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
Gideon looked down at Avla as they began their trek back home. She walked carefully over the uneven ground, her eyes slightly distant as if lost in thought. He noticed the slight hesitation in her steps and sensed what she was thinking. "You don't have to feel bad, you know," she finally said, breaking the silence. "I know you want to shift and run, but you're holding back because of me." Gideon shook his head and took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Don't worry about that. I'm fine walking. How are you feeling, though?" She paused, considering the question. "Honestly? Not much different. I can smell the change on myself, but that's about it so far." Gideon nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "That's normal, from what I understand. It takes some time for the body to adjust to all the new hormones and changes. Especially for the first one." She tilted her head and gave him a playful, skeptical look. "Really? And how many times have you been pregnant?" He chuckled an
The phone buzzed on the wooden nightstand, rousing Gideon from a restless sleep. Rubbing his eyes, he grabbed it and squinted at the text message. It was from his contact at social services. The message read, "Would you like to meet Avery? If so, maybe just bring Avla, yourself, and one of the boys—perhaps Tanner—to keep things low-key." His thumb hovered over the keyboard as he pondered the reply. Eventually, he texted back, "Yes, we would love to meet her. Will arrange and let you know." Setting down his phone, he padded out of the room, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotion and anticipation. As he descended the stairs, he found Tanner in the living room. "Get ready. We've got something important to do today," he said, meeting Tanner's curious gaze with a reassuring smile. Gideon then proceeded to the bedroom, where he expected to find Avla. Upon entering, he noticed her by the window, her shoulders shaking softly. She was crying. Alarmed, he approached her cautiously. "What's wro
Gideon and Avla walked side by side, accompanying the social worker and Avery to their car. The atmosphere was thick with a sense of newly formed bonds, punctuated by lingering questions and unspoken anxieties. The social worker parked far away from where Tanner was waiting, a fact for which Gideon was silently grateful. As they reached the social worker's car, she looked earnestly at both of them. "You can call anytime if you have questions or concerns. We're always here to help." "Thank you," Avla said warmly, her eyes on Avery, who was now safely tucked in the car seat, looking out the window with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. The car engine roared to life, and as it pulled away, Gideon felt Avla's gaze turn to him. Her eyes were like open books, filled with emotion, complexity, and a sense of seeking, as if she were trying to read something in his face. "What's going on, Gideon? I can tell something is bothering you," she said, her voice tinged with concern. Gideon
Gideon sat in his office, staring at the blueprints and plans sprawled across his desk. Maps, charts, and timetables seemed to pile up each passing day, a visual representation of the chaos he felt inside. As the Alpha, the responsibility for the pack's welfare was his, and right now, that meant overseeing the expansion of their land and the construction of new houses.Thomas and Kane walked in, their expressions brightening when they saw their Alpha. "Hey, Gideon, you called for us?""Yeah, come in. Have a seat," Gideon beckoned, gesturing to the chairs across from his desk. He took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Look, we have so many projects going on right now. Everything is in various states of completion, and it's starting to eat at me. We need to finish something, anything, to give us a sense of accomplishment. And I think that should be Tanner's house."Thomas exchanged a glance with Kane. Both could sense that Gideon was tense, unlike his usual calm and collected sel