N14

When they finally arrived at their destination, the familiar sight of streets and buildings brought back a wave of nostalgia. They headed towards Marie's house, where Stella knocked on the door with some apprehension. Moments later, the door opened, revealing a visibly relieved Marie to see them.

"Stella! Lucas! Come in, quickly," she said, inviting them inside. "You have no idea how relieved I am to see you. »

They settled into the living room, where an atmosphere of calm and familiarity reigned. Marie served them tea, her hands trembling slightly.

"How are the kids?" Stella asked, her concern evident.

Marie smiled weakly. "They are fine, but there have been a few incidents. Their abilities have become more obvious and difficult to hide. I did my best to protect them and keep them away from prying eyes. »

Lucas spoke, his tone reassuring. "Thank you for everything you've done, Marie. We will find a solution so that Stella can protect them while allowing them to develop their talents. »

They spent the day discussing the different options and the challenges ahead. Stella and Lucas were determined to find a solution that would allow the triplets to live safely and thrive. But a shadow hung over this newfound tranquility.

Later that evening, as Lucas and Stella prepared to leave, a feeling of worry came over Stella. She turned to Lucas, a serious expression on her face.

"Lucas, I can't help but think of your father's old partner. He still poses a threat to us. We must be careful. »

Lucas nodded, his eyes hardening. "I know it. We must remain vigilant. I won't let anything or anyone hurt you, Stella. »

The journey back to the pack was in a tension-filled silence. As they walked through a dense forest, a sudden noise startled them. Shadows fell from the trees, revealing Lucas's father's former companion and some of his followers. The atmosphere immediately tensed, the looks exchanged charged with challenge.

"So, this is where you're hiding, Stella," the former companion said, an evil smile on his lips. "You thought you could escape your past so easily? »

Stella stood up, her gaze cold and determined. "I'm not hiding. I protect my children. You have no rights over us. »

The former companion stepped forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. "You're wrong. You are a threat to our pack, and I cannot allow this. »

Lucas placed himself between them, his body tense and ready to fight. "You don't belong here. Leave Stella and our children alone. »

A cruel laugh escaped the lips of the former companion. "Our children? Oh, that's interesting. Maybe I should meet them. »

Before Lucas or Stella could react, one of the former companion's followers rushed towards them. Lucas intercepted the attack with impressive speed, his movements fluid and efficient. Stella found herself face to face with the former companion, her mind focused on protecting her children.

"You shall not touch them," she stated firmly, her voice filled with determination.

The fight that ensued was intense, but brief. With the help of Lucas, they managed to repel their attackers, but the former companion escaped, his threat still present. Out of breath but unharmed, Stella and Lucas looked at each other, a mixture of relief and determination in their eyes.

"We need to increase our security," Lucas said, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. "He won't come back alone next time. »

Stella nodded, her heart still pounding. " I know. We must prepare for everything. »

Returning to the pack, they explained the situation to the other members, who immediately mobilized to reinforce protection around their territory. The triplets were informed of the events, and although they were still young, they understood the importance of remaining vigilant.

The following days were marked by increased vigilance. Lucas and Stella spent a lot of time together, strengthening their bond and planning strategies to protect their family. The triplets continued to integrate into the life of the pack, under the careful supervision of their parents.

One evening, while they were resting by the campfire, Stella looked at Lucas, a tender smile on her lips. "I'm so grateful to have you by my side, Lucas. You are our rock. »

He took her hand, his gaze full of tenderness. "And you are our light, Stella. Together we can face anything. »

Their moment of tranquility was interrupted by a howl in the distance, a reminder of the constant threat that weighed on them. They stood up, ready to react, but the howl quickly died down, giving way to an eerie silence.

"We need to be on guard," Lucas said, his gaze scanning the horizon.

Stella nodded, determined. "We're ready, Lucas. We will protect our family, whatever it takes. »

They returned home, preparing for another night of vigilance. The triplets slept peacefully, oblivious to the dangers around them. Stella watched them, her heart filled with love and determination. She knew their path would be strewn with pitfalls, but she was ready to do anything to ensure their safety and happiness.

Life in the pack resumed its course, each day bringing its share of challenges and precious moments. Stella and Lucas continued to work together, strengthening their bond and preparing their children for the future. The threat of the old companion still loomed, but they knew they were stronger together.

