“Are they okay?” he asked.
“They’re currently in lockup.”
“They didn’t do anything wrong,” her father said.
“Look, you were brave for what you did, but you can’t go around defending them.”
“Alpha, they’re young boys, and rage had taken over. I believe they didn’t know what they were doing.”
“They put you and the pack in danger,” she said.
Her mother came through the door, spilling coffee to the floor before she rushed to the bed. There in front of everyone, she climbed on the bed, straddled her mate, cupped his face, and kissed him.
Everyone gave them some space, and when her father’s hand dipped down to cup her mother’s ass, she turned her head into Lucas’s chest.
“There are some things a child really shouldn’t see.” She tried not to cringe.
Lucas laughed, and she tilted her head back. “You’re finding this funny?”
“A little. Your parents are clearly very much in love.”
“Yes, they are.”
She stared at him for several seconds. There was something in his voice she wasn’t quite sure about. With the way in which he spoke, it sounded like he envied them. His gaze was on her parents, and she chanced a quick glance back.
Her father’s hand was still on her mother’s ass, but they were kissing as if they were the only two people who could give each other enough air to breathe.
For the longest time, Mabel would watch her parents and envy them. The way they held each other, the clear love they had for one another, She’d wanted that herself, only now, she had it within her grasp.
Her mate was in her arms. Where she’d been willing to put their past in front of their happiness, he’d fought for it.
“Mabel, honey, does this mean you and Lucas have reunited?”
“They’re going to be returned to the island the moment you’re well,” Duke said. “I don’t think it was right in case things had taken a turn for the worse.”
“I feel fit and healthy,” her father said.
She smiled. “There is only so much a girl can watch when her parents smooch.”
Her father held out his hand, and she let Lucas go so she could grasp his hand. Taking it, she leaned in close.
“Go back to the island and give your mate a real chance. Don’t be stubborn. Learn to forgive.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I’ll go back when you’re better.”
“I am better. I’m getting stronger with every second. I’m not human. I’m part wolf. Go and learn to be happy.”
She chuckled and nodded. “Okay, fine. I’ll try.”
“I really appreciate everyone here and all, but I don’t suppose everyone would leave so I can spend some time with my mate?”
Chuckles rang out in the bedroom, and Mabel turned her head back to Lucas with a groan. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to look at them the same way again.”
“They’re in love. You should be happy.”
He stroked her hair back and she laughed. “Of course, I am.” She sighed.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” he said.
Lucas took her hand, and after his father confirmed the arrangements to send them back to the island, they took a walk through town.
Now that she didn’t have the stress of her father hanging over her head, she noticed how so many people watched them.
“I feel like we should put on a show. Maybe dance and sing,” she said. “They might stop looking.”
“Nah, they’d document it.”
“Don’t they have anything better to look at?”
“In all of our pack history, a mated couple has never requested a reconciliation. We’re the first.”
“Oh,” she said. She hadn’t known that. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m not. We didn’t exactly have the easiest start, did we?”
“No. I guess we didn’t, but will this hurt you as an Alpha?” she asked. “You’re going to take over from your father one day.”
“Yes, I only hope when the time is right, I’m just as good as him. In the past three years, I’ve come to see there is a lot more to running a pack than being strong.”
“Like what?”
“Being kind and considerate. I used to think they were weaknesses, but they’re not. My father rarely has to show his strength because everyone around him trusts him. They do not fear him.” He sighed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about this.”
“It’s fine. Really. I don’t mind.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, trying to show him with actions that she enjoyed their talks. “So, you thought your father fought? In order to keep the peace, he just what? Punched everyone?”
“I guess I thought he just told everyone what to do and they all followed his lead. Why wouldn’t they? He is the Alpha. I’ve come to see you’ve got to have a great deal of patience. It’s what my dad has shown me and what I hope in time to show everyone here.”
“You’re turning into a good man,” she said.