- New Day, New Responsibilities.

"You must be exhausted from all of this: being the alpha, a husband, and having an heir," —commented Udolfo, with a compassionate look.

They were both alone in the office, the place that, now that his twin brother was no longer there, belonged to Ariel. A sense of nostalgia overwhelmed Ariel, a whirlwind of emotions that made him remember the moments shared with his brother, whom he had loved, cared for, and protected. His mind couldn’t stop recalling Ubaldo’s figure, his lost brother, whose memory still lingered strongly in his heart.

"I’ll be honest, my friend," —Ariel said, taking a pause—. "I knew this would happen in some way, although I never imagined it would be like this. I’m fully aware of the decisions and responsibilities I need to take, both as the alpha I want to be, and as the loving husband and father I must become. I have the responsibility to honor two significant people in my life, my brother and my father, who left a heavy legacy on my shoulders."

"Ariel, you’re not alone. I and the others will help you, don’t think we’ll leave you. We appreciate both your brother and you very much. Don’t think otherwise. We are all at your disposal, and each of us is happy that you’re back home."

"Thank you, I really appreciate it. I understand that some may not accept that Viviana is my life partner, being the moon of the pack and my wife."

"Don’t worry about that. She will be respected and loved by the clan," —answered Udolfo, with a reassuring smile.

Ariel nodded without giving more answers, smiling as he settled back into his seat.

"So, can you tell me how the pack is doing? Is there anything important I should know and fix?"

"Don’t worry, Ariel," —answered Udolfo—. "We’ll talk about that later. Today is a pivotal day for you and your moon. You need to go with her."

Despite his friend’s words, Ariel didn’t want to be with Viviana. He didn’t fully understand why, but something inside him didn’t feel right. It wasn’t that it hurt, it was just an odd discomfort, a strange sensation in the back of his mind that he tried to forget.

"I’ll be with her later. She must still be fixing the hall." —Ariel looked at Udolfo seriously—. "I want to know something."

"About what?" —replied Udolfo, intrigued.

"I know my parents went to take Tasya to the airport."

"Yes."

Ariel slightly rose from his chair, his gaze intensified, and his voice lowered.

"I want to ask you something."

Udolfo furrowed his brow, surprised by the change in the conversation.

"Yes, tell me."

"I want you to keep an eye on Tasya."

Udolfo stayed silent, bewildered.

"Keep an eye on her? Why? Ariel, her people can protect her. She’s just a widow who’s no longer the Klein moon. She has a new life outside of us."

"I know that well. I just want to keep her safe."

"Safe from whom?" —asked Udolfo, even more confused.

"Please, just do it," —insisted Ariel, with a firmness that surprised his friend.

Udolfo, though doubtful, nodded cautiously.

"Alright. Her trainer, Omar, went with her. I can call him and give the order."

"Not him." —Ariel was firm—. "Tasya would notice, besides he’s a great confidant of hers. Send someone else. I just want to know she’s okay."

"Ariel, I’m more than your right hand as beta and your best friend. I ask you, why Tasya? Is there something I should know? You know well that adultery isn’t a good sign. It would cause problems for the family, the pack, and our surroundings."

Ariel stayed silent for a moment, thinking about Udolfo’s words.

"It’s not about that. I just want you to do it." —Ariel sighed deeply—. "You know she was everything to my brother. Somehow, I know he would ask me to."

Udolfo didn’t fully understand the reason behind the request, but he respected his friend’s wish. He knew Ariel never asked for something without a valid reason, even if it couldn’t be explained. It was clear there was more to this request. Tasya had been an important part of his life, and the bond with her was deeper than many thought.

"Alright. I’ll hire Raúl since Tasya doesn’t know him and he does his job well."

"Thank you. Keep me informed, and this stays between us. Nothing of this leaves this office."

"It will, Ariel."

At that moment, the door opened, and Viviana entered.

"Love, are you here? With Udolfo?"

"Yes, Udolfo was just leaving," —replied Ariel, standing as Udolfo left.

Viviana quickly approached, sat on Ariel’s lap, and kissed him passionately.

"What were you talking about with Udolfo?"

"Well, that today is an important day," —replied Ariel with a smile, enjoying her closeness.

"It is, my love. I’m so happy to be your wife, to be your moon. And even more, to be the Klein moon. Our little heir will arrive soon," —Viviana said, gently touching Ariel’s cheek.

At the same time, Ariel kissed her again, tracing his lips across her face, her cheeks, her neck. Viviana closed her eyes, letting herself be carried away by the moment, enjoying each caress, each kiss, each embrace from Ariel.

Suddenly, knocks came from the door. They both looked at each other, stopping what they were doing. Viviana quickly got up, adjusting her blouse, while Ariel straightened his shirt before calmly saying:

"Come in."

The door opened, and Aurora entered.

"Mom, are they back?"

"Yes, son. And I’m sorry to interrupt, but Viviana must come with me to get dressed. Your father is waiting for you in the living room."

"Alright, mom," —answered Ariel, smiling.

They shared a brief kiss before Viviana left with Aurora. Ariel remained alone in the room, his gaze fixed on a photograph on his brother Ubaldo’s desk. In the picture, Ubaldo was hugging Tasya, such a beautiful woman. Nostalgia wrapped him, but he stood up with determination, leaving the photo in its place, and headed toward the living room.

There, in the living room, his father, Udolfo, and the friends were waiting, all with smiles and hugs, filled with excitement for his return. Ariel felt embraced by the affection and warmth of his pack.

"Although you look strong, you might need a good training session like before," —commented one of the friends with a teasing smile.

"I don’t think so. I’m in good shape," —answered Ariel with confidence.

"No, no!" —exclaimed another friend—. "You’ll be our alpha. You need to be in shape. Understand, life in the city is one thing, and being at home is something completely different."

"Alright," —replied Ariel with a resigned smile.

"Quiet, boy. We need to start," —said his father, Mr. Ulises, firmly.

Everyone fell silent and looked at his father, who continued with solemnity.

"Son, it’s a great joy that you’ve returned home, with the great honor of being the next alpha Klein Ull."

Everyone applauded, smiling with joy, and handed him an elegant black suit that Ariel would wear for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Viviana was getting ready in another room, dressing in her wedding gown for the big moment. The grand hall would soon be filled with witnesses: the pack, their loved ones, all there to witness the beginning of a new stage.

That night, under the shining light of the moon, Ariel and Viviana would unite in marriage, surrounded by those who supported them. The responsibility of being the new alpha and moon of the Klein pack rested on their shoulders, while they awaited the second heir, who would come to continue the tradition and legacy of their clan.