The pack applauded loudly as we shifted back to human form and slipped into robes.
I grinned at my sister and hugged her tightly before she went to the podium to give her Alpha speech.
Blaine wrapped an arm around me as I walked off the stage. "How do you feel?"
I shook my head. "I don't feel any different. I feel stronger, if that makes sense."
He smirked. "It's because you're my mate, Darlin'. You're a Luna who was destined to be in power. You are my equal, meaning that's exactly how you should feel."
I felt my cheeks heat up as I nodded. "I know. I love you."
"And I love you."
We stood at the bottom of the stage and watched as Riley gave her speech. She thanked me for seeing potential in her, and for passing the title to her. Then she thanked the pack and promised them her loyalty. I was proud of her, and her speech proved to me I made the right decision.
The pack commended her speech, and we left the auditorium for a cookout to celebrate their new Alpha. The cookout was also a farewell to me as their Alpha, and as part of the Maxwell pack.
The backyard of the pack house comprised the forest with a decent-sized clearing. It was perfect for parties and activities. Everyone mingled with themselves.
"I'm so proud of you girls," our dad said, hugging us both.
Before we could respond, a scream pierced through the crowd. Everyone turned toward the source and found that it was Ivy.
She clutched her pregnant stomach, panting in pain.
"Mom! The baby's coming!" She cried, "My water broke."
"It's okay, Ivy. Nolan, get her to the hospital. Shawn and I will be right behind you," Mom barked commands.
Nolan hesitated before he rushed toward me. He ran a hand through his hair as he spoke, "Sophia, I will always regret my decision. I just need you to know that."
I placed a hand on my belly as Blaine stepped between us. "Be with your wife. She's having your child."
He nodded, and with one last look he ran back to Ivy.
Our parents fussed over her as Nolan helped get her to the car. She was in a lot of pain and kept cursing at Nolan—not that he didn't deserve it. I silently prayed for her to have an easy birth.
Riley and Xavier came over to me after they had left. "I can't believe our little bratty sister is having a kid before us," Riley said.
"Sophia's not far behind her." Xavier pointed at my belly.
Blaine rubbed my belly, and I smiled. "I have to admit, I can't wait for this little pup to be here."
"Neither can I!" Riley grinned.
"Not to brag but, I'll be a damn good uncle." Xavier cheesed a smile as Caroline whacked him on the arm.
"You'll be a crazy uncle," she said.
I watched them with a smile.
Both of them had lost their mates, and it seemed fate had brought them together for that reason. Caroline had been mending Xavier's broken heart, and I could tell he was also healing hers.
"We will miss you," Riley murmured before hugging me.
"I know, and I will miss you all so much!" I felt tears pool in my eyes and sniffled.
"Come on now, you're making my pregnant mate cry." Blaine wrapped his arms around me as I started to sob into his chest.
"Pregnancy hormones..." Riley snorted.
I would really miss them.
Tears ran down my face as I sobbed into my hands. I blamed it on the hormones.
"It's okay, Darlin'." Blaine kissed the top of my head.
"No, it's not!" I wailed. My shoulders shook as I tried to calm my breathing.
"I definitely don't miss those pregnancy hormones," Ivy said.
"Me either." Mom winked at her.
I sniffled and glared at them. "I'm just going to miss everyone is all."
Mom's eyes softened, and she pulled me into a hug. "I am so sorry I won't be able to help you through this pregnancy."
I shook my head. "It's okay. I'll call all the time, and we can video chat."
"I love you, honey." She held me tighter.
"I love you too."
Dad yanked me out of Mom's arms. "Stop hogging my little girl." He stuck his tongue out at her and she did the same.
I laughed through my tears and hugged him. "You were a wonderful Alpha. You will be an even better Luna. I love you," he whispered.
"Thank you. I love you too." I wiped the tears away.
"You better keep my grandchild safe." He patted my belly.
"Always." I grinned. "I love this child with every fiber of my being."
"I'll miss you. You're one of my best warriors." Blaine shook Gabe's hand.
"I will miss you too. You were the best Alpha I could've asked for," Gabe said. "And you are the reason I got to meet my mate." He pulled Riley closer.
"Aww! You guys better be working on making me some nieces and nephews." I crossed my arms.
"You already have a nephew." Ivy held up her son.
My lips tugged into a smile. "That's true."
Ivy gave birth to a beautiful baby boy a few hours after she went into labor. She had a smooth delivery and a healthy son that looked just like Nolan. She began showing slivers of the old Ivy once her son came into the world.
"Look, I'm sorry about everything. You didn't deserve anything I said or did to you," she mumbled as she stared at her son.
"Thank you." I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take care of Mason." I cooed at the sleeping infant in her arms.
"I will. Babies are a blessing. You will be a great mom." She stared at me with a grin.
I smiled at her and Mason. I was thankful that having him made her grow up a little.
"We will miss you." Xavier and Caroline pulled me into a hug.
"I'll miss all of you! But—I will see you at the Luna ceremony at the Huntington pack." I stepped into Blaine's open arms.
"You are
