**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
**Chapter 87**
Bella
Never before had I experienced such an overwhelming sense of safety. As the dawn light filtered through the curtains, I blinked awake and took in the sight before me. We were all nestled closely around Scott, our protector, our anchor. Emma lay curled against his chest, her small form rising and falling with each breath. Ryan was sprawled across Scott’s arm, one tiny leg draped possessively over him, as if claiming him as his own. And I, the fortunate one, was tucked snugly into Scott’s side, my head resting comfortably on his shoulder. It was as if we had molded ourselves into him during the night, creating a warm, living cocoon. I felt… home. It was an indescribable sensation, a profound realization that we were finally his, and he was ours.
A soft smile crept across my lips as I carefully pushed myself up, taking care not to disturb the peaceful slumber of the kids. Scott was awake, his calm, steady gaze fixed on me, that familiar look in his eyes sending a flutter through my heart. I leaned down, brushing my lips against his in a gentle kiss, savoring the warmth of the moment.
He lifted his hand, fingertips grazing my cheek, his voice a soothing murmur. “Thank you for being in my life,” he said, his tone low and rich with emotion. “I swear, I am the luckiest Lycan ever born.”
His words washed over me like a wave, stirring deep emotions within my soul. I kissed him again, cradling his jaw in my hand. “If you hadn’t been so persistent with me, I would have run the other way,” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. “So maybe I should be the one thanking you.”
A smile danced on his lips, and for a fleeting moment, we simply existed in that shared space, breathing each other in, lost in the quiet intimacy. But then Emma stirred, and I reluctantly pulled away. I gently lifted her from Scott’s chest, her soft protests echoing in the stillness of the room.
“How long have you been awake?” I inquired, glancing back at Scott as I settled Emma beside me on the bed.
“About an hour,” he replied, sitting up slowly to avoid waking Ryan. “I didn’t want to move. I was enjoying the view too much.”
I shook my head, a soft laugh bubbling up. “You’re already spoiling them, you know.”
He let out a sigh, his gaze drifting to our children. “I missed four years of watching them grow,” he said, his voice tinged with a bittersweet longing. “From now on, I won’t miss a single day. And no one will stop me from pampering my pups.”
His possessiveness warmed my heart, filling me with a sense of belonging. I tucked Emma under a soft blanket, and with careful hands, Scott lifted Ryan off himself, laying him gently next to his sister. Together, we covered them snugly before tiptoeing out of the room. I couldn’t shake the feeling of gratitude toward Scott for being my unwavering support, for the way he had forced our lives to intertwine.
As we entered the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, and I spotted Cindy bustling about, her cheerful humming filling the space. The moment she caught sight of me, her face lit up, and she rushed over, arms wide open.
“Oh, my dear Queen,” she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion as she enveloped me in a tight embrace. “I have waited all my life to see Scott’s mate. This boy was a handful, and I’m so happy that someone has finally brought him to his knees.”
I chuckled lightly, but her words tugged at my heart, creating a lump in my throat. I returned her hug, smiling shyly as Scott watched us with a tender expression. After a moment, he stepped away to wash up, leaving me in the warmth of the kitchen. As I glanced out the window, I was struck by the sheer number of wolves gathered outside. Big wolves, small wolves, pups, and young adults mingled together, some standing, some sitting, and others whispering excitedly amongst themselves.
Cindy noticed the way my eyes widened and chuckled softly. “They’re curious,” she explained, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “They’ve all come to see the king’s pups. News travels fast in our world.”
His eyes darkened with an intensity that sent shivers racing down my spine. My hands instinctively slid up his chest, and the world around us began to blur as he leaned down, and I tilted my head up to meet him. In an instant, he swept me off my feet, lifting me effortlessly and kissing me with a hunger that sent my heart racing. My arms wrapped around his neck, and I felt my legs tighten around him as he carried me a few steps toward the cottage door. A wild, desperate need surged within me, urging him to take me inside and lock us away from the prying eyes of the world. I craved him, a longing that consumed me. “I need you…” I whimpered against his lips.
“Oh baby…” His kiss deepened, a promise of what was to come.
But then, a loud cough interrupted us.
Scott growled, a low, dangerous sound that vibrated through his chest, yet he didn’t break the kiss. I heard Troy’s voice behind us, gently reminding, “Your Majesty… everyone is watching. And you’re needed in the dungeons.”
I froze, the heat of embarrassment flooding my cheeks. Scott pulled back with a frustrated snarl, setting me down gently. My face burned as I turned around, and the reality of Troy’s words hit me like a cold splash of water. Half the pack was staring at us, some wolves with ears perked in fascination, while others, in their human forms, hid smiles behind their hands. My children stood near the porch, their eyes wide with surprise.
The blush on my cheeks felt like it could ignite the very air around me. Soft chuckles rippled through the crowd, and I could feel the weight of their amusement.
Scott shot a glare over his shoulder, his expression radiating a desire for everyone to simply vanish.
Taking a deep breath, I smoothed my hair, attempting to regain my composure, and did my best to avoid making eye contact with anyone directly.

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