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
Marcus went over to where Thomas was sitting on the front porch, the same one he shared with his mother, Meave. The evening air was cool, a gentle reminder of the changing seasons. Meave, enjoying the quiet of the evening outside, noticed Marcus's approach and decided to give them space. "I'll leave you two to talk," she said, standing up and heading inside with a knowing look. Thomas, acknowledging Marcus's presence, got straight to the point. "Are you ready for it?" he asked, his gaze steady on the younger man. Marcus hesitated before answering, his honesty overriding his pride. "Honestly, not at all," he admitted, the weight of the responsibility suddenly very real. Thomas couldn't help but laugh, a sound that was more understanding than mocking. "Yeah, I wasn't either. I was about your age, actually," he shared, a hint of nostalgia in his voice as he remembered his own beginnings. He then delved into what it truly meant to be a Beta. "The Beta is the Alpha's voice of reason. H
Over the following week, Tanner was greeted at the door by Avery's expectant gaze almost every time he attempted to leave the house. Given Avery's sheer enjoyment during their initial run together, Tanner had anticipated this reaction. He couldn't help but give in to her requests a few times. As a result, they both quickly became comfortable interacting with one another while he was shifted. One afternoon, Tanner transformed into his wolf just to play with Avery and Liam in the front yard. "Turn around," Liam instructed Avery, a hint of mischief in his voice as he and Tanner planned their attack silently. Avery obediently turned, only to find Tanner in his wolf form right behind her. After a playful lick on her cheek, Tanner darted away, initiating a game of chase. "Ugh, gross," Avery exclaimed, wiping her face off on Liam's shirt before turning to Tanner with a sparkle in her eyes that spelled naughtiness. She chased Tanner around the yard, weaving through the trees and darting a
After one more day in the hospital for final observations, Gideon was finally released to go home. The ride back was filled with a mix of relief and anticipation. Once settled in the comfort of their vehicle, Gideon turned to Avla with a specific request, hinting at his desire for simplicity after the ordeal. "I know the pack is probably planning to throw a big party to welcome me back, but I really don't want it this time. Let's just have a quiet family dinner. You, me, the boys, and our daughters," he suggested, hoping for a more intimate gathering. He knew the pack would want to see him quickly, but he needed a day or two with his wife and kids. When they arrived home, Avery initially reacted to Gideon with intense hesitation. The beard he had grown in the coma made him almost unrecognizable to her. "I'll shave it off," Gideon offered, hoping to ease her discomfort as she hid behind Tanner's legs. Avla, however, was quick to consider Ashleigh's potential reaction. She didn't wan
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