Chapter 75

Kora

As the morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the packhouse, Mason and I found ourselves immersed in a flurry of activity. We had decided it was time to clean up the packhouse, an endeavor that seemed both necessary and therapeutic. The sound of brooms sweeping the floor and the clattering of cleaning supplies filled the air as we worked side by side.

I couldn’t resist the opportunity to engage in some playful banter with Mason, knowing that it would lift our spirits amidst the task at hand. With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I nudged him and remarked, “Seems like someone has found a soft spot for our pack

Mason turned to me, a playful smile dancing on his l*ps. “You always know how to tease me, don’t you?” he said, chuckling softly as he shook his head.

I shrugged, a mischievous smile gracing my l*ps.

“It’s one of my many talents,” I replied, matching his light-hearted tone. “But in all seriousness, Mason, it warms my heartto see you embracing the Shadowmoon pack. They need a strong leader like you”

It was not an exaggeration, unfortunately. Most of our new packmates were skittish or overly needy, with little in between. Deborah’s magic had really done a number on them.

As we continued to sweep the floor, Mason’s gaze met mine, his expression softening.

“I expected to feel a tinge of resentment toward them,” he admitted, a touch of vulnerability coloring his voice. “After all, our paths had been forced to intertwine-first with the death of my father, and then the attacks on our borders, plus everything with you and Lyla-and now our lives are altered in ways we never anticipated. But seeing what they’ve been through, the challenges they’ve faced, I can’t help but feel a sense of kinship.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with pride for both Mason and our pack.

“They see your dedication, Mason. They believe in you, just as I do.”

Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we worked, our voices blending with the sounds of cleaning. We shared stories of our individual journeys, the trials we had faced, and the resilience that had brought us together. The mundane task of cleaning the packhouse became a canvas for our emotions and experiences.

Seeking to delve deeper into his emotions, I gently touched Mason’s arm, my voice filled with concern

“Mason, how do you truly feel about your mother?” I asked, my gaze searching his eyes for answers.

Mason’s brows furrowed, his defensive walls rising instantly. He pulled away from my touch, his jaw clenched with a hint of aggression.

“I don’t want to talk about it, Kora,” he snapped, his tone laced with frustration. “She’s betrayed us, and that’s all there is to it.”

I could sense the pain and anger bubbling beneath the surface, but Mason was determined to keep it buried. He had built a fortress around his emotions, shielding himself from the vulnerability that came with acknowledging his true feelings.

I took a step back, respecting his boundaries but still determined to offer my support.

“Mason, I understand that you’re hurt and angry. But bottling up those emotions won’t make them disappear. It’s important to face them, to allow yourself to heal.”

Mason scoffed, a bitter smile tugging at his l*ps. “Heal? Kora, some wounds don’t heal. They leave scars that serve as constant reminders of the pain we’ve endured. I don’t need your sympathy or your attempts to dig into my emotions. I’m fine.”

His words stung, but I knew better than to push him further. Mason had always been fiercely independent, reluctant to show any sign of weakness. It was a defense mechanism he had honed over the years, and I couldn’t blame him for it.

Silence hung between us, heavy with unspoken words. I watched as Mason turned away, his shoulders tense with unresolved emotions. I wanted to help him, to offer solace, but I had to respect his boundaries.

My heart ached for him as I debated what to say, knowing that some wounds were difficult to mend. Putting down the broom, I stepped closer to him, gently squeezing his hand.

“I understand, Mason,” I said softly. “Family ties can be complicated, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Just know that I’m here for you through every step of this journey.

Mason’s eyes met mine, gratitude and affection shimmering within them.

“Thank you, Kora,” he replied, his voice filled with sincerity, “Having you by my side means more to me than I can express.”

Mason’s eyes met mine, gratitude and affection shimmering within them.

“Thank you, Kora,” he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. “Having you by my side means more to me than I can express.”

With a shared understanding, we returned to our cleaning duties, but this time, our conversation took a lighter turn. We shared playful anecdotes, reminiscing about our most embarrassing moments and laughing at our own clumsiness. The laughter echoed through the packhouse, releasing the tension that had lingered.

“You should have seen the look on my face when I tripped, Mason chuckled, his broom still in hand as he reenacted his clumsy stumble. “I swear, I thought the ground had suddenly risen up to attack me.

“You know,” I teased, a mischievous glint in my eyes, if our pack members could hear you now, they’d probably never let you live it down. The mighty Mason, brought down by his own two feet”

Mason’s eyebrows shot up in mock offense, his l*ps curling into a playful smile.

“Oh, really?” he retorted, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm. “And what about you, Kora? I seem to recall a few moments when you made a fool of yourself in our childhood”

I couldn’t help but laugh, knowing he had a point. “Okay, okay, maybe I’ve had a few weak moments. But let’s keep that between us, shall we?”

“Like the time you mistook a stump for a bear?” He taunted, and I burst into giggles. “You practically climbed a tree in seconds! I spent ten minutes trying to convince you to come down.”

We both leaned against the freshly cleaned walls, trying to catch our breath between fits of laughter. The packhouse-seemed to join in, the walls echoing with the sound of our shared mirth.

We continued to work, the task at hand becoming more than just cleaning. It was an opportunity to bond, and strengthen our connection as partners and leaders. With each broom stroke and every wiped surface, we reaffirmed our commitment to the pack and to each other. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

A warmth spread through my chest, and I couldn’t help but respond with a grin of my own.

“It’s my job to keep you on your toes, both as a leader and as the one who stole my heart,” I said, nudging him playfully.

Mason’s eyes sparkled with affection as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “Consider me on high alert, then,” he said, a mischievous twi nkle in his gaze: “I wouldn’t want to disappoint you, darling

T

And amidst our laughter and shared responsibilities, we found solace in the simple act of cleaning, reminding ourselves that even in the face of uncertainty, there was a joy to be found and love to be cherished.

As we continued our cleaning, a sense of harmony and purpose settled over us. The packhouse gradually transformed, shedding its dusty remnants and embracing a renewed sense of cleanliness and order. We moved with a shared rhythm, our actions mirroring our commitment to not only maintaining a physical space but also nurturing the emotional well-being of our pack.

During a brief break, we found ourselves sitting on a bench, our faces still flushed from laughter. I leaned against Mason, our shoulders touching, as we gazed out at the peaceful scenery beyond the packhouse windows.

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the shared warmth and understanding that flowed between us. It was in these quiet moments that I appreciated the depth of our connection and the unspoken support that existed between us as partners, leaders, and lovers.

But I have this nagging feeling deep inside that everything feels a little too.. perfect, and I’m afraid that everything we have been building toward will suddenly blow up in our faces.

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