Emma Matthews had grown beyond the naive young woman who had believed in fairy tales. Mother of triplets, resilience had softened her spirit after she had been misled. She had moved out of Silverwood to start afresh, far from the stories and the terrible memories, and her life now was her children.
Emma had been occupied with her thoughts of the past by her freelance photography business, which had taken her to several towns and places. To raise her children apart from the rigors of pack life, she had relocated to a far-off town near Silverwood.
But tonight, fate had brought her back. Before a last-minute assignment required her to be there, she had avoided Silverwood for years. She had intended to limit her stay to avoid any unwelcome confrontations, but unexpected events often arise.
Walking down Main Street, Emma noticed how much Silverwood had changed. The air smelled of freshly baked pastries from the local bakery, and the few stores along the street looked busier than usual. Delighted by memory, she paused outside the store, but her gaze was drawn to a pack of wolves outside the pack house.
Heart thumping, she saw Lucas Blackwood among them. Tall, with strong shoulders and commanding attention, he looked just like she recalled. Something far away was the focus of his sharp blue eyes, and the wind had blown his dark hair.
Emma's heart pounded, prompting her to swiftly turn away. Not in this way, and not so soon, had she expected to see Lucas. Not after all these years was she prepared to face him.
Someone cried her name as she turned to leave. Ever Emma?
She abruptly stopped, instantly recognizing the voice. Lucas carried on. His voice was deeper now, filled with astonishment and something else she was unable to quite place.
Emma twisted to face him carefully. She said, very quietly, "Lucas."
Leaning forward, he met her eyes. Emma, coming here shocked me.
She gathered herself and swallowed hard. She said, "I'm just here for work," her voice firm now. I'm leaving this place soon.
Lucas gave his agonizing nod. I get that. Still, is it possible to talk? Emma pls. I have things I must express.
Between the need to finally face him and the want to leave, she paused. Did she not deserve closure after all these years?
And at last, she said, "Fine," in a voice laced with resignation. "Talk amongst yourselves."
Lucas took her behind the packhouse to a more private spot where curious spectators couldn't see her. Standing facing each other, they were stiff.
Lucas responded, "I owe you an apology. It was unforgivable what I did to you." I was young, dumb, and influenced by my father. Even so, that is not enough justification. I ought to have battled for you and us."
Emma felt a twinge of agony and embarrassment come back at his comments. Her voice quivering with emotion, she added, "You chose to believe him over me." "Lucas, you broke my heart. You chose to ruin us even though I loved you."
Lucas moved up to shake her hand. At his touch, she jerked away instantly.
I know, he whispered. "And every day since, I've regretted it. Emma, if you will allow me to apologise to you. The right things should be done.
He was honest and sorry, she saw in his eyes. There was a piece of her that wanted to believe in him and that, despite herself, he could change.
At last, she said, "I can't," her voice hardly audible above a whisper. Lucas, I can never go back to that pain. Move on, I have.
Lucas sagged his shoulders and looked defeated. I understand, he said, very quietly. Just know, nevertheless, that I have loved you always. And never did I know..."
Knew what? Emma, curious despite herself, asked.
Lucas turned his gaze from her eyes to her stomach for a time. "I became alpha and only recently learned," he said quietly. "I never knew about the triplets.
Emma's eyes widened with horror. She had kept her children's real identities a secret, even from Lucas. Talking about his betrayal had caused too much new pain.
Her voice broke. "I... I didn't know how to tell you," she murmured at last. Luke, I was terrified. Not sure how you would respond."
Lucas moved one more step in, regretting everything. "I'm sorry, Emma," he said. "Hurting you was never my intention. Please allow me to share in their lives. Let me apologize to them and you."
Emma looked at him and felt tears spring up in her eyes as she recognized the love and vulnerability in his eyes. A chunk of her wanted to trust him, to hope that they might get another shot despite everything.
Could she, though, trust him once more? Could she gamble her heart and the hearts of her kids on the prospect of a future together?
Emma understood she had to make the choice alone as she stood there, struggling with her feelings. Heartbreak and treachery had befallen her, but she had also discovered inner strength and resilience.
And Emma realized she would face whatever came next with bravery and resolve as the moon shone its silvery light over them. She prioritized her role as a mother and was willing to do whatever it took to ensure the safety of her children.
That in mind, she inhaled deeply and looked up at Lucas. She said, "Okay," in a determined, low voice. "Have a go."
And as they stood there, under the moonlit sky, a sense of hope and possibility filled the air. This, for Emma Matthews and Lucas Blackwood, was only the start of a trip full of secrets, second chances, and the unfailing strength of love.