~ Chapter Five - Part 1 ~

They drove for an hour before getting to the border of Darkmoon's territory. Two wolves came out of the trees with a shirtless man standing between them. "State your business," the man said.

Katalina rolled her eyes as she stuck her head out of the window. "It's just me, Tyler," she gestured to Damien in the driver's seat. "This is my mate. Ryan gave us permission to come over and pick up my things from the pack house," she explained with a small smile.

Tyler raised an eyebrow. He was one of the older wolves who had known her parents before they passed away. "Little Katalina finally found her beloved mate, huh?" He asked with a smile.

Katalina giggled as she nodded. "Yes. So are you going to let us through?" She asked before sticking her tongue out at him.

Tyler chuckled and shook his head as he glanced at the two wolves. "We're good guys. Back to patrol."

Tyler waved them through and let them pass by.

"Who was that?" Damien asked as he drove up to the pack house.

Katalina smiled as she grabbed her bag. "That was Tyler. He was friends with my parents before they passed away. He checks in on me from time to time," she shrugged before jumping out of the SUV.

As they walked into the pack house, Damien wrapped his arm around her shoulders. As they walked inside, Evelyn laughed. "Well, now look at this. You look like a true luna," Evelyn said as she walked up to Katalina.

Katalina blushed as she looked down. "I don't know, Evelyn."

Evelyn shushed her and pulled her into a hug. "You'll be amazing," she said as she pulled away slightly.

Katalina gave her a small smile. "Oh, before I forget," she pulled away and dug into her bag. She grabbed the herb that she had been looking for in the forest. "I found that herb that I was telling you about earlier today," she said as she held it up. "Just boil it to make tea and drink it about half an hour before you go to bed. It should help you sleep more."

Evelyn grinned in gratitude. "Oh, thank you so much, Katalina."

Katalina hugged her. "I hope this helps. I know it's been difficult for you."

Evelyn shook her head with a small smile. "Always thinking about others' well-being."

Katalina shrugged. "Of course. It's not just that, though," Katalina gently took Evelyn's empty hand in hers. "You've been a mother to me since my parents passed away. I don't know what I would do without you. So I will do everything I can to help and take care of you," she rubbed her belly gently. "Plus, this little one will need you just as much as I did. So we must ensure he gets all the time with you that he can."

Evelyn smiled with tears in her eyes. "I know that I didn't give birth to you, but you will always be a daughter to me. I will always be here for you."

Katalina smiled as she hugged Evelyn, being careful of her pregnant belly. Once they pulled away, Evelyn cleared her throat. Ryan walked into the room at the same time. He frowned when he saw the tears in his beloved's eyes. "What happened? What's going on?" He demanded as he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Evelyn giggled as she leaned into him. "Just emotional talk, my love," she looked at Katalina. "So, do you want to introduce us to that gentleman with you?"

Katalina's eyes went wide as she blushed. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she took a step back and leaned into Damien as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "This is my beloved mate, Damien," she said happily. Then, she pointed at Evelyn and Ryan. "This is Evelyn and Ryan. They're the alpha and luna of this pack and my adoptive parents."

Damien took a step forward and held a hand for them to shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you guys," he said as he shook hands with Ryan and Evelyn.

Ryan folded his arms over his chest as he studied Damien. "How about we take this to the sitting room?" He asked as he turned to Evelyn. "You need to sit down and rest, my love," he said softly.

Katalina quickly walked up to Evelyn and wrapped an arm around her waist to help her walk. "I've got her, Ryan," Katalina said as they walked into the sitting room.

Katalina helped Evelyn get comfortable in front of the fireplace that was always on during the wintertime. "Do you still have to keep your feet elevated?" Katalina asked Evelyn as she bit her lip.

Evelyn nodded. "Sharon says it helps with the swelling."

Katalina let out a small laugh as the boys walked into the room. "It does. Plus, it's a lot more comfortable for the baby. Takes pressure off of the belly," she explained.

Evelyn smiled adoration as she watched Katalina fix a long pillow on the table in front of her. She carefully helped Evelyn lift her feet onto the pile of pillows and set some extra pillows behind her back. "How's that?" Katalina questioned as she stood in front of her.

Evelyn smiled. "That's perfect, darling. Thank you."

Katalina blew her a kiss before going to sit next to Damien. Before she could fully sit down, he grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. She giggled as she snuggled into him. "I have to say," Evelyn said as she leaned into Ryan. "You two are just the cutest together."

Katalina blushed. "Thank you," she said softly.