
But he was there, his midnight hair falling over his golden crown as he eyes me. I knew what I was doing was making him feel good, I knew the sight of me was turning him on, and I reveled in it.
He tugged up the side of his lips, and it was almost my undoing. His hand came to my b*reas*t and rubbed his thumb over my hardened n*ippl*e. My head lulled savoring his touch. I opened my eyes and his possessive smirk sent more sparks through me.
I started to wind and wind tighter, he met each of my t.hrusts with his. I grasped at his hand for balance, I wanted this to last, but I couldn’t hold off from the rolling sparks p.ulsing through me.
I leaned over him, trying to grasp onto his chest slick with sweat. He held onto my waist tighter as a jumble of words left my mouth.
I wasn’t able to form a sentence or words. All that I could do was succumb to the waves of intense p.leasure rolling through me and over me. I was consumed by him. By us.
“Willa,” He grunted and flipped me over so that I was facing him, under him.
I squealed but it turned into a m.oan as he pushed my thigh open for him.
He pressed into me h.arder and buried his face into my neck. A sharp pain shot through me, momentarily bringing me back. I blinked until I started to see stars. My body felt like starlight as he licked my marking spot he just bit.
Another o*rgas*m started to roll through me and I tugged him to me, claiming to the last shred of sanity. I worked on instincts and bit down on the place where I claimed him. I fought to keep hold of him as he roared, shaking the bed, shaking me under him.
He t.hrust deeper and faster.
Our power, the royal power that I now had seemed to explode out of me and dance with his. Starlight mixed with shadows and it enveloped us. I s.creamed his name and he bottomed out into me with a few last d.eep t.hrusts and my name a prayer on his lips.
The power settled around us but was still intertwined.
__
I woke up with my crown tangled in my hair, Caspien’s was askew across his head.
“Goodmorning, Princess,” Caspien growled placing a kiss on my forehead, “We have a doctor’s appointment.”
I almost forgot, we needed to get Emmett.
“Mama, Dad!” Emmett called from the hallway and I sucked in a breath.
Caspien shot up and threw me a shirt and pulled on some clothes, before he opened the door.
“Emmett, one moment sweetie,” I called out as I felt heat rush to my cheeks.
Caspien looked back making sure I was dressed before he opened the door.
“I have mine too,” Emmett said, pointing to his crown, he brushed past Caspien barreling into our room, “Dad said that I own half of the fallen stars.” He said proudly, pointing to the window over the city.
“You do,” Caspien said, sleep evident in his voice.
Emmett wrinkled his nose, “You guys smell bad, you need a bath.”
“Tell your grandparents we will be right down.” I smiled at him, thankful that I had the shirt on. He slept with us before, especially during his fevers, but I never wanted him to see us like this.
“You need to learn to lock the door,” I grumbled.
“It was, but I’m used to living alone,” Caspien shrugged.
“You can’t use that excuse anymore.” I looked at him, “And I meant the front door.” I laid back down into the pillows that felt like clouds.
“I’m not used to people coming in unexpectedly, I thought they would have kept Emmett.” He amended, “Did you get enough sleep?” Caspien asked, rubbing my shoulders.
I thought I did, but that sent me back into a relaxed, almost sleep-like state. My head lulled forward as he worked out my tired muscles. This was nice, having someone taking care of me like this during the first strange weeks of pregnancy.
“Let me start a bath for you,” Caspien nipped on my ear lobe, “I’ll shower and head down to them, but you need to relax.”
I wanted to protest, but my body didn’t. It sounded too good to pass up.
After the bath that I fully took advantage of, I got dressed and headed down. I knew that I was taking advantage as a Luna. I didn’t know when the appointment was scheduled for, it was Caspien’s doing. I knew that they would still fit us in and I was too groggy still to feel guilty.
I found Emmett and Caspien at the breakfast table alone, I must have been in the bath longer than I thought. Emmett ran up to me, and I scooped him up before setting him on his feet.
