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
After Tanner's departure, Avla turned to Gideon. "What's going on there?" she inquired.The weight of leadership and the day's tensions bearing down on him, Gideon sank into a chair. With a heavy exhale, he massaged his temples, a silent testament to the stress and internal agitation he was wrestling with. The room was thick with the tension left in Tanner's wake, a silent witness to the conflict between two strong-willed Alphas who had no genuine concept of how to give in a little. He eventually broke the silence, the words heavy with resignation. "Just growing pains. Having two Alphas on the same land is always tough. Having two from different bloodlines acting like that isn't true adds another layer. I knew this would happen so I'm not worried at the end of the day. It's just... One thing that I didn't expect was so much pushback. Not from him, you know? " he admitted. It was a delicate dance of power, loyalty, and duty. A balance disrupted by their overlapping roles, shared conce
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