The air was crisp and charged with an unspoken reverence as my mother and I stepped into the sacred grounds of the memorial dedicated to Lily Nelson. This wasn’t just a single statue; it was a hallowed site that honored all our warriors and pack members who had selflessly given their lives to protect the community. Yet, among them all, Lily’s memorial was the most prominent—a striking stone statue of a woman adorned with angelic wings, vigilantly guarding her beloved wolf pack. Every week, we made a pilgrimage to this spot, presenting an array of flowers and plants to breathe life back into its solemn beauty. This week, my mother held a bouquet of vibrant poinsettias, delicate winter jasmine, cheerful winter aconite, and pure white snowdrops. Approaching the statue, she lifted her hand to gently touch the entwined hands of the likeness, whispering, “Thank you, Lily, for your sacrifice. I promised I’d never forget... and I never will.” As we fell into a quiet rhythm of tending to the memorial—brushing away the remnants of snow, uprooting the wilted blooms, and replacing them with our offerings—curiosity tugged at me. “Mom, have you ever met Lily Nelson’s daughter?” I ventured. “Cara? Of course, sweetie. Haven't you?” She looked up from her task, surprise flitting across her features. I shook my head, unfamiliar with the daughter who carried the weight of such a legacy. “I don’t think so. What’s she like?” Mom continued her gardening, her voice steady and warm. “She’s a lovely girl—quiet, but smart. She resembles her mother, but she’s got her father’s eyes.” Her gaze drifted momentarily, enveloped in a memory. “Lily was a force to be reckoned with, strong and beautiful. She wouldn’t take nonsense from anyone—even your father.” “What??” My heart raced. This was news to me. Mom chuckled softly, plucking a remnant of an old flower. “There was this time… your father needed warriors to accompany him to confront another pack that had been making threats against us. He thought Lily should stay behind, being pregnant with Cara and all. But you know Lily—being pregnant didn't make her any less of a Guardian in her eyes. So she told your father that if he thought he could just leave her behind during such a critical moment, he had another thing coming.” She paused again, a chuckle escaping her lips as she recalled the tale. “He attempted to assert his alpha command over her, but she stood her ground. So, in true Lily fashion, she challenged him to a fight: if he won, she would stay, but if she won, he would let her join him.” “Did he lose?” I inquired, the tension in the air thickening around us. “Lose? Oh, my dear, it was like watching a whirlwind,” she burst out laughing, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “Lily had him subdued in under fifteen minutes! Your father—strong and confident as he was—could hardly believe it. Clint just sat back, grinning like a proud husband, watching Lily best your father as if it were the simplest of tasks. They went to meet the other pack together, Lily included, showcasing our might with not just one, but two Guardians at full strength. Even the alpha of the opposing pack had no choice but to back down.” As the story resonated in my ears, I wanted to know more. “What happened to the other pack?” Mom’s expression grew somber. “The alpha was ambitious but foolish. He would later challenge Alpha Leander, mistakenly believing that our pack’s strength was diminished without Guardians by his side. He was sorely mistaken. Leander prevailed, and the opposing alpha was killed, resulting in their lands merging with ours. The Shadow Falls pack grew stronger, but they paid a heavy price. That was when they lost Luna Estella, Leander’s mate and Liam’s mother—he was just six at the time. That loss changed Leander irreparably. He fought through the pain for years, but when Liam turned sixteen, he finally surrendered himself to the Goddess.” It dawned on me how much weight had rested upon Liam’s young shoulders; taking on the role of alpha so soon after losing his father, while I had been wrapped in the comfort of stability. “Why didn’t my dad just take the opposing alpha on directly?” “Your father? He would have rather erred on the side of caution,” my mother explained, her voice laced with understanding. “I was pregnant with you, and he feared the risk to both of us was too great. There was no need for bloodshed—our pack was the mightiest, and at that time, the strongest in the country. The conflict with the Shadow Falls pack forged them into their current power, but it left scars. The loss of Luna Estella haunted Leander, and ultimately, it was their tragedy that reshaped the packs.” I marveled at the revelations. How had I never heard these stories before? “Liam had to carry such an immense burden so young…” “Indeed.” My mother sighed, the warmth in her eyes returning. “Your father has always been a mentor to Liam, investing in him as a future ally. That bond strengthened our ties with Shadow Falls, which continues even now.” The weight of this new knowledge pressed down on me as we turned towards the packhouse. I sensed an air of anticipation as we approached. My mother gestured for me to join her in her office—a place notorious for its "talks." “Have a seat, son,” she instructed, pouring us both a glass of wine. The rich aroma wafted through the air as I took a sip, still bracing myself for the conversation to come. “Have I upset you?” I ventured, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my tone. Instead of taking a seat, she remained at the window, overlooking the vast forest that surrounded us. “I know about the girls, Rik,” she stated, her gaze fixed beyond the horizon. Panic surged through me. How did she know? Before I could muster a response, she turned to face me. “Surprised? I am the Luna of this pack. What kind of Luna would I be if I didn’t notice what was happening right under my nose?” A brief smile flickered on her lips before fading again. “Listen, you're going to inherit the mantle of Alpha soon. Ideally, you’ll find your mate on your birthday, and settle into a blissful life together. But trust me when I say—you’re creating a tumultuous path for both yourself and your potential Luna with this revolving door of relationships within the pack. The role of Luna is challenging enough without jealousy and enmity festering amongst your past flings. I understand your needs as a young alpha, but maybe consider seeking connections outside the pack? It would spare your future mate from facing your previous lovers every day or hearing tales of your past escapades.” The weight of her words settled over me like a heavy blanket, forcing me to confront the discomfort swirling within. She was an embodiment of kindness and loyalty, the very spirit of what a Luna should be—traits I deeply desired in my future mate. “I hear you, mother,” I finally replied, attempting to remain resolute. “You’re right. I don’t want to start my life with my mate mired in misunderstandings or discomfort over my past.” Her smile brightened the room as she stepped forward to embrace me. “I love you, my sweet boy. And yes, you'll always be my sweet boy.” I squeezed her back, warmth flooding my heart. “I love you too, mom.” But before I could escape this deep conversation, she had one more piece of advice to share. “And remember, while I would love grandbabies one day, I want them when you’re ready—not from some fleeting romance. Be responsible.” “Mom,” I said, managing to let my annoyance seep into my tone, “you didn’t raise me to be a fool. And just so you know, I am almost an adult. I know how to protect myself.” She lifted an eyebrow, her maternal gaze steady. “Okay, honey. Sleep well.” “You too, mom.” And with that, I made my escape, grateful to evade any further embarrassment.