The surprise was evident on all their faces at the sight of Elena with a child. Dean knew in that moment that the baby was his, and a happy smile spread across his face as he finally laid eyes on her.
He rushed to her and embraced her tightly, feeling the tears stream down her cheeks as Dean tenderly planted a kiss on her forehead.
She found it difficult to believe she was back in a place she had sworn never to return to, realizing that circumstances could be very tricky.
While Dean hugged her, he gently loosened the wrapper around the baby, gazing at the infant's face before carefully taking the baby from her arms.
"How did this happen?" He inquired of Elena, who glanced at the baby before responding softly.
"I believe it's a gift from the moon goddess; it's a baby boy," she said, leaving Dean beaming with joy as he cradled the baby delicately, swinging him through the air smoothly, while the others gathered around to catch a glimpse of the newborn.
"Alpha Dean, you truly bear a great name, and the moon goddess favors you. This is a shining example of her blessings," Max remarked as he touched the baby's cheek.
As everyone was engrossed in caring for the baby, Elena noticed Athena staring intently at her.
An intense look passed between them, and Elena began to feel a sense of unease at Athena's gaze.
It appeared that Athena felt no remorse for her actions against Elena but rather took pleasure in them.
Looking at Athena, all Elena could see was the beast that had once sought to trade her as if she were mere currency. Now, finding herself back in the beast's den, she couldn't help but wonder if there was another trap awaiting her.
As they locked eyes, Athena offered a faint smile before approaching Elena.
"Welcome back, dear. I'm sure your journey was quite the adventure. Did you ever truly wish to return to this place?" Athena inquired, but Elena remained silent, unwilling to speak a word.
Athena let out a small smile and took a deep breath. "You never wanted to, It's written all over your face. Everyone can see it, even the alpha himself. He doesn't seem to mind, as long as you're here. You've brought back something he treasures deeply," she remarked, glancing at the baby who had been born in less than a month, a significant event in werewolf history.
"Despite everything, my friend, I am pleased we are reunited. Welcome back to the pack," Athena said, her smile carrying a hint of menace that did not escape Elena's notice.
Elena sensed only danger in that smile as she stared at Athena, who extended her hand for a handshake that she hesitated to accept.
"Please," Athena urged once more, but Elena looked away, relieved to spot Elisa emerging from the house through another door.
She smiled softly, realizing that the only person she truly missed during her brief absence from the pack was standing right in front of her.
As they gazed happily at each other, Elisa's heart swelled with joy at the sight of Elena. Initially in disbelief upon hearing the news, seeing Elena now filled her with happiness beyond words.
"Look who's back!" Elisa whispered to herself, unable to contain her excitement as she hurried over to embrace Elena, while Athena stood back, observing their reunion with a smile.
"My Luna, I've missed you so much! I'm so relieved you're back," Elisa expressed, holding Elena's hands tightly.
"I feel the same way. It's wonderful to see you again, Elisa. You're truly special," Elena replied, before Minerva, who had accompanied Elisa, stepped forward.
Minerva enveloped her in a tight hug, beaming with delight. "Welcome home, sister. I never thought you'd return, but I'm so grateful you're here now. I've been unwell ever since you left; I could hardly eat!" Minerva's words caught Elisa off guard.
Elisa couldn't believe Minerva's sudden outpouring of affection, especially considering she had never shown any sorrow over Elena's absence. It was clear that she harbored doubts about Elena's return but despite the doubts from her, Elisa knew Dean would ensure Elena's safe return some day which turns out to be this day.
So, Elisa was taken aback by Minerva's sudden declaration of love, wondering why Minerva had not shown such affection earlier. Despite realizing that Minerva's words to Elena were insincere, Elisa chose to remain silent, observing her quietly.
"You've given birth to a son—it's truly a miracle. None of us knew you were pregnant but now you have given birth. How is this possible?" Minerva inquired after her initial greeting.
Elena hesitated, about to respond, when Elisa interjected. She found Minerva's question inappropriate, considering that Minerva was neither her mate nor entitled to an opinion on the matter. Elisa, sensing Elena's discomfort, spoke up before Elena could reply.
"My Luna, I believe you may not be up to answering that question right now. Let's get you inside, have a bath, eat something, and rest," Elisa suggested, gently guiding Elena while a hint of bitterness lingered in Minerva's expression as she harbored lingering thoughts about Elena's return, holding onto a secret she had kept to herself.
"My baby, I need to hold my baby," Elena pleaded as she was about entering the house with Elisa, reaching out to Dean, who still held the baby in his arms, singing tenderly to him.
"Don't worry, our child will be fine. I've called for the physician to care for you while you recover slowly," Alpha Dean reassured, turning his attention to Elisa.
"Please, take her inside and ensure she receives proper care," he instructed, as Elisa lowered her head respectfully once more.
"Alright, Alpha," she responded, but Elena hesitated, reluctant to leave her child.
As Dean began to walk away with the baby, accompanied by Max and Athena, Elena felt a surge of panic. "Where is he taking my baby? I can't bear to be separated from him," she whispered, her heart racing with the desire to follow and care for her child herself.
"Don't worry, your baby will be safe. You've been through a lot, my Luna. Dean just wants you to rest. Once you're feeling better, he'll return your baby to you. He cares about you. Ever since you left the pack, he hasn't been the same," Elisa explained, capturing Elena's attention.
"Truly, you've given him the most precious gift. You may not realize how much that child means to him. Trust that he will care for the baby just as much as you would," Elisa added, calming Elena's fears.
As Dean carried the child into the house, Elena followed Elisa inside to freshen up and take care of herself.
Minerva found herself alone outside the pack, overcome with sadness, feeling like the loneliest among them. She couldn't shake the thought of Elena possibly giving birth prematurely while she was away from the pack. Was it wise for her to run away too?
The words of Jared and Elisa about Dean's offerings to the moon goddess lingered in her mind. Now, carrying Dean's child, she feared he might use her for a sacrifice. However, Elena's return brought a glimmer of hope. If Elena could successfully give birth, maybe she could try the same approach. Yet, she struggled with the weight of this secret, unable to confide in anyone.
Not only did Dean threaten to harm her if she spoke of it, but it was also forbidden to be involved with the Alpha, especially knowing he was bonded to her sister. Sharing her dilemma with anyone would likely lead to ridicule instead of assistance.