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
As the conversation between Gideon and Tanner continued, the air was charged with tension born of concern and conflicting viewpoints. Gideon, his worry evident, pressed the issue further. "Tanner, I'm not a fan of it, especially with Yorgan hanging around. What would you do if he shows up and you're out there alone with her?"Tanner, confident in his abilities and the precautions he'd taken, responded, "I'll smell him long before that happens, Gideon.""But are you sure? Like, really sure of that?" Gideon's question was laden with the weight of a leader's responsibility, probing for certainty in Tanner's reassurances.Taking a moment to sit down across from Gideon, Tanner sought to bridge the gap of understanding between them. "I'm not going to put her in danger, Gideon. And it is remarkably beneficial. Participate with us once, and if you still feel the same way, I'll stop."Gideon's response was tinged with a mixture of frustration and concern. "It's funny you think you can make tho
The run transformed into an exhilarating adventure for everyone involved. They dashed and darted through the woods, their paths intertwining in a playful dance that led them all the way to the training ground. The familiar sight triggered a burst of excitement in Avery, reminding her of the training sessions with Thomas she had eagerly participated in. Avery, brimming with enthusiasm and barely pausing to take a breath, launched into an animated recounting of her recent training experiences. "We learned how to block and hit," she began, her small hands miming the movements she described, a vivid illustration of her newfound skills. "And Thomas showed us how to get away if someone grabs you!" Her excitement was palpable, each word punctuated with gestures that brought her tales to life. She continued, her narrative a whirlwind of information. "Thomas and Liam, they showed us everything first, and then we got to try. We copied them!" Avery's eyes sparkled with pride as she recounted t
The following morning, Gideon settled back into the routine of managing pack affairs. Tanner appeared at the door. "I'm going to go help Avla with Avery, then I'll be right back down, okay?" The anticipation in his posture suggested that he was, in a way, looking forward to the conversation they had planned. Gideon couldn't help but smile. Tanner was not shying away from the impact of leadership or defending his ideas. This whole situation made Tanner grow. It allowed him to see what leading the pack truly meant. Even if nothing else good came out of it, at least there was that.Upstairs, the atmosphere was charged with a different kind of energy. Avery was in the middle of a spirited disagreement with Avla about the ordeal of getting her hair brushed when Tanner entered. Without missing a beat, Tanner took the brush from Avla. "Sit on the bed and stop backtalking," he instructed.Though initially resistant, Avery eventually relented and allowed Tanner to brush her hair. Once he was
As the day progressed, Thomas and Meave went to see Gideon, eager to see their Alpha and friend. Gideon, curious and somewhat apprehensive, broached the topic of the children's training with Thomas.With a knowing chuckle, Thomas responded, "Yeah, I knew you wouldn't like it... But you know, Alpha and all. I did what he said." His light-hearted acknowledgment of Gideon's predictable concerns made Gideon roll his eyes. "You did exactly what you were supposed to." Gideon's respect and trust for Thomas were evident in his words. "How do you feel?" Meave asked, her concern for him evident."I'm okay. It almost feels like nothing even happened. I don't even understand why I was in the coma that long," he admitted, his recovery still a source of astonishment to both him and the doctors.Jorge and Kane walked in and took their seats, seamlessly integrating themselves into the gathering. With a laugh, Gideon remarked, "All we need now is Hattie. Then my counsel is all here." "I haven't h
Gideon directed Meave, Thomas, and the warriors with a clear sense of urgency. "Focus on searching for Hattie," he instructed, his voice carrying the weight of his concern. He then turned to Kane, assigning him and a few warriors the critical task of guarding the house. "Make sure to never leave it unattended," he emphasized. "Liam, move the kids to the new safe room," Gideon said, knowing the importance of keeping the youngest members of the pack secure."Gideon, I'm going with the search party. I need to do something," Avla asserted, her voice firm with determination."No, Avla. It's too dangerous. I need you here, safe," Gideon countered, the worry evident in his voice. He was torn between his duty to protect the pack and his fear for Avla's safety."But I can't just stay here while Hattie might be out there, in trouble. I need to help find her," Avla insisted, her resolve unshaken by Gideon's concerns. Her stance was clear; she would not be sidelined in a time of crisis.Gideon,
As Tanner stepped back into the main room, the sight that greeted him stirred a mixture of irritation and resolve. The room was alive with activity, maps spread out and discussions underway. This pattern of being left out of crucial planning stages irked him. Though Tanner recognized his role in these absences—having just checked on the kids more out of a need to reassure himself than any immediate necessity—it was a point of contention that Gideon often initiated these sessions without him. He understood the importance of being present, learning, and contributing, especially with the weight of future leadership on his shoulders. If he was ever actually to feel prepared, he needed these moments. The focus of the meeting was the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hattie's disappearance, specifically the area along the border where she seemed to vanish. Gideon was coordinating efforts to canvas the grid areas surrounding the last known point of Hattie's presence. Tanner, driven