Chapter 4

Chapter 004

Reynaldo's Point Of View

Alpha Reynaldo Vargas of the Manantial de Luna Pack found himself facing a hectic morning right after waking up. He inhaled deeply as rays of sunlight streamed through the curtains. Only the infrequent movements of his Luna Susana disturbed the silence of his room. The night stretched on, filled with restless thoughts, and he couldn't pinpoint the reason. The burden of his duty might have weighed on him, or possibly he sensed an impending change he had no power to influence.

The bedside table clock showed the time as 7:30 a.m.

Carlos's son probably hadn't woken up yet. At least for another two hours. Reynaldo didn’t want to wake him yet. He wished to share a peaceful moment with Susana before they needed to confront the day. Rarely did he experience such moments these days. As Susana fought a fatal disease, she remained Reynaldo's Luna, which meant so much to him. The idea of losing her continued to haunt his heart, and today he would have to confront that truth once more.

He glanced at her bed and saw that her frail body rested on her side of the bed. The chemotherapy had left visible effects on her body with her thin caramel hair and pale skin, but her eyes retained their vibrant life despite all her suffering.

Reynaldo greeted her with a gentle “Good morning” while tenderly removing a hair strand from her face.

She stirred slightly, opening her eyes slowly. She whispered "Morning" while offering him a genuine smile despite her exhaustion. Her smile maintained the cherished warmth despite her lips showing their pale coloration.

Reynaldo announced that he would prepare breakfast while his voice sounded rough from waking up.

She gave a nod but remained silent because her exhausted body couldn't move.

Prior to departing the Before Reynaldo established a mind link with an omega whose duty would be to monitor Carlos during their absence. The cycle of medical appointments and additional examinations brought more stress today. Although Reynaldo had become accustomed to their daily routine, it remained just as difficult.

The Manantial de Luna mansion had no sound as morning came. The pack occupied territory that extended past the walls bordered by dense forests and expansive open plains. As Reynaldo walked down the steps, he could smell pine and wildflowers in the air. His thoughts were jumbled. The sensation that something imminent would occur refused to leave him.

He stepped into the kitchen to start making a simple breakfast, which wasn’t overly elaborate. Since his upcoming doctor's appointment required him to be mentally alert, he needed to stay focused. The concern about Susana’s condition occupied his mind with great intensity. Despite receiving minimal hope from doctors, she chose to fight. But what if...?

The pack nurse's voice calling out "Alpha, Luna" interrupted his thoughts.

The nurse at the entrance captured Reynaldo’s attention as she stood bowing her head in respect. “We have everything prepared for Susana's appointment whenever you decide to come.”

Reynaldo’s heart sank. Each visit served as a constant reminder about the ongoing passage of time. “Thank you,” he replied softly. “We’ll be right there.”

He completed his current task rapidly because he didn't want to make Susana wait. Even when she hid her feelings, she depended on his presence. He ascended the stairs to discover her in bed with her eyes shut as though she battled her physical struggles. Usanaa,” he called gently, “it’s time.”

Her eyes opened, and she smiled softly before she swung her legs off the bed. She never required assistance because her inner strength remained intact even when her physical self failed her. Despite his support being unnecessary, Reynaldo stood ready to assist her.

The drive to the clinic was silent. Álex, Reynaldo’s wolf, remained unsettled and moved around in the deepest recesses of his thoughts. The weight of their circumstances pressed heavily upon him. Now was not the time for him to consider these thoughts. Both the pack and Susana required his assistance.

As they entered the clinic, they encountered the known smell of antiseptic mixed with the unique scent of werewolf blood. As always, the nurse welcomed them before leading them to the examination room. Susana's hand in Reynaldo's grip shook ever so slightly. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze in an attempt to provide some small comfort.

A tall older man with silver hair entered the room shortly after that. His kindness was undeniable, yet his eyes held a familiar regret that Reynaldo recognized too well.

The doctor greeted them with “Alpha, Luna” and a small bow. The tumor has increased in size according to the new scan results.

Reynaldo’s stomach dropped. The news wasn’t unexpected to him, but verbalizing it made the situation hit home. Reynaldo noticed the hidden anguish within Susana’s eyes even though her expression stayed unchanged. She didn’t cry anymore. She couldn’t afford to.

