Why My Mate Cries
Chapter 54

ALIYAH’S POV

Time seems to move so quickly. It had been a month since I married the alpha of the Jewel Pack, and everything was worth it. Reid and I had gotten much closer—both physically and emotionally.

The feeling was satisfying… I got to wake up next to the love of my life. Reid had been taking good care of me, and I could feel that I was deeply loved. He made me feel so safe and at ease, and the comfort he always brought was a constant reminder that I made the right choice.

Everything turned out great. The poor pack that used to bunk outside the border was now being led by Klaus. They have become the sub-unit of the pack and are being trained to fight as warriors that would protect the members of the pack in times of war, which I would never wish to happen.

And I’ve never felt more at home after the unification. The old folks were so fond of me. They kept sending me goodies to eat and use, which helped me have a good lifestyle as a pregnant Luna. In a matter of weeks, I started to gain weight. From being skin and bones, my body turned into an hourglass body, and my skin was getting brighter than before.

My little bump was becoming visible too, and Reid totally loved kissing it whenever he woke up and before he went to bed. Reid was so excited for me to give birth to our child. He always talked to our baby as if it could hear him already. Those were the moments I would actually treasure in my mind.

“How does it feel that there’s a new life inside of you, Luna?” Ellie curiously asked while we were both seated in the main living room. I was helping her with her project, which was cross-stitching.

“It feels amazing, Ellie,” I replied, and smiled as I continued to stitch the silver moon on the soft white cloth. “I still can’t believe that I’m capable of carrying a child.”

“Women and their natural capabilities,” Ellie remarked, which made me gaze at her. “I wish the Moon Goddess would bless me with a child in the future too, Luna. I think being a mom is an amazing job.”

“Exactly.” My hand moved, pinching her cheek gently. “It seems like you’re learning a lot in school.”

She offered me a thin smile before she nodded. “I want to do better so I can become someone like you.”

Her words struck my heart, and I could feel the surge of warmth going through me. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the pregnancy hormones, but I’ve been emotional and teary-eyed. Even the simplest words of affirmation and appreciation could make me cry.

“You’ve become a sweet talker,” I uttered and ruffled her hair.

We both chuckled, but were interrupted when Reid and Klaus arrived. They seemed to have been discussing something serious as my husband looked very pissed off.

“No, I already told you once. Don’t make me repeat myself,” Reid snarled at Klaus, making his friend raise both of his hands in the air as if he was surrendering.

“Whoa! Take a chill pill, Reid. I’m just telling you the consequences if you don’t attend the conference,” Klaus snorted.

“Ellie, go to your room,” I told Ellie and immediately handed the cloth to her.

She did what I told her to, and then I stood up and went towards the men arguing in the foyer.

“Hey, what’s happening?” I curiously asked them.

They both turned to me. Reid clenched his jaw. His chest was moving up and down because of his high emotions, which I didn’t know the reason for. My brows furrowed as I looked at him, wanting an answer. However, he didn’t answer and just mumbled a curse. I had no choice but to glance at Klaus, and give him a demanding stare.

“What’s happening, Klaus?” I asked.

Klaus sighed in defeat. Swallowing, he answered, “You and Reid are being invited to the annual assembly.”

“Annual assembly?” I gazed between them, my forehead creasing. “What’s that?”

“It’s the annual meeting of all the high ranks of each werewolf pack in the country, where all issues, treaties, and alliances are being discussed. Every year, werewolf leaders do that to ensure the union among our kind,” Klaus explained, and then he glanced at Reid.

“My decision is final. We won’t attend,” Reid firmly said through his gritted teeth.

Klaus drew in a breath. “You’ve been missing the assembly for years, Reid. They’ve been asking us to join. Otherwise, they will consider us their enemies and attack us. We don’t want that to happen.”

My eyes widened at what he said. I swallowed hard. I could feel the goose bumps all over my skin just by imagining that different packs would come to this territory and kill us… As a Luna, I could never let that happen.

“Reid…” I called for his attention. “W—Why don’t we attend the assembly?”

“I said no!” he growled and then walked upstairs, leaving us dumbfounded.

I didn’t understand what he was mad about. I mean, if that annual assembly would discuss alliances and treaties, wasn’t it a good thing? If we could have allied packs, then we could be relieved that somebody would help this pack in times of need. So, why was he refusing to join?

Klaus tapped my shoulder, and I spun around to look at him.

“I don’t understand why he’s acting that way,” I uttered in confusion.

He sighed and clicked his tongue. “Every year, the pack that killed his parents hosts every assembly. That’s why he never considered attending it.”

My mouth fell open at that revelation. I sucked in a breath, and I finally understood why. I felt a pang of pain inside my chest. It would be very painful and aggravating to sit at a table with the people who harmed his parents… and his response to this matter was totally valid.

“I understand how he feels but…” Klaus trailed off. Inhaling sharply, he continued, “This will be our last chance to prove to them that we’re not enemies. The Crimson Shadows just sent us a letter of threat, and I know they mean it. So, if it’s not too much to ask, Aliyah, since you are our Luna, I hope you can convince Reid for the sake of many lives that are possibly at stake here.”

Fear rushed through me. Here I was, immediately conflicted… My husband’s feelings were valid, and I respect his decision because if I were in his shoes, I’d do the same thing as I couldn’t afford to meet the people who ruined my family. However, there were lives that would be in danger if we didn’t reconsider joining.

“I… I am not sure if I could change his mind, but I will try.” I inhaled heavily and fisted my hand.

“Many lives will die if we don’t attend, Aliyah. We have no choice. Reid has to understand that.” Those were Klaus’ last words before he walked out of the pack house.

I palmed my face and uttered a curse under my breath. I began walking back and forth in the main living room. I was contemplating whether I’d insist on attending the assembly or let Reid decide on this matter. However, I couldn’t ignore the threat that could make things worse in an instance.

With that, I rushed upstairs and decided to talk to Reid.