Alex's p.o.v
"Come, child."
Mrs. Zheng gestured gently toward the bench, her expression unreadable in that way that only mothers can manage. When they were seated, she reached into a small bag and placed something in Alex's hand. She took it, puzzled.
"This is green tea mixed with ancient Chinese herbs," Mrs. Zheng explained softly. "It helps with scent. And these-" she added, placing a small pack of chews next to it, "are for when you get 'stressed.'"
Her smile was so warm, so understanding, it short-circuited Alex's thoughts.
"Huh? Wait... these are..."
"Suppressants. Don't worry Xing took Noah downstairs, and I cleared the yard before you arrived."
What? Her heart flipped. Her pulse thumped wildly.
[Finally. Now we can come out to our mate-]
What's the worst that could happen? I'm sure lying to him for months will have no consequences.
She's startled at the intrusive voice foreign, almost feral. It mocked her, fortunately the last thing she cares about is people knowing her status.
"Why are you helping me hide this from your son?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Sweetheart, your scent is faint, but... we picked it up," Mrs. Zheng admitted. "I'm not sure if Noah knows, but I trust there's a reason you've kept it to yourself. So, I'm offering you these."
Panic clawed up her throat. Her past, her pack's values, the weight of expectations they all surged up like cold water rising fast.
"You can sense me?"
"Yes, we got experience" the Luna said gently. "It's more than scent. It was how you moved when you shifted. You didn't back down from anyone but Noah. That wasn't your wolf, that was your nature. And you marked him with your pheromones. His scent subtle as the change is shifted. We've had the privilege to observe you... it became clearer with time."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you found your fated mate, and the more he's around, the more your true self shines through. If the weight of secrecy ever becomes too much, speak to him. Give him a chance to carry it with you."
No one not even her own mother had ever spoken to her like this after her nature was discovered. Not with compassion. Not with understanding. She blinked away tears, emotions crashing over her.
"Mom, I mean Mrs-" she stumbled, but Mrs. Zheng gave her hand a squeeze, silencing the slip with grace.
"Thank you. I appreciate everything you and your family have done for me. But respectfully... I don't want the obligation that comes with being known for my nature."
Mrs. Zheng nodded, wise and calm. "You forget I'm also an omega. Yes, I made choices based on obligation, but that didn't weaken me. I respect your path, but don't treat who you are like something to hide in shame."
And that was it that was the crack in the dam. The truth she'd buried with chemicals and perfectionism started to leak through.
"You're right. I don't know when I started hating myself as much as my mother does. Mam, my pack is ruled by hierarchy. Omegas and women are at the bottom and are told their only value lies in being housewives and mothers. Although my mother's status is high, she is only respected because she has an alpha man by her side." She shrugs. "Mrs Zheng, I am not ashamed of my nature I just know what I will be limited to. I know Moon and Blue might not be like my patriotically ignorant pack but some memories and lessons are hard to forget. I dreamt my prince would save me… after I tore the veil of ignorance, I took off my heels and faced reality."
Mrs. Zheng's tone turned soft with knowing. "Honey, that's how trauma works. And yes, a lot of packs do not operate under that law, but I understand where you are coming from. Do you want to talk about what changed that dream? I can sense that you are burdened by your feelings especially the more you talk about your previous pac…"
The memories ambushed her. She couldn't breathe past them. Her chest felt like it was caving in. Tears blurred her vision until all she could see was the warm figure embracing her, her pheromones working to calm the surge of anxiety.
"Do you want to talk inside?"
She nodded wordlessly, letting herself be led. She grabbed one of the many ice creams they'd bought just for her and took a few bites, already feeling grounded by the sweetness. Before she knew it, she was in a neutral-toned room, warm and safe, across from the kind of woman she wished her birth mother had been. Last time she told a woman of her unfortunate situation at home, the head mistress hit her accusing her of provoking the alpha. She looked at her with so much disgust she regretted opening up, eventually her pack saw her being mistreated and based on her wounds they came to the conclusion that she was the problem. Her breathing is heavier, and her tears are at the forefront somewhat fearing what will happen.
"It's okay, hun. Take a deep breath. When you're ready, you let it out."
She did. Then with closed eyes, the words spilled faster than she could stop them.
"I was abused. I hate myself because I feel too weak. I hate my mother for blaming me for attracting the wrong attention. I hate my pack for imprisoning me with that man to avoid calling it a sin. I hate my nature because it stole everything. I don't know to feel about Noah. What if this relationship is solely based on our mate bond?"
She opened her eyes. The Luna's expression held no pity just love. The kind she'd never known. Noah mother hugged her, her soft hand gently patting her back. She does not ask her questions of her previous pack; she does not try to doctor her but she's just there. She wipes her tears from her face, truly her former pack was hell since Noah's reaction mirrored his mothers.
"Mrs. Zheng... I see now it wasn't my fault; I was just a child. I got away. There's resentment, yes but it fuels me. I will never step foot there especially since my future has been written. And Noah? I still dream about our future. But I won't rush. I won't limit destiny any more than I already have."
She took a few more bites of her ice cream, letting the caramel comfort her as she organised the emotions inside. She was still healing, yes but she was also incredibly self-aware. And that meant she could grow.
"Wow," the Luna said at last, softly but full of emotion. "You interest me, Alex Marx. No matter how strong I know you are, your part of a new pack now. And you have a mother-in-law who loves her daughter. Your past is terrible but but take a second to look at what you have and accomplished now. Your previous pack as well as your nature does not determine the rest of your story, and who you are now."
They hugged for a full minute, maybe more. It was the first time in a long while she believed someone truly meant it. They started talking about Noah after that his annoying habits, his boyish quirks. It was light, healing.
"Honestly, his personality is the reason I gave him a chance," she admitted with a smile. "He's goofy, but when he's serious? It's admirable."
Mrs. Zheng chuckled and told her stories of Noah as a child. Eventually, Alex found herself standing outside again, a new tub of butterscotch ice cream in one hand, suppressants tucked in her pocket.She walked toward her mate, who stood waiting with extra bags. She considered asking but thought better of it. Not everything had to be explained. Not yet.
"Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Zheng."
Alex bowed respectfully, but midway through, her emotions won and she pulled Mrs. Zheng into a hug. The woman smelled sweet like apples and comfort. Like home. Mrs. Zheng smiled warmly and reached out to pull her son into the embrace. Then, with a mock stern expression that only mothers can pull off, she warned,
"Son, do not hurt or ever let my daughter-in-law go. The Blue Moon's fate has blessed you more than you'll ever know."
Alex chuckled, while Noah nodded seriously and kissed his mother on the cheek. He wrapped an arm around Alex's shoulder and led her toward the car. Noah had already smoothed things over with both Toby and Lucas, apologising for the last-minute change of plans. He even offered to cover their hotel stay and the cost of new plane tickets, arranging for them to leave first thing the next morning. Neither of them seemed upset it was late, and the sun was already starting to dip below the horizon. After the heartfelt goodbyes, they made a stop at Toby's house which wasn't far from the main estate. Alex was surprised by the elegance of it. Though smaller than the main Pack Deucalion mansion, it was still more impressive as the surrounding homes.
"You met Mr. Green," Noah said, nodding toward the front door. "He's my father's best friend, business partner, and well that's why, Toby and I? We're like brothers from another mother."
"Ah, that makes sense now," Alex replied, smiling. "No wonder you two are so close."
"Here they come..."
The front door swung open, and Toby appeared with his usual relaxed grin, followed closely by Lucas, who offered Alex a nod of acknowledgment and Noah a raised eyebrow.