With his voice remaining unwavering, Reynaldo inquired, "How bad?" even as he felt a storm rising within him.

The doctor said softly that we might have one or two years left depending on this progression rate.

Susana grasped his hand and flashed him a little smile, which seemed to communicate everything would be alright. The weight of his emotions made Reynaldo feel as though his heart was fracturing. Living with this reality had become routine for them over time, yet reading about it in black and white remained intolerable.

Susana declared her intent to fight on as her voice showed signs of trembling yet remained determined. “We can’t waste time. Carlos’ birthday is coming up.”

Reynaldo wanted to scream. He wanted to embrace her and reassure her everything would work out. But deep down, he knew the truth. The remaining time dwindled while it botremainderlessss to halt its passage.

The pair walked across the park grounds in silence until noon as Reynaldo dwelled on his thoughts and Susana concentrated on preparing for the party. Carlos’ first birthday was happening in just a few days, and it was one of her few remaining sources of happiness.

The mansion's resident son had already risen from bed and was engaged in playtime with his omega babysitter. His little arms stretched toward Susana, and his face lit up with a big smile when he saw her.

“Momma!” he giggled, and Susana’s heart melted.

Susana bent to lift him as her tiredness faded away for a moment. She regained her true self by holding Carlos in her arms. She managed to pretend for a moment that everything around her returned to normal.

Reynaldo stood in the doorway, watching them. A sharp sense of guilt washed over him. When they exchanged vows, Reynaldo had made commitments to her, which now felt distant. A political union was his hope for their happiness, but he didn’t anticipate falling in love with her. Their connection developed authenticity despite not representing the bond of true mates.

"Reynaldo, what’s wrong?" Susana’s voice broke through his thoughts.

His gaze met hers, and he noticed how her eyes expressed her worry. “It’s nothing. He fabricated that the northern rogues occupied his mind while attempting to dismiss his concerns.

She lifted her eyebrow while showing that she didn't believe him. “Are you sure? You’ve been quiet all morning.”

“I’m fine. I’m just... worried,” he admitted. “But we’ll deal with it later. Carlos’ party is more important.”

Her smile revealed mischievous sparkles in her eyes. “You’re always worrying about the pack. Can we spend today just focusing on our son instead of the usual worries?

Reynaldo chuckled softly. “I suppose you’re right. Let’s make today about Carlos.”

The day passed in a blur. The team dedicated all their energy to planning Carlos’ first birthday celebration while Susana worked relentlessly in spite of her medicaldespite She decided to personally select every detail, from decorations to the cake and party favors. When Reynaldo tried to offer assistance, she ignored him completely.

Earlier she told Matt, "You're focused on the pack." “I’ve got this.”

As night approached, the party began. The Manantial de Luna mansion buzzed with joyful sounds of laughter and music. The pack members assembled to commemorate Carlos’ milestone while everything temporarily returned to normal. For several hours she experienced the world feeling lighter than she had felt in a long time.

Reynaldo stared at his son while a sense of pride filled his heart. Carlos brought joy to their entire family, while Reynaldo could not picture life ahead without his son. The thought was always succeeded by the crushing knowledge that Susana’s presence would not last forever. He attempted to keep that thought at bay, but it continuously remained present, hiding in the background.

During the night's closing hours, Reynaldo and Susana discovered a brief moment of solitude together while standing on the balcony overlooking the pack’s territory. Above them the stars radiated bri, tightness while the forest's scent traveled through the cool night air.

Susana started to say her wish, but her voice remained just above a whisper.

Reynaldo turned to her, his heart racing. “What do you wish for?”

Her smile was faint while her eyes showed dandadness. My heart desires to be present for Carlos and for you as well as everything else. I am aware that this is not going to be what happens.

Reynaldo’s throat tightened. He was searching for comforting words to help her feel better. But the truth was, he couldn’t.

“I’ll take care of you, Susana. He reassured her, saying, "I’ll take care of Carlos," while his voice remained rough. “I promise.”

She gave a small nod while leaning her head onto his shoulder. “I know you will.”

As they remained silent in the night, Reynaldo committed to himself that he would protect them. He would protect them. He vowed to remain their steadfast support regardless of what lay ahead.