The Alpha and The Vigilante novel Chapter 70

I rocked the baby for awhile before handing her back to Carter. Rose looked like she was about to fall asleep any second now, and who could blame her. She looked like she had a rougher night than I did.

"What did you name her?" Cain asked.

"Lily," Carter looked at his mate adoringly, and it was easy to see where the inspiration for the name came from.

Congratulations, Carter. You're going to be a great father. I told mindlinked him and gave him a rare smile. He was incredibly caring and loyal, little baby Lily was lucky to have a father like him.

Carter smiled and nodded at me respectfully. "Congratulations on winning the challenge. I wouldn't want anyone else to be our Luna," Carter's words eerily echoed Cain's earlier sentiment. "I can't wait until one day you give birth to the future Blood Alpha."

My smile faltered sadly. Cain quickly changed the subject, knowing the conversation would upset me. "We'll let you two enjoy your alone time with the pup. Let us know if you ever want us to babysit her. I'm sure Ares could handle it," Cain joked, making Carter laugh.

"If Lily is half as strong as Ares is, I'll consider myself a very lucky father," Carter smiled and continued cooing at the baby.

Cain and I said our goodbyes and left the hospital. I gratefully accepted Cain carrying me, not wanting my feet to be so cold in the snow.

I'm happy for them, I told Cain, who smiled. They really have it all.

"You can too, little mate. I'll give you everything in the whole world, you only have to ask," Cain said as he pressed his warm lips on to my forehead that already was starting to freeze from the cold.

I want to go through with the Blood Ceremony, I told Cain, who sharply inhaled.

"What?" He asked in shock, halting his steps.

I want to be the Luna of Blood Lake. It's what I was meant to do, I earnestly told Cain. Him and Carter were right. I was strong. I deserved the Luna title more than anyone else, and I knew I could make significant changes to Blood Lake, starting with training women to be warriors.

Cain threw me 10 feet up into the air, making me squeal in surprise. As soon as he caught me again, he placed a quick kiss on my lips. "Thank you, Ares. You are everything the pack needs. Everything I need."

I groaned again, but resurfaced from underneath the pillow. This better be good, I warned him.

Cain produced a large gift bag from behind him. I raised my eyebrows. What's this for?

"It's traditional for the Blood Alpha to give his mate a present the day of the ceremony," Cain ruffled my messy hair. I playfully bit at his hand, making him tweak my nose.

I took the bag and ripped out the tissue paper that lined the top. When I peered in the bag, I was surprised to see fur.

Another pelt? I asked, confused. Although I appreciated the one he already gave me, I didn't see a reason for another.

Cain rolled his eyes. "Will you please just open it all the way, mate?" His hand stroked my half-ear gently. For some reason, he loved to run his finger over the jagged cartilage.

I pulled the thin black fur out of the bag and unfolded it to take a better look. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the fur was in the format of a cloak. It even had a hood, and a small clip where it would fall around my chest so I could connect the two sides.