“So, Emmett, we have something to share with you.” I knelt down to Emmett’s level, and Caspien followed, “I’m going to have a baby.” I smiled at him, “You’re going to be a big brother.”
Emmett frowned a bit and I cupped his cheek.
“Is Dad going to be mad that you’re having a baby without him?” I tried hard to swallow my laugh.
“No, baby, we’re both having a baby, I’m just growing it for us.” He seemed a little less confused, “Remember the pictures I showed you in the cabin when you were in my belly?” He nodded once, “That’s when I was growing you.”
“Oh,” His eyes lit up and he looked at my stomach.
“They are still growing. Once they get bigger, then my belly will get bigger too.” I explained.
“If Mama makes the baby then what does dad do?” He turned to Caspien.
“Uh,” Caspien opened his mouth seemingly at a loss for words, “I will take care of your mom, make sure that she is healthy and happy so that she can grow your little brother or sister. I have an idea actually,” Caspien leaned down and whispered in Emmett’s ear, “How about we are in charge of the nursery? We can help decorate and build the furniture.”
Emmett pulled back, smiling ferociously nodding his head, “That will be a good surprise,” he whispered back.
“Do you want to come see the baby?” Caspien asked Emmett, and he glanced back at my stomach, furrowing his little brows, “We can see it on the machine at the doctor.” He explained.
“Yes,” Emmett’s eyes lit up, and he bounced up and down, “Can we go now?”
“Yes, we can,” I smiled at him, and Caspien helped me up, despite me being only a few weeks along. I would let him help me, though, as long as he didn’t hover as bad as Griffen, I could accept some help.
We held onto Emmett’s hand, descending back through the city until we got to the first floor. We took another elevator up to the clinic, and I couldn’t wait for Caspien and Emmett to share this with me.
“Welcome back, Luna, welcome Alpha.” The head doctor escorted us to a dark room, “Last time, we weren’t able to see much, but I think we should be able to get a bit of a visual this time.” Caspien helped me up on the bed and took a seat beside me, clasping my hand, Emmett scrambled to sit on his lap.
A few moments later, grainy static flickered on the TV, “Okay, now there we have it,” There was a large black circle that held a tiny moving blur. “Listen,” The doctor said, lowering his voice.
A rapid-paced heartbeat filled the room, it sounded loud and blurred, and it sent me back to when I first heard it when I was pregnant with Emmett. So many mixed emotions flooded through me then, but now, with Emmett by my side, his eyes wide, there was nothing mixed about what I was feeling now.
Caspien’s hand went slack in mine, “It’s just a little flutter,” He said, his voice soft, “That’s our baby,” He swallowed.
“It is,” I squeezed his hand gently.
The doctor moved around a bit and took some measurements. The baby hardly looked like anything at the moment, it was hard to make out besides a small form.
“It’s a bean,” Emmett said, smiling, “I have a little bean sister,” He giggled.
The baby on the screen jumped, and Caspien jumped with it, “It moved,” His voice was full of awe.
“They do that,” I smiled, but my heart burst.
It was nice having someone there for me through this. Not just someone but him, and he wanted to be there for our baby and for me. Being able to experience something so big, so life-changing, and getting to share it all was – I couldn’t put it into words.
“Wow,” Emmett scooted closer.
I watched the awe, shock, and adoration on Caspien and Emmett’s faces. The love that both of them already had for life that grew inside of me.
“Everything looks healthy, Luna. Set up your appointments on the way out; we can find out the gender in a few weeks.”
Caspien’s eyes widened, “It’s going to have a gender.” He breathed, shaking his head, “What if it’s a girl? What if it’s another boy?” His eyes widened.
“I think we will manage,” I rubbed circles on the back of his hand. I knew how overwhelming and consuming this could be.
Your life stopped belonging to only you, and even though I had Emmett, we had Emmett, a new baby was always scary. No matter what, they would come in with their own personality and shift our lives completely.
I looked up, and Caspien was beaming at me; he leaned over to press his lips swiftly on mine and pulled back, wearing his smile that lit up his eyes.
