Annalynne made it back safely with two bags full of groceries. She and Gordon helped with the cooking preparation while Lucien stood in the kitchen to cook them a marvelous dinner. By the time they were done, it was already quite late at night. Thankfully, Gordon's couch could be expanded into an extra bed. Annalynne and Lucien thus slept on the extra bed for the night.
Lucien and Annalynne went back to Blue Hill City the next morning. Back at the Silent Walkers Pack House, Alice Clearwater had been waiting for her two children to come back, particularly for Lucien.
When the Night Prowler Pack came with the first marriage proposal, everyone and his mother hoped that Lucien would say yes and saved the entire Silent Walkers Pack. But then when the Infinite Eclipse Pack came with a second, better proposal, everyone and his mother were burning with the desire to have Lucien agree to say yes to the latter pack instead.
The Silent Walkers Pack did not know much about what happened between Lucien Clearwater and Ronan Silverback seven years ago, but they knew that the two men used to be fated mates. Although Ronan Silverback rejected Lucien Clearwater, he was clearly still enamored with the latter. Else, why would he propose? This undisputed fact gave the Silent Walkers pack members a lot of hope.
Until Lucien wrote the rejection letter and Alice Clearwater sent it out on his behalf to the Infinite Eclipse Pack. There was no answer for the Night Prowler Pack yet. The Elders approached Alice with questions regarding Lucien's decision, but Alice merely told them that Lucien had already decided and the Silent Walkers Pack did not have the right to force him to do anything.
"That is very correct," an Elder said in a placating tone. "But then this still involves everyone in the Silent Walkers Pack. Should we not know what he is planning to do?"
"Naturally it is Lucien's prerogative to accept or reject any proposal. We just want to know what he plans to do. Everyone is harboring a lot of hope."
"To be honest, I was hoping that he would accept Ronan Silverback's proposal. I cannot imagine having to bend my knee in front of the Night Prowler Pack."
"I believe Lucien would be a lot happier with Ronan Silverback. Despite the rejection, there is still a chance for reconciliation. The fated mate connection is sacred and blessed by the Moon Goddess herself..."
The last Elder who spoke shut up immediately when he saw the look on Alice's face.
A murmur of agreement went through the Elders who failed to notice.
Alice snorted in annoyance. She herself had to admit that the Night Prowler Pack was not her first choice at all. But then what did these Elders know about Lucien and Ronan? Not enough to claim that they were a better fit!
Lucien was packing up to leave for the South Bedford City when Alice entered his bedroom with a tray of tea and freshly baked almond cookies.
Lucien looked up and gave his mom a soft smile.
"Thanks, Mom."
"Hmmm. How was the night with Dad?"
"Good. Too bad you couldn't come."
Alice set the tray on a table and sat at the bedside.
"I promise to be there the next time."
They had not spent time together as a family for years.
Alice went to visit Gordon every week, but she never visited at the same time her children did. The reason was both simple and ridiculous. The couple tended to burst into tears when they met, and while Gordon opened up completely in front of Alice, he refused to do so in front of even his children.
If Alice had come with Annalynne and Lucien, Gordon would have forced himself to act like the strong dependable Alpha that he used to be instead of letting the loving father meet with the children he had not seen for a long time.
Lucien put the last piece of clothing into his luggage and shut it with a click. Then he turned around and sat next to his mother.
"What is it, Mom?"
Alice gave him an uneasy smile. She herself told everyone to never mention anything regarding the wedding proposals to Lucien and here she was, trying to talk about exactly the same thing.
No, no, no, she kept telling herself.
It was not the same. She merely wanted to know what Lucien wanted to do regarding the proposal from the Night Prowler Pack. A mother should know this. Should Lucien agree to marry Kinnon Youngshaper, Alice naturally had to be involved in the wedding planning.
"So..." Alice coughed a little. "Are you all set for your trip tomorrow?"
"Yes, Mom."
Lucien raised an eyebrow at Alice. Alice stared at her son for a while before she sighed and gave in. "Fine. Mom wants to ask you about the, uh, the proposal."
Lucien cracked a smile. "Which one?"
"Both."
Alice was the type of person who either did nothing or went all out. If she happened to step into a mud pond with one foot, she would enter with the second foot and enjoy the mudball war.
Lucien sighed.
Alice put an arm around her son's shoulder and pressed a kiss on his cheek.
"Mom is not forcing you to do anything. You know that. It's just that..."
Nervous laughter escaped the elder woman. "You two were very young back then. Mom thought that maybe this time, things would be different."
Lucien shook his head gently. He put his hand on top of Alice's and rubbed it fondly.
"Mom, he and I are over. I do not plan to stir the pot once again."
Alice's lips parted slightly but she quickly pressed them together. Lucien no longer wished to be associated with Ronan. That was the reason for the rejection. Although Ronan's heart was still burning with desire, Lucien's heart already cooled down. It was unfortunate, but it was unavoidable.
Then, only one more question was left. Alice swallowed hard. She could not help but lower her voice in a conspiratorial tone, "Then, are you going to say yes to Kinnon Youngshaper's proposal?"