Heirs, 49

(POV: Renata)

It's been two days since the battle against Scarlett's army. Deniel made sure that everyone affected by one of her potions recovered and returned to normal. What still worries me is that neither Lina nor Nicollas have awakened yet. It seems like the effects on them were more severe.

Yesterday, Deniel and I went to my old house, where I scattered the ashes of my adoptive mother. It was the only place that wasn't stained with blood and where I experienced a bit of happiness for a while, even though that happiness was built upon the sadness of my biological family.

I'm sure my brothers don't know they have a sister, and I haven't had the courage to tell them. I think it's best for our parents to explain all this confusion. I hope they can forgive me for putting them at risk. Just the thought that they could have been killed makes my heart ache.

Luan and Lucca don't leave the side of their respective mates and are deeply in love. I don't judge them because I, too, am a fool around my mate. It's a shame that Scarlett became so filled with hatred for me just because I love him. Anger consumed her.

Luan took over as the pack leader while our father is incapacitated and thanked the wolves from the other pack for all their help. Then, he asked Deniel to take over leadership in other matters because he wanted to seize the opportunity to finally acknowledge his feelings for Lúcia. I'm very happy for them. As for Lucca and Isabella, it's a connection from past lives, an unusual couple, I admit, but they look at each other with a lot of affection and love, something I never would have imagined.

I sit in a comfortable chair in front of the mansion and start to think about my mate. He doesn't seem to be feeling very comfortable here, but he hasn't come to talk to me about it yet. I'm respecting his space.

"Renata?" I snap out of my thoughts when I hear Isabella's mother's voice.

"Hi, is something wrong?" I ask, concerned.

"No, everything's fine," she replies hurriedly. "I wanted to talk to Deniel, is he still around?"

"What do you want to talk to him about?" I inquire, crossing my arms.

"I want to have a conversation with him, it's something very personal," she responds, looking at me with suspicion.

"Do you know him for a long time?" I engage in conversation as we enter the mansion with her following me.

"For some time," she answers calmly.

I walk straight to the kitchen, where he is, as we had planned to have a snack together while watching the sunset. However, it seems our plans have been derailed.

As we enter the kitchen, I see Deniel with his back turned, washing some dishes, and for a few seconds, I can't help but admire his broad and muscular back.

"Deniel," Sofia calls his attention excitedly, snapping me out of my admiration trance. I look at her with irritation.

He turns around, and when he looks at me, he gives me an adorable smile, but when his eyes shift to the side, the smile falters slightly.

"Sofia?" he says in surprise.

"Wow, long time no see," she walks towards him and hugs him. My heart fills with jealousy. "I thought I'd never see you again." I take a deep breath to try to control my anger as her bold hands touch his arm muscles.

"It wasn't in my plans to show up," she says, stepping back and walking towards me. "Hi, sweetheart," she kisses my forehead, and I melt.

"You two?" she points in surprise.

"Yes, we're together," I reply and hug his waist. "Deniel is my mate."

"When they told me, I couldn't believe it," she says in shock. "Now, this is a surprise. Are you really Lina's kidnapped daughter?"

"Yes," I confirm. "I found out in the worst way possible," I say sadly.

"I'm sure she'll be very happy when she wakes up, both of them will be. They suffered a lot from your absence. I was one of the first to hold you in my arms," she says with a smile. "But tell me how you've been these last few years, Deniel. Where have you been?"

"Wandering around, in recent years I settled in the mountains in the northern region," he explains.

"Got it," she looks at me and then back at Deniel again, as if she wanted to ask something but not in my presence.

"Do you want to ask something, Sofia?" he asks, and she looks at me apprehensively. "It's okay, there are no secrets between us."

"Have you told her everything about your past?" she asks, concerned.

"I haven't had the opportunity yet, but I intend to let her know everything," he kisses the top of my head.

"What past is this?" I join the conversation.

"I'll tell you, little wolf," he caresses my face. "But not now."

"You should hurry, Deniel," Sofia calls our attention again. "You know she deserves to know everything before sealing this bond."

"We're destined mates, Sofia," Deniel suddenly says seriously. "Nothing will change that."

"I don't want to upset you," she says in surrender.

"I'll tell Renata everything tonight, calmly," he says to her, and I cross my arms, dying of curiosity.

"You really gave up on your science?" Sofia asks curiously.

"Sort of, I don't use my knowledge for evil. I've become a new man," he replies calmly.

"I'm glad, I always believed that everyone deserves a second chance," she smiles at him.

"You were the only one who didn't judge me, even in that sad time in my history."

I'm completely lost, looking back and forth between them with no idea of what they're talking about.

"Do you know how you're going to tell her parents that you're mates?" she asks, and he takes a deep breath. "I know you're mates, and no one can change that, but it's going to be quite a shock for them."

"I know it's going to be difficult, and I dare say I might end up with a black eye," he says tiredly. "But I'll try to stay calm. I love Renata, and that should be enough for them."

"I love you too, my little witch," I whisper and kiss his chest. In response, he holds me even tighter in his arms.

"Now I need to go. Albert must have woken up already. And once again, thank you for helping to save everyone," she thanks.

"And Anabelle? Is she okay?" Deniel calls out before she leaves.

"Yes, she lives in the city as a human."

"I'm glad she's okay, that you're okay," he corrects.

"Goodbye, Deniel. Goodbye, Renata. Welcome to your family."

"Thank you," I say.

"Goodbye," Deniel says and then turns to me. "I want to do something," he says nervously.

"What?" I ask, curious.