Chapter 3 The Alpha's Redemption

Watching her children play, Emma noticed Lucas approaching from behind. He had respected her boundaries by always seeking her okay before visiting. She still had an intestinal knot today.

'Can we use the swings, Mom?" Emma heard Ava's voice and jumped out of her nightmare. Love hammering in her heart, she smiled at her daughter.

With a peek back to Lucas, who was now a few feet away and wearing uncertainty on his face, Emma responded, "Of course, sweetie."

Lucas asked, a little nervously, "Emma?"

Emma scowled, not sure how to balance her want to protect her children with her desire to speak with Lucas. She waved him over to a bench that was farther from the playground.

In what way, Lucas? Emma asked, her voice resigned.

"I wanted to talk to you about the kids," Lucas said softly. "I want you to know that, although I can appreciate your hesitation to trust me, I'm here for them. Certainly not for you.

Emma, sighing, ran a hand over her hair. Tired, she said, "I like that, Lucas." But it's not really that simple. How you broke my heart will never fade from my memory."

Lucas nodded regretfully. "I get it," he said quietly. "But I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make things right. Emma, let me into their lives. Our kids should be aware of their father.

Emma stammered; her feelings split between protecting her children and giving Lucas a chance to prove himself. I need more time, she said at last. My first consideration must be for their best interests.

Lucas nodded again, gloomily. I truly did say, "Take all the time you need." Emma, you have my attention. I love you; thus, I'll stop at nothing to earn your forgiveness."

He turned at that point and saw Emma seated by herself on the bench. Emotions were turbulent; she watched him go.

That evening back at home, Emma put Liam, Ava, and Noah to bed, their faces full of questions about their father and werewolf ancestry. She thoroughly explained the intricacies of pack life and the reasons behind their breakup.

Emma kissed them goodnight, but she felt alone. She had always imagined raising her children with an unrestrictedly loving and supportive partner. After Lucas had destroyed such expectations, she was not sure if she could ever trust him again.

The next morning, when Emma got up, she found a note on the kitchen table. Lucas had emailed her, asking to get together at the local diner. Uncertain of her desire to see him again, she stopped. Something inside her said, though, that she needed to hear what he had to say.

She quickly showered and dressed, her thoughts racing with possibilities of what Lucas would say. She walked into the diner and spotted him sitting at a table in the corner, staring at her.

He climbed to his feet and, as she approached, grinned hopefully. "Emma," he murmured, very gently. "I value your visit."

She sat down opposite him and nodded. Quietly, she asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

Breathing deeply, Lucas turned to face her. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said," he began, his voice sincere. "And I can see why you're not sure you can trust me once more. However, I want you to understand that I will do everything in my power to earn your forgiveness.

Emma paused, not sure how to respond. "I don't know if I can ever trust you again, Lucas," remarked dejectedly. "You hurt me; therefore, it will take me time to heal."

Lucas blinked and nodded. "I understand," he said quite gently. Emma, nevertheless, please let me introduce myself. I want to write things with you, and I love you."

He had honesty and regret in his eyes, she saw. She wanted to believe him, to think that he was changeable somehow, in spite of all.

At last, she said, "I need time," her voice barely audible above a whisper. "Time to think about what will be best for my kids."

Lucas nodded again, never taking his eyes off of hers. He said, quite sincerely, "Take all the time you need." I'm here when you're ready.

And then he stood up and left Emma at the table by herself. Emotions were turbulent; she watched him go.

The warm glow of the setting sun was filling Silverwood. Emma drew deeply, the weight of her decisions bearing down on her. Whatever happened next, she knew she would bravely and head-on confront it. She was a mother first and would do all in her power to protect her children.

And as she went back to her boyhood home, there was a sense of opportunity and optimism. For Emma Matthews and Lucas Blackwood, this marked the beginning of a journey full of second chances, secrets, and the enduring power of love.

Change and uncertainty were in the crisp fall air in Silverwood. Emma Matthews stood outside her boyhood home, the fall leaves crunching underfoot, while she watched her children play in the yard. Liam, Ava, and Noah were laughing aloud as they ran around the quiet neighborhood.

Inside Emma has Lucas Blackwood on her mind a lot lately. He'd respected her boundaries by always seeking her okay before visiting. Neither could she deny the growing relationship between Lucas and their children.

Her thought on the complexities of their situation was interrupted short by a ring on the door. Lucas was there nervously smiling as she opened it.

He said a wobbly hello. Let me in.

Turning to face her children, who were now engrossed in a game of tag, Emma paused. She nodded to Lucas, then stepped aside.

Grabbing the door behind him, Lucas said, "Thank you," softly. Gazing at antiques and mementos from Emma's past, he moved about the cozy room.

"I wanted to talk to you," Lucas said, shakily at first. About ourselves and the kids.

Emma watched from where she stood. What about them, she asked cautiously.