The morning air was still when the peace of the pack was suddenly interrupted by the low hum of a vintage jeep barreling through the outer gates. The guards stood alert until they spotted the unmistakable figure riding shotgun—cloaked in a dramatic floral kimono, sunglasses at 7 AM, and a no-nonsense aura.
Nyla's eyes widened. "No… it can't be."
Talia peeked over her shoulder and gasped. "Is that *your* Aunt Maris? The one who once slapped a police officer for messing with her parking space?"
"The very one," Nyla muttered, already bracing herself.
Out stepped Aunt Maris—tall, fierce, and radiating elegance with a purse that looked heavy enough to knock out a bear. "So this is where you've been Running with dogs?" she said, scanning the pack members like she was evaluating furniture.
Damon stepped forward, offering a courteous nod. "You must be Nyla's guardian."
"Damn right I am," Aunt Maris replied, taking off her sunglasses. "And I'm here to take my niece *home.* Back to the real world where people don't howl at the moon and fight shirtless over dominance."
Talia whispered, "Lowkey sounds like my kind of drama."
Aunt Maris turned to Nyla and handed her a sleek velvet pouch. "Inside is the life you left behind. Your ID, passport, a job offer , and your favorite lip gloss. You can still go back to normal. No wolves. No danger. No fur shedding on your clothes."
"But no Damon," Nyla murmured, glancing at the alpha who stood watching, unreadable but quietly hopeful.
"Exactly," Aunt Maris said sharply. "You stay, you give up that cushy human life for one where you're second-in-command to growling beasts and dramatic territory feuds."
Nyla blinked, torn.
Damon finally spoke. "I won't pressure you, Nyla. But if you stay… you won't be alone. You'll have me. The pack. Your people."
Talia added, "And steamy werewolf sex every full moon."
"Aunty, cover your ears," Nyla joked, chuckling through the pressure.
Aunt Maris raised an eyebrow. "I may not understand this world, Nyla, but I trust you. Choose wisely—but if you pick the wolf boy, he better not break your heart. Or I break his legs."
Nyla looked around—the chaos, the loyalty, the love. Then she smiled. " I'm unavailable. I've got a pack to lead."
Aunt Maris sighed dramatically. "Fine. But I'm staying a week. And someone better show me where they hide the wine."
And with that, Luna Nyla's future was sealed—with love, laughter, and a fiercely protective aunt in heels