Chapter 52

CARLYLE’S POV “No!” Donnie’s voice resonated firmly, and a part of me was hurt but it wasn’t my thing to back down. I had it in mind that I would do all it takes to convince her.

Tension filled the air as I posed the question, seeking to unravel the layers of Donnie’s hesitancy.

“Why did you say no? Is there any reason you’re responding strongly against returning to Moon Shade? Against returning to your pack?” I inquired as I resonated with genuine curiosity and a desire for understanding.

Donnie’s response crackled with defensiveness, a barricade erected against the probing nature of my question.

“That should be none of your business. You requested I tell you about Mason’s paternity, and I did just right with that. Why pester me about returning to Moon Shade?” She retorted with her words laced with a hint of frustration.

“You don’t have to raise your voice at me, Sidonnie. I’m asking for your opinion and not forcing you.

You know I could have just ordered you as an Alpha to do my bidding. By then, you’ll have no choice,” I asserted, reminding her of the power dynamics at play.

Then, she went silent, heaving a sigh.

I’m sorry, but my response remains the same.” She uttered.

“Donnie, why don’t you put the past behind you and just think about Mason?” Athena interrupted, approaching our destination.

“Athena. Donnie trailed off as she stared at Athena’s approaching figure.

“You shouldn’t reply to your Alpha that way, Donnie.”

“I have every right to choose what I want. And going to Moon Shade is totally out of it.”

Athena glanced at me briefly before diverting her gaze back to Sidonnie.

“It’s better we have this discussion inside.”

In the quiet confines of Athena’s space, Donnie hesitated before pouring out the whispers of her fears, vulnerabilities tethered to the scars of the past and Athena stood as a pillar of wisdom and maternal strength, listening with understanding.

“Sometimes, Athena, the weight of the past feels like an anchor, pulling me hack from the prospect of a new beginning. The scars run deep, and I fear that revisiting Moon Shade might unravel the progress I’ve made, not just for Mason but for me too, Donnie confessed, her words carrying the 11:58 Sat, 2 Mar RD.

echoes of a healing soul.

盘号:64%紐 “I understand you, Donnie. But try facing your fears. If not for anything, just try to go home. For yourself, for Mason, it’s worth it.” Athena paused.

“How am I to be sure things would go well with me returning to the pack? How can I be sure he’s going to treat me well?” Donnie voiced out in a whisper.

“Donnie, my dear, fear is a natural companion on the journey of healing. But remember, ther goddess has a way of uniting hearts and forging bonds stronger than any adversity. Your past doesn’t define you; it’s the choices you make in the present that shape your future.”

“You’re not getting me, Athena. You don’t understand me. What if-”

There’s no if, Donnie. I’ve had enough. If I knew about your pregnancy, I can’t tell what would have happened and how this whole thing would have turned out.” I paused for a bit, allowing my words to sink into their minds- both Athena’s and Donnie’s.

Athena sighed, her gaze shifting between Donnie and me, as if caught in the crossfire of emotions.

Donnie’s eyes held a mix of fear and defiance, a storm of conflicting feelings swirling within her. The room seemed to tighten with tension, “But one thing I know is that I wouldn’t allow my flesh and blood to be abandoned. Mason has me as his father now, there’s definitely no going back. I am taking him with me. He needs to be trained as a royal of my pack who will inherit my legacy! That’s a final decision.”

Donnie looked at Athena with fear and I understood what that look meant. I understood her just right “You don’t need to look at Athena that way, Donnie. You really don’t need to. I know I fucked up back then with my actions and words, I’m sorry about that.

“Donnie,” I continued, my tone firm yet tinged with a genuine remorse that echoed through the walls of the room.

“I messed up back then. I let fear cloud my judgment, and for that, I apologize. But this is not about dwelling on the past; it’s about embracing the future. Mason deserves to know his heritage, to understand the legacy that awaits him in Moon Shade.”

Athena, sensing the gravity of the situation, spoke softly, attempting to mediate between the conflicting emotions.

“Donnie, Mason’s journey doesn’t have to be one of separation. It can be a bridge connecting his past and present, a tapestry woven with threads of love and acceptance. You both hold the power to shape his destiny.”

Donnie’s expression softened, the fear giving way to a glimmer of contemplation. The air hung in suspense as she grappled with the weight of my words and the possibilities they carried.

“I know you’re scared, Donnie, We both are. But Mason deserves to have a complete family–a family that can guide him, nurture him, and love him unconditionally, I am here now, willing to make amends, to be the father he needs. Let’s give him the chance to know his roots, to forge connections that will define him in the years to come.” I pleaded with nothing but sincerity.

The room fell into a profound silence as the magnitude of the moment settled around us. In that stillness, Athena and Donnie exchanged a silent exchange of understanding, a connection that transcended words. The impending decisions loomed large, and the journey ahead held uncertainties.

“Mason, would you like to go on a trip with me?” I asked the little boy to change the tension in the room.

Perhaps if Donnie feels the happiness radiating from him, she might consider my request.

Mason took a look at his mother who was obviously deep in thought before answering me.

“I’ll go anywhere mama goes. He replied.