“We’re having a baby,” He said.
____
We had everyone over for brunch later that afternoon. Our parents were going back to the old pack grounds, and my parents were going to officially start to settle there. Once the baby was born, they promised to come here in shifts, as if it wasn’t a half-hour drive away.
Emmett and Loreli were starting school next week in the pack house, so we had time during the day to deal with pack work, doctor’s appointments, and Caspien could get back into a routine at the office instead of working from home so often.
I was happy to set up a routine again. I think I needed it. Knowing what would happen each day, having Emmett get back into something familiar, was crucial for him too.
Our parents left to take Emmett and Loreli to an afternoon baseball game. They were acting as if they wouldn’t see him for months, even though they planned to come to dinner tomorrow night.
The rest of us were finishing the last of our food. Nora had a sleeping Olivia in her arms, and it was nice to have her recovered enough to join in on these things and bring Olivia too.
“Are you going to do a gender reveal?” Griffen asked, his arm around Nora.
“What the h*ell is a gender reveal?” Holden scoffed, almost sounding offended.
“Please don’t do a gender reveal,” Cali’s gold-flecked eyes met mine, “I mean, I’ll come, because I love you. H*ell, I’ll even help plan the party,” She rolled her eyes, “But a text would suffice, or a mindlink whatever.”
“Before you guys get any more heated about this,” I laughed, “We weren’t planning on it.”
“What is a gender reveal?” Caspien leaned down and whispered to me.
“Basically a party where we all find out the gender together,” I said to him.
“People pop a balloon, open a cake, something with the colors,” Cali said, popping a potato into her mouth.
“Why?” Caspien asked; he looked genuinely confused.
I shrugged, “I don’t know.”
“Community, maybe.” Cali suggested, but her face held nothing but horror, “But I would say if you get more presents, then why not?”
“I’ll buy the rest of the things we need if we can avoid another party,” Caspien said cooly. I agreed with that.
Holden shrugged, going back to the conversation and asking Griffen why he knew so much about gender reveals, and Griffen literally pointed to his infant child in his mate’s arms.
I was truly blessed. We were truly blessed, all of us, to have found each other.
It felt surreal, looking around at all of them. Remembering the first time I met Holden and Griffen and how I felt that I was intruding and completely out of my element. I thought of when Cali walked up to me, and we clicked. She helped me find a job, and our kids became fast friends. Her being the Gamma here just made so much sense. It was unexpected but more than welcomed.
Now, I felt more than comfortable with all of them in any room. In the last few months, we have all been through so much together. We have grown, been challenged, and challenged each other. I fit here with these people, and they fit into my life perfectly.
They were everything I didn’t know that I needed to ask for.
___
“One more,” Emmett pleaded, but his eyes were tired.
“A short one, then,” I ruffled his hair, wanting to get to bed myself, but I knew it wouldn’t be the three of us for much longer.
Caspien sat on the other side of Emmett’s bed. We took turns reading stories tonight. Caspien handed me a small book.
A cla*s*sic fairytale. I read it to Emmett, and his eyes started to droop.
“And then the prince kissed the princess.. The End.” I closed the book looking at Emmett sleeping softly next to me. I bent down to place a kiss on his forehead.
“What happens next?” Emmett asked.
“I don’t know; that’s where it ended.”
“They lived happily ever after?” Caspien asked.
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” I smiled at him.
He grabbed my hand and led me back downstairs, wrapping his arms around my waist and nuzzling my neck. The city twinkled below us.
My city. Our city.
I realized that I could give all of myself to my family while still maintaining my sense of self.
I could be complete alone but make space for others to help me grow and evolve. Caspien and I became something new, outside of who we were as individuals. Emmett fit perfectly in both of our lives. This new baby would expand our family. Nothing would take us away from ourselves. They would only help us expand our life and our love to fit them.
“This is our happily ever after. I can promise you that.” The dark prince, my mate, my future, growled into my marking spot.
“Promise?” I asked.
“I promise.” He said with such sincerity I would never question it again.