One morning, as the sun rose over the clearing, Stella stood at the door, watching her children play. Lucas joined her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"We've come a long way, Stella," he said softly. "And this is just the beginning. »

Lucas' father had seen better days. Since Stella returned to the pack, her health had stabilized, but that morning, an agonizing scream echoed through the house, startling everyone awake. Stella rushed to the old man's room, her heart racing.

Lucas was already there, kneeling next to his father's bed, looking panicked. "Dad, stay with us," he whispered, his voice full of desperation.

Stella rushed in, her medical bag in hand. "Lucas, move away, I have to check on your father. » She spoke in a firm, professional voice, but her heart sank to see the distress in Lucas's eyes.

The old man was pale, trembling with fever. Stella placed a gentle hand on his forehead, feeling the excessive heat. "He's having a relapse, Lucas. We must act quickly. »

Lucas stood up, his hands clenched into fists. "What can we do, Stella? »

"I will give him treatment, but it will require constant care. I'll have to stay here longer to take care of him," she replied, her gaze meeting Lucas's.

The triplets, attracted by the commotion, appeared in the doorway, their eyes wide with curiosity and fear. "Mom, what's going on with Grandpa? » one of the boys asked, his voice trembling.

Stella gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, my darlings. I will take care of him. »

She set to work, preparing the medications and checking the patient's vital signs. Lucas didn't take his eyes off her, admiring her skill and determination. He knew how difficult this must be for her, but she showed no hesitation.

The hours passed, long and tense. Stella stayed by Lucas's father's side, watching every moment. Lucas tried to manage the pack's affairs, but his mind kept returning to his father and Stella. The tensions within the pack were palpable. Some members began to whisper that Stella's presence brought unnecessary complications. Others were grateful for his invaluable help.

One day, while Stella was administering treatment to the old man, Lucas entered the room, visibly exhausted. "Stella, we need to talk. »

She looked up, feeling the urgency in his voice. "What's going on? »

"There are rumors in the pack. Some people think your presence here is causing problems. They don't understand why you came back and why I protect you. »

Stella sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Lucas, I'm here to heal your father. I never wanted to cause trouble. »

"I know that, Stella. But they don't see things the same way. They are worried, and that creates tension. We need to find a way to calm things down. »

Stella nodded, her mind racing. "I'll talk to the pack. They need to understand that I'm here to help. »

Lucas watched him, silent admiration in his eyes. "Thank you, Stella. I don't know what I would do without you. »

That same evening, Stella stood in front of the members of the pack, Lucas at her side. The looks were suspicious, some hostile. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"I know many of you are wondering about my presence here. I came back to help Lucas' father, nothing more. I understand your concerns, but I ask you to trust me. I only want the good of this pack. »

A murmur ran through the assembly. One of the members, an elderly man with severe features, spoke. "We know you're an excellent doctor, Stella. But we've also heard rumors about your past. How can we be sure you won't cause any trouble here? »

Stella felt a wave of frustration rise within her, but she suppressed it. "I understand your doubts. My past is complicated, but I am here today to help. I'm just asking for a chance to prove that I'm worthy of your trust. »

Lucas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stella saved my father. We owe him our gratitude and support. I ask you to give him this chance. »

The murmurings intensified, but little by little, the members of the pack seemed to calm down. The older man nodded, a little less wary. " Alright. We'll give you that chance, Stella. But know that we will be watching closely. »

Stella nodded, relieved. " THANKS. I will do my best to earn your trust. »

The following days were marked by an intense routine. Stella spent her days caring for Lucas' father, overseeing every detail of his treatment. Lucas, for his part, tried to manage the affairs of the pack while remaining close to his family.

One morning, as Stella finished her shift, she felt a hand placed gently on her shoulder. She turned to see Lucas, his eyes tired but determined.

"Stella, you should rest. You spent the night watching over him. »

She shook her head. "I'm fine, Lucas. Your father still needs me. »

Lucas smiled, a mixture of gratitude and sadness in his eyes. "I know, but you can't do everything alone. Let me help you. »

They shared a moment of silence, mutual understanding in their eyes. Stella finally let herself be convinced to rest, knowing that Lucas would watch over her father while she took some time for herself.

Days turned into weeks, and slowly, Lucas' father began to show signs of improvement. Stella felt a glimmer of hope growing within her, but she knew the road would still be long and arduous.

Between medical care and managing tensions within the pack, Stella and Lucas grew closer and closer. Their conversati

ons became deeper, their shared moments more intimate. They talked about their past, their fears, their hopes for the future.