Yet, I refused to let their doubts rattle me. I held the truth close to my heart. I was his mate, his Luna, and together, we had built a family around our precious daughter, Beatrice.
In the midst of their murmurs, I stood my ground, unshaken. At least after Alpha Asher’s fierce warning, no one dared to utter Amara’s name again.
The gathering continued, but I couldn't shake the unsettling thoughts that crept into my mind.
Everyone seemed convinced that Beatrice was Amara's daughter, not mine. While the elders and healers knew I was the one who had given her life, an uneasy sensation tugged at my thoughts.
Every inch of Beatrice seemed to be crafted from Alpha Asher himself; her lips, eyebrows, and striking features mirrored his perfectly. Yet, I found no trace of myself within her.
Her big, round eyes were nothing like mine. While both Asher and I had long, oval faces, Beatrice’s was round and square, almost a replica of the photo of Amara I had seen in her picture.
But I quickly brushed it aside with a laugh. Amara had been gone for eight years, and Beatrice was six. There was no way the child I had cradled for nine months could belong to anyone else but me.
Still, the nagging doubt lingered as we returned to Moon Valley Pack.
Once home, I tucked Beatrice into her bed and stood there for a moment, just watching her sleep. I couldn’t help but search for any part of me in her delicate face.
Alpha Asher entered the room, standing beside me.
His voice was low, but there was a hint of amusement. “Why do you look like that? Don’t tell me you're still hung up on what they said at the gathering? Amara’s been gone for years. There’s no need to get worked up over it.”
It was clear that Alpha Asher had always been open about his feelings for Amara.
From the moment we accepted our second-chance mate bond, he entrusted me with the heartbreaking story of her loss.
When we married under the full moon and embraced Beatrice into our family, I felt assured of his commitment.
Nevertheless, doubt lingered, an insistent whisper echoing in the shadows of my mind.
I breathed out slowly, locking eyes with him, determined to mask my unease. “Alpha,” I said, my tone gentle yet firm, “You have been my mate for years now, but can feel it. Is there anything you hide from me?"