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
The phone's buzz had interrupted Gideon's work in his home office, a space filled with an organized mess of files and papers. He glanced at the caller ID, recognizing the name of Melissa, his contact at social services. "Hello, Melissa. To what do I owe the pleasure?" "Hey, Gideon," she said, her voice professional but friendly. "I've got all the paperwork ready for you to file for the adoption of the four boys. It's all straightforward, and we can expedite it if you're ready." Gideon smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest at the thought of officially making the boys part of their family. "That sounds great. We're all excited about it. Thank you for pushing this through." Melissa paused, and something in the gap of her words made Gideon frown. "Is there a problem?" "No, not a problem, just a question," she replied cautiously. "I noticed you're not filing to adopt Avery Jenkins. Any reason why?" "Avery Jenkins?" Gideon repeated, feeling a mix of confusion and apprehension. "I'm not
The night of the full moon, indicating Avery's 18th birthday, was a culmination of anticipation and impatience on both their parts. Eagerly counting down the days, Avery could barely contain her excitement for this momentous occasion.Meanwhile, Tanner was caught in a storm of emotions, pacing the office floor in the pack house. His heart raced as he confided in Gideon and the other guys, 'I can't believe it's finally here... After 14 years, the moment has arrived. I've been dreaming of this day for so long.'Witnessing Tanner's restless energy, Thomas couldn't help but chuckle. "Boy, you need to stop pacing. You're making even me nervous," he joked.Gideon, observing the scene from his desk, shared in the delight. "Yes, Tanner, the day has... indeed come... and you've handled the journey here... with grace, except for a few mo..mo..moments that led to involuntary swims and such. I'm p...proud of you. Are you re..re...ready to embrace what comes next?" His eyes twinkled with a mixture
Trembling with cold and emotion, Tanner tried to steady his voice, "I'm not trying to challenge you, Gideon. I'm pleading for us to discuss this. Can't you acknowledge that I've always acted with her best interests at heart, valuing her safety as much as you do?"Gideon, his frustration observable, ceased his pacing and sank to the ground beside Tanner. He removed his own shirt and handed it to Tanner, who quickly pulled it over his head, seeking any relief from the biting cold.Tanner continued, the urgency clear in his tone, "Okay, yes, this was genuinely the first time she's kissed me on the lips since she was like 13. Since I recognized the potential complications. The very first time, Gideon. The first attempt she made since then and the first time I didn't stop it.""So, you're admitting that you let this happen?" Gideon's voice was a mix of inquiry and accusation.His guilt evident, Tanner met Gideon's gaze squarely, "I won't lie to you. Yes, I did. I wrestle with these decisio
This moment quickly overwhelmed their senses and Tanner's reasoning skills. Avery's arms wrapped around Tanner's neck, her fingers teasingly entangled in his hair. In response, he rolled his head, allowing her to kiss him even more deeply.She led this dance, a wordless conversation flowing through their entwined bodies as their kiss escalated into a spirited declaration of affection.The unmistakable sound of Gideon clearing his throat interrupted their newfound passion. Despite the considerable distance from the pack house porch to where they stood, the noise carried an intensity that pierced the situation. It was a clear indicator of Gideon's fury, a barrage of disapproval that resonated with the force of a storm warning. The sound reaching them across the expansive field separating them from the pack house, underscored the depth of his anger.Reluctantly, Tanner untangled himself from Avery's arms and carefully set her back on the ground. As they started returning to the house, A
Avery, now 16, stood beside Tanner, overseeing the training session as it wound down to its final moments. The routine was familiar, a dance they had perfected over time, yet today felt distinctly different. Avery's perception shifted as Tanner made his way to the water table. He casually removed his shirt to dab away the sweat from his face before drenching himself with water, the droplets cascading down his defined chest and stomach.In that instant, she realized the depth of her attraction to him. It was a revelation, striking and profound.She was irrevocably in love with him.This moment, though unexpected, was not entirely unforeseen. They had treaded the path of their growing closeness with maximum caution, Tanner even requesting Avery refrain from specific actions, like kissing him on the lips.His intentions were clear. To delay the inevitable awakening of deeper feelings. To postpone the inevitable. He had hinted at the complexities their bond might entail if their emoti
