Over the following weeks, the serene atmosphere of the pack house was shattered by Ashleigh's relentless cries. The once calm and orderly home turned into a realm of sleepless nights and weary days. By the fifth day, Gideon and Avla resembled nothing more than walking shadows, their movements sluggish and mechanical, their eyes reflecting the profound exhaustion of caring for a constantly crying child.Ashleigh seemed inconsolable. No matter what Avla or Gideon tried, her cries pierced the walls of the pack house, creating a tension that hung in the air like a thick fog. Ashleigh's small face was often scrunched in discomfort. Her tiny fists clenched as if grappling with an unseen adversary. Despite their best efforts, soothing her seemed an almost impossible task.Amid this chaos, Avery's world was turning upside down. The once cheerful and playful child became increasingly clingy, her bright eyes often filled with confusion and distress at the unending cries of her new sibling. Whe
Gideon sat on the porch, the gentle motion of the rocking chair soothing the restless two-week-old Ashleigh in his arms. He held her carefully, feeding her with a bottle, his eyes often drifting to the playful antics of Liam and Avery in the front yard. Tanner sat on the steps, casually talking to him, both of them enjoying the simple joys of a peaceful afternoon. In the distance, the ongoing construction at the pack land buzzed with activity. New homes were being built, signaling a new beginning for many pack members. Avla, Gideon's partner, was away at Hattie's for a post-pregnancy check-up, leaving him to relish these quiet moments with his daughter. The serenity was shattered by an explosion from one of the nearby building sites. The sound was deafening, a shockwave rippling through the air. Marcus, another pack member, appeared at the door. Without a word, Gideon handed Ashleigh to him, his instincts kicking in. In a fluid motion, he transformed into his wolf form and bounded o
Avla sat by Gideon's side, her chair pulled close to his bed. The soft beep of the heart monitor provided a constant, yet unsettling background noise. Gideon lay still, a network of IVs and tubes connected to his body, his breathing assisted by a ventilator. He was in a deep coma, far removed from the vibrant man she loved.Avla's fingers gently traced invisible shapes on his arm, moving softly through his hair, seeking some form of connection, however small. Her heart ached at the sight of him so vulnerable, so distant from her reach.The door creaked open, and the doctor entered, his expression one of cautious optimism. Avla looked up, her eyes searching his for any sign of hope. "How long do you think he'll be like this?" she asked.The doctor sighed, his professional demeanor offering little comfort. "We really don't know," he admitted. "But he's already showing some improvements. The best thing you can do is talk to him, stay with him, support him, okay?"Avla nodded, clinging to
Tanner was struggling. The role of Alpha, thrust upon him in Gideon's absence, felt like a mantle too heavy to bear. His days were a constant battle, not just against the threats lurking beyond their territory, but also against the surge of power that now flowed through him, unbidden and often overwhelming. While a gift to most, this power felt like a curse to him, igniting frequent outbursts over trivial matters. Tanner didn't feel ready for this responsibility, but the power within him seemed to have a will of its own, refusing to be tamed. During one particularly tense patrol with Thomas, Tanner was convinced he could smell something sinister in the air. It was a scent he couldn't place, something he described as evil, lurking just out of sight. Despite their efforts, they found no source for this ominous presence, but the sensation of being watched and hunted clung to them with every step they took through the woods. Returning to the pack house, frustration and exhaustion et
Tanner woke up the next day to the scent of breakfast being prepared. Jorge had taken it upon himself to prepare a meal for the kids and Tanner in Tanner's kitchen, a small gesture of normalcy during their chaotic lives. Tanner descended the stairs with Avery in his arms, handing her over to Liam before excusing himself to take a shower. The sound of his phone ringing incessantly cut through the noise of the water. Frustration mounting, Tanner finally stepped out of the shower, water dripping from his body, and walked into the bedroom to grab his phone. The messages waiting for him made his heart sink. Avla's texts flooded his screen, each one more urgent than the last. Yorgan had shown up at the hospital that morning, suspected of an overdose, and after being released from the ER, he made his way to the ICU and caused a scene. Though he fled before he could be apprehended, the incident left Avla shaken, warning Tanner of the danger now looming over pack land. But what truly sent a
Avery, with a hint of reluctance, began to move Tanner's bedding from her room to the couch in Avla and Gideon's room. Tanner watched quietly as she also placed one of her own pillows on the couch but chose not to comment. Deep down, he knew Avery would likely end up with him on the couch every night, but it was important to him that she at least started the night in her own bed and made the effort to stay there. Avery asked, "Who are the bad people trying to hurt us?" Tanner momentarily questioned his decision to share the reality of their situation with her, wondering if Meave might have been right in suggesting Avery was too young for such burdens. However, the question was already posed, and he felt compelled to answer. "Do you remember your old dad? Before you came to live with us?" Tanner gently probed, treading carefully around the delicate subject. Avery looked puzzled for a moment before asking, "You mean the dad that was Mom's dad too?" "Yes, him... his name is Yorgan. Re
Tanner awoke the following day to find the situation precisely as anticipated: Avery was curled up on his chest, fast asleep. Her hair was spread across his face, a nightly occurrence that seemed to defy his awareness. He pondered how she managed this stealthy migration every night without him noticing. Part of him wondered if, deep down, he allowed it because he, too, sought that closeness. Yet, he recognized the importance of setting boundaries, not just for Avery but for himself as well. The last thing he wanted was to mishandle the delicate balance of their relationship.Carefully not to wake her, Tanner extricated himself from under Avery and left her to sleep peacefully, wrapped in his bedding. He headed for Gideon's bathroom to shower, his thoughts inevitably drifting to Gideon, lying in a coma in the hospital, and Avla, who must be exhausted from the constant vigil. Tanner resolved that he needed to visit the hospital soon, despite the insistence from others that he remain on
Avla's return home in the early hours of the morning marked a much-needed respite from the relentless vigil beside Gideon's hospital bed. The weeks spent in the sterile, silent environment of the hospital had taken a toll on her, not just emotionally but physically as well. The longing to be with her daughter, who was nearing two months old, had grown with each passing day. Avla had missed countless moments, milestones that she would never get back, and the realization of this loss weighed heavily on her as she stepped through the door of her home.Entering her bedroom, the sight of Tanner and Avery sound asleep together on the couch, momentarily stilled her. It was a poignant reminder of the life that continued in her absence, of the bonds that had strengthened while she was away. Avla lifted Avery, setting her on the ground. "Go wash your face and brush your teeth, then head downstairs." She added, "Jorge was just starting to cook when I walked in, and maybe he could use Avery's he
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