The past days' events had been a vortex of emotion and conflict, but now, standing amid the collective of his pack, Gideon felt an undercurrent of something new — possibility. While Tanner's inability to shift brought about challenges, it also unveiled an opportunity Gideon hadn't fully contemplated before. The presence of another potential Alpha might be a source of tension, but it could also be a force of strength and unity for the pack. Much like a son being groomed to take the reins of leadership one day. And what was Tanner, if not a son? Gideon made a decision after some internal wrestling and many fierce negotiations with his wolf.During the next training session, he approached Tanner with a proposition. "I want you to lead today," Gideon declared. Tanner blinked in surprise, his eyebrows knitting together, clearly taken aback. The surrounding pack members exchanged glances, their unease palpable. They had become accustomed to Gideon's leadership, and introducing Tanner in
The creak of the door and a soft knock disrupted Gideon's concentration. He glanced up to see Tanner, looking slightly hesitant. "Alpha," Tanner began, giving the customary title its due respect, "I need to talk." Gideon set aside the pile of papers he'd been engrossed in, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk. "Of course, come in," he replied, his voice softened. "What's on your mind, Bud?" Tanner took a deep breath, his gaze flitting around the room momentarily before landing on Gideon. "It's about... well, the possibility of me having Alpha blood. If it's true... what does that mean for us, for the pack?" Gideon leaned back in his chair, intertwining his fingers behind his head. "You know, I hoped to avoid this conversation a bit longer. But I should've known you'd be thinking about it. You've always been one to face things head-on." Tanner's eyebrows knitted together. "I just need clarity. With the changes, the way the pack responds to me now... I need to understand." Gid
The following day, the sun peeked through the curtains of the meeting room, casting long golden rays across the massive wooden table. Maps, charts, and patrol schedules covered the surface. Gideon, Kane, and Thomas poured over the details, plotting and planning. Their focus: fortifying the border. With Yorgan's imminent release, they couldn't take any chances. Kane ran a hand through his grizzled hair, studying the intricate markings on one of the maps. "When are you planning to release him?" he asked, looking up at Gideon. Gideon hesitated for a moment, his gaze steely. "Soon. Very soon." Kane looked about to press further, but Gideon's tone left no room for negotiation. "For security reasons, I can't specify the exact time. Just be prepared." The gravity of the situation was clear, and though they each had their reservations, their trust in Gideon's leadership bound them. The cloak of night brought with it an eerie stillness, and under its cover, Gideon woke Avla up quietly.
As the van's wheels crunched over the gravel pathway, the vibrant hum of the ongoing gathering at the pack house came into view. From a distance, the grounds looked like a mix of joy and camaraderie, bathed in the warm hues of twilight. The tempting aroma of sizzling meat on open grills mingled with the sweet scent of freshly baked bread, causing even the most disciplined wolves to salivate. Children, their faces painted with gleeful designs, darted around in spirited games of tag, their laughter melodious and infectious. Elsewhere, some pack members had spread blankets over the grass, lounging and sharing food while engaged in animated conversations. In a shaded corner, a circle had formed around a few members playing an impromptu tune on acoustic guitars, their fingers skillfully dancing over the strings, adding a musical backdrop to the gathering. After stepping out of the van, Gideon paused momentarily, absorbing the heartwarming scene before him. Such spontaneous gatherings w
As Avla stepped into the shower, the rising steam and cascading water heightened the unusual sensations she was starting to feel. Her body felt unusually warm, a sign she was familiar with but hadn't expected just yet.Outside, Gideon hesitated by the bathroom door. "I think I'll skip the shower," he said, voice strained. "Don't want to, you know... lose control."Avla let out a laugh, thinking he was joking. But when she peeked out from behind the shower curtain, she found his face dead serious. Her laughter died down. "Oh, you're genuinely serious," she murmured, a bit taken aback.While she continued with her shower, Gideon's phone buzzed. He picked it up to find a message from Tanner. Opening it revealed a heartwarming picture: Tanner and the other boys nestled in his soon-to-be bedroom. Despite being a skeletal frame of plywood and studs, their exuberance filled the space. Gideon's lips curled into a smile.Yet, almost simultaneously, a pang of jealousy stirred within him. It was
The warmth of the robe Hattie handed Avla was more than just physical; it was a comforting embrace. "Thanks for having this ready," Avla murmured, pulling it tightly around herself. Hattie chuckled, the sound rich with years of wisdom and experience. "Over the years, I've stashed robes in strategic places. You'd be surprised how often a distraught, naked woman bursts through my door in need." The pair burst into laughter, the tension from earlier events momentarily forgotten. But as the laughter subsided, Hattie took a moment to study Avla, a thoughtful expression on her face. "You know, your scent is particularly potent this time." "Why do you think that is?" Avla inquired, her brow furrowed in curiosity. Hattie took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "With two Alphas among us, the balance within the pack is disrupted. Luna spirits have been known to act in ways to restore equilibrium. It's their way of ushering in tranquillity." "But how does sending me into such a st
The gentle caress of dawn permeated the room, its golden tendrils wrapping around Avla and Gideon, still nestled together on the soft rug by the fireplace. As consciousness returned, she felt the warmth of Gideon's head resting on her hip. His fingers danced delicately on her skin, tracing abstract patterns, lost in contemplation. Feeling her stir, Gideon glanced up, meeting her eyes with a serene gaze. "She's in there," he whispered, tapping her belly lightly. "I know it." Avla laughed, her voice soft and melodic in the morning hush. "You sound so certain. And 'she?'" Sitting up, Gideon exhaled deeply, the weight of a revelation pressing upon him. "I had a dream last night. My mother's spirit visited me. She told me she ensured our child would be a girl. She even mentioned that, surprisingly, my father was thrilled at the idea of a granddaughter." Avla's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Your mother came to you? Truly?" Nodding, Gideon continued, "She did. And
The atmosphere was charged with a palpable anticipation as Gideon and Tanner approached Jorge's home. The minute the door swung open, the younger boys, sensing an energy shift, greeted them with wide eyes, their youthful faces painted with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Didn't expect to see you two so soon," Liam commented, his voice carrying a teasing edge, but his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Ever the astute observer, Jorge eyed Gideon and tried to fish for information in his typical roundabout manner. "Do I need to start preparing larger meals for Avla? Perhaps, cook for... two?" His eyes twinkled mischievously. Despite trying to remain impassive, Gideon couldn't hold back a smile. But he kept his lips sealed, enjoying the suspense a little too much. Jorge handed the boys several neatly packed food boxes as the group prepared to leave. "Make sure Luna gets these," he instructed with a wink. The journey back to the pack house was filled with laughter and playfulness, remin