Tanner tried to concentrate on the book in front of him, but his attention drifted away. He barely grasped the essence of the text, and his mind wandered, disconnected from the story unfolding on the pages.Jorge appeared skillfully balancing a tray packed with popcorn and an assortment of snacks. Spotting the open door to Tanner's room, he stepped in and gently closed it behind him. 'Care for a sneak peek taste?' he joked, extending the snacks towards Tanner. 'Or were you kicked out of the party?'Tanner looked up with a slight smile. "Actually, I got an invite but turned it down."Jorge leaned back slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. "You know, I've noticed the tightrope you've been walking with Avery. But honestly, I'm impressed with how you've handled it all these years."Tanner nodded, his smile broadening as he reached for a handful of the vibrant pink and purple popcorn. "Thanks," he said.With a brief nod, Jorge excused himself, heading towards Avery's room to distribute the
Tanner retreated to his room, settling by the window that offered a direct line to the lively banter emanating from Avery's room across the hallway. A little guilt for eavesdropping mingled with his curiosity, but the rationalization that his acute hearing made it an inevitable consequence somewhat eased his conscience.The topics of Avery and her friends' conversation veered into the territory of the schoolboys they attended school with."Okay, so," Greer began, leaning in, "can we talk about Gabe for a second? Like, how he's the sweetest? Offering to carry our books all the time?"Tatum nodded eagerly, "Right? And have you seen Wyatt on the field? The way he winks at us after scoring...it's just too cute!"Greer, not to be outdone, added, "What about Rex? He's so mysterious and quiet, but when you catch him looking at you, it's like, wow, what's he thinking?"Avery sighed, "Totally get you. And Flint! His pranks are legendary. But did you notice how he's always trying to get Tatum's
The tradition of celebrating their birthdays together had become a cherished part of their lives, with Tanner, Liam, Avery, and Ashleigh sharing a grand celebration each year. However, time waits for no one, and Avery's 13th birthday suddenly was on the horizon. This year, she yearned for something different: a celebration of her own.Avery joined the local werewolf school when Ashleigh started kindergarten, a departure from the usual practice of Alpha's children being homeschooled. She had created a rich group of friendships with children from other packs. Now, she was eager to host a party exclusively for them.Tanner, always the tease, feigned a dramatic pout. "Aww, but I was really looking forward to our joint birthday party this year," he joked, trying to tug at Avery's heartstrings with mock disappointment. It didn't work. Unfazed and armed with a quick wit beyond her years, Avery shot back, "You'll live... And while we're on the topic, bro, how exactly am I supposed to introd
In the calm aftermath of the party, Marcus and Leona sought a moment with Gideon and Tanner. With a blend of seriousness and hesitation, Marcus initiated a conversation that Tanner had sensed might be on the horizon. "I know I agreed to be your Beta, Tanner," Marcus began, "But it seems plans have changed. Leona's been offered the Beta position in her pack. And with Gideon," he glanced at Gideon with a wry smile, "appearing to be immortal, it's unlikely you'll be stepping into the Alpha role anytime soon... no offense."Gideon, quick to catch the jest, interjected with mock indignation, "Thanks for the faith in my longevity," eliciting a burst of laughter from the group.With a weighty pause, Marcus resumed, his laughter subsiding solemnly. "In all seriousness, given Gideon's robust health and leadership and the stability it brings to our pack, it's only logical for Leona and me to embark on this new journey."Though not surprised by the news, Tanner felt mixed emotions. He had alway
The pack house was alive with an unusual buzz that only comes around once in a blue moon, or, in this case, when multiple birthdays converge on the same day. Liam's 16th birthday had become a larger celebration, merging with Avery's request that her 8th birthday be celebrated alongside her brother. Liam, ever the doting older brother, agreed without hesitation. His love for Avery made the decision easy.Tanner laughed, "Well, since we're all in the mood for celebrating, why not throw my 22nd into the mix? It's not like I know the exact date of mine anyway." His comment was playful, yet Avery latched onto the idea with an infectious excitement.From the kitchen, Avla, overseeing the final preparations, couldn't help but join in the laughter. "And let's not forget Ashleigh!" she called out, amusement clear in her voice. "Seems like we've got a cluster of birthdays all at once. How curious!"Releasing Ashleigh from her high chair, the littlest of the family made a beeline for Tanner, cl