They arrived at the dining room, and Ethan found that Victoria wasn't allowed to sit. She was standing while the rest of the family members ate. Joseph wasn't there, Leaving Amber, Levi and Ashley.Meadow looked at Victoria apologetically, but Victoria did not take offence. Everyone knew that Luna Amber mistrusted and hated everyone since her husband died; it was expected behaviour from the cruel Luna.Ethan did not find the situation funny."What is the meaning of this?" he asked, wheeling himself to the table. He used his hands to help pull out a seat for Meadow. Amber did not miss the gesture even though Meadow's hands were on the chair, pulling it along with him."Please sit," Ethan ordered Victoria, and she pulled a seat next to Meadow's and sat down."What is the meaning of this, Ethan? This is family time," Amber complained."Victoria is my guest, and I invited her for dinner," he said, shutting Amber up, and Amber looked at Meadow. She did not trust the girl at all. She won

Ethan and Joseph sat quietly at the back of the van, taking them to Ceenas. It was awkward because this was the first time they would travel together since the accident. They also had some friction because they argued over Meadow and Ashley. Ethan remained silent, reminiscing about his adventurous night with Meadow. He wanted it to be real because she was an amazing woman, but deep down, he still believed she wouldn't have picked him in a crowd, which meant a lot to him. He did not want to be loved out of pity and necessity. He balled his fist a bit and hoped he was wrong. "Hey," Joseph told his brother, and Ethan looked at him with a blank expression on his face. "I want to apologise for my behaviour yesterday morning. I shouldn't have snapped at you," Joseph said, and Ethan nodded. "I am not mad; I just did not like the level of disregard and disrespect towards Meadow," Ethan said, and Joseph sighed. "I thought about it, and I know what I said was fucked up. I shouldn't have c

Four days was a long time away from the pack. Alpha Malcolm ensured he spent time showing Ethan and Joseph how big his pack was. He bragged about how they had expanded over the years, and Joseph commended him while Ethan remained silent. One thing Ethan noticed was Malcolm's habit of correcting peoples' grammar. He did not understand the alpha's need to constantly correct Joseph when speaking. At first, he thought it was just a coincidence, but after the man repeated it severally, he realised it was a habit. He would correct Joseph and explain to Joseph why it is so. "I really want to go home," Ethan confessed to Joseph, missing Meadow. Although he didn't say it, Joseph knew that was why Ethan was impatient. The whole talk about Cynthia's return to the pack did not seem to bother Ethan like Joseph had thought it would. He was glad about it. He knew that Ethan would react when he saw Cynthia because he knew his brother wasn't over the heartbreak yet, and she was the reason he was ye

Meadow's mood changed after the discussion with Amber in the garden. She should be happy that she would be Luna eventually and that Amber had decided to give her a chance, but the news about Amber's sickness had crushed whatever joy she might have had from the entire experience. She wondered what was happening with Amber, but she dared not ask. She knew better not to push it.So while she thought of helping Ethan start his physiotherapy, she also thought of finding a way to make Amber open up more than she had already, in case there was hope to help fix her situation.Soon it was time for dinner, and Meadow went to the dining room. Amber was her usual stoic self, not smiling or relating with anyone. Ashley was quiet, and Levi minded his business. They were back to their usual selves.Meadow bowed to greet everyone before sitting down."Next time, just sign the greetings, Rashel would translate. That's what your husband is paying her for. No more bowing," Amber said, and Meadow signed

Meadow was excited about the progress they had made. After waiting an hour, Ethan made love to her again, and they showered. They planned to spend time by the lake, but Ethan knew he would have to see Amber first.He secretly linked the staff to prepare a picnic for both of them by the lake and take Meadow there when it was set. He wanted her to have fun and be happy and planned on making every moment count with her to the best of his ability."I have to check on my mother," Ethan told Meadow, and she smiled at him."It's okay. I can wait," She signed, and he smiled."I won't keep you waiting, I promise. You can go to the lake before me. I will meet you there," he said, wheeling himself out of the room, fully satiated and happy with his life.Ethan's smile disappeared in his typical fashion once he stepped out, but the staff that greeted him in the hallway did not miss the light in his eyes. They were part of the rose gatherers, so they knew the considerable step their Alpha had taken