The four of them keep walking, but Hayden isn't happy.He doesn't want to be in danger of dying when he has the chance to finally see his son again.But he also doesn't go back on his word, so he's struggling to continue.His wolf is at war with him, torn between self-preservation and a need to protect others.Avery is having a similar battle, but the need to protect her friend wins every time.She can sense the tension in the air, and she glances back at Hayden."You can go back if you want to," she shrugs, and he clenches his jaw."I'm no pussy," he snarls, and she rolls her eyes away from him."I never said you were," she says quietly, "I'd just understand if you wanted to go to the surface."He doesn't respond, and they walk for another few meters until Louisa stops suddenly."What's wrong?" Avery asks, and Louisa slams her hand over her sister's mouth immediately, pointing to the wall beside them.Avery raises an eyebrow and tries to talk, and Lilith frantically shakes her head,
It's so dark in the tunnels that it's almost impossible to see more than five feet in front of yourself.I'm the one doing all of the work, Sonya reminds her irritably. Her phone rings suddenly, and she pulls it out of her pocket after she pushes the boy against a wall to keep a hold on him."Yeah?" She asks, and she hears coughing on the other end."Ave, I'm sending Zephyr in," Louisa chirps, and Avery nods.She realises her sister can't see her through a phone and resists the urge to groan."That's perfect, thanks, Lou," she sighs, and Louisa hangs up.She was civil in that sentence, Sonya gasps dramatically. Avery ignores her wolf and pulls the boy away from the wall, continuing the descent.It eventually levels out, and the front boy starts shaking.Avery notices there's a large emission of power somewhere nearby - nothing that she can't handle, but she can see Hayden is trying not to flinch, and the boys are both vibrating with fear."What is that?" Avery asks her prisoner, and
A tapping noise greets Avery as she opens her eyes."Shh," she mumbles, rolling over.As she rolls over, she rests her weight on her face.A hiss leaves her lips, and she bolts upright, clapping a hand over the bandage covering her cheek."Wasn't that stupid," Hayden mutters, looking up from his cellphone."Why am I here?" She grumbles, and he sighs, pulling his legs off the arm of the chair he's slumped in."You fainted. I had to carry you all the way here, and you're a lot heavier than you look," he grunts, and Avery scowls at him."You could have left me there," she snaps, looking down at the hospital gown she's in."Who changed me?" She asks sharply, and he rolls his eyes at her."One of the nurses, they wouldn't let you wear filthy jeans to lay down on their clean beds," he sighs, settling back into the seat."Oh," she mutters, "why did I faint?"Hayden sighs again, shaking his head at her."I'm not a doctor, so I have no idea. I pressed the call button when you started making no
Once he's satisfied, he lets her out too.He's treating us like a child, Avery growls.He's watching out for us, accept the help. You're useless right now, and I'm using my energy for our face. Let him worry about sniffing everyone else out, Sonya warns her.I'm not letting him do it all day, Avery warns grudgingly.You'll let him do whatever he says until we're back in proper condition, Sonya grunts.Avery inhales angrily, blocking her wolf out and following Hayden silently.He's slightly surprised at her lack of arguing, but he doesn't question it - it's nice to have some silence for once, he's been surrounded by people who like to talk all day.His wolf is on edge, probably because they're in the hospital. He hates hospitals, because they never bring good news for him - his mate died in one, and his son has been in one for almost two years.This reminds him of a question he meant to ask this morning."Do you know when Tobias will be here?" He asks quietly, looking down the hall and
Avery had thrown herself into her work.Baby Emmett had been moved home after a month in intensive care, Lilith and Zephyr's relationship barely hanging on.The rogues had continued patrolling around Avery's pack, everyone still on the lookout for Kali.Scott and Avery were in contact every day, and he was heartbroken.He had no idea she was involved, that much was apparent even before the Council interrogated him with truth serums.Avery felt huge pity for him.He had been dealt a terrible hand for him, and Avery had rekindled their friendship in an attempt to show her support.Hayden and Avery had also grown close, bonding over their relatives being in similar medical states.Louisa had gone home almost immediately after Lilith had been found.Apparently, she was shaken by the discovery, and she wanted to spend time with her mate before their pup came.Avery permitted her leaving, and ended her prison sentence as long as she went to counselling.Xavier was making her go every day, s
He does after a minute once he feels a shadow blocking the sun."Oh, Alpha," he mutters, looking back down at his plans with a grimace on his face."Yes, hello," she grumbles, scowling slightly.The construction manager and Avery aren't fans of each other.He doesn't like that she places such emphasis on protective structures, he thinks that it's outdated and useless.She dislikes his disregard of her suggestions, and she's convinced he has an issue with her being a female - York was also serious about protection and security, and this man never had a problem with him.Every time they had a meeting, Avery prepared to be in a terrible mood for the rest of the day."How are we getting on?" She asks politely, keeping her tone even and calm.She's so tempted to rip his head off for the disrespect and disregard he treated her with the previous week, but she won't. She has more ethical ways to run her business than killing a rude man - if she didn't, she'd have a lot of bodies on her hands.
Avery was so distracted walking into the prison that she bumped into four separate security guards and soldiers.She hit each of them with a cold glare, and they all immediately apologised, which satisfied her.They should have moved when they saw her coming, but she wasn't going to hold it against them this time.She had changed into heels in the car, and the clip-clop of the heels on the tile floor was satisfying.Flicking some of her hair over her shoulder, she straightens her back and pushes her shoulders back, schooling her face into a stony expression as she leaves the elevator.Her steady walk down the corridor to the interrogation room encourages her.This will be okay, Sonya encourages.What if he doesn't say anything?, Avery asks, slightly panicked.Then we're just in the same place we are now, relax; we have nothing to lose by going in here, Sonya shrugs, being a voice of reason for once.Avery knows she's right, and she forces herself to relax.She's terrified that she cou
Avery is holding York's hand when he wakes up.It took three hours for the alcohol to take effect, and the children awoke first.Hayden and Toby were curled up in the corner, the father not releasing his son as soon as his eyes started fluttering.It was a lovely sight.Byron's daughter had woken up five minutes before York.She had been unable to move when she first opened her eyes, and everyone was terrified she was paralysed in an unknown side-effect.It took her a minute or two to be able to feel her limbs again, and Byron was slowly sitting her up as York opened his eyes.His hand started twitching first, his muscles spasming.Avery could see York's eyes shoot open, and she put her hands on his shoulders and held him down to the bed as he started thrashing.She puts as much weight as she can on him, not wanting to suffocate him or scare him, but not wanting him to fly off the bed."York, you're okay, you're in the hospital," she quickly says as clearly as she can.Her words don't
In the years that follow, Avery and Roman's love story continues to unfold with its share of ups and downs, but their unwavering commitment to each other remains unchanged. They face new challenges as their children grow older and navigate their own paths in life.Hallie, now a teenager, inherits her parents' strong leadership qualities and shows a natural inclination towards diplomacy and problem-solving. She becomes actively involved in pack affairs, working alongside Avery and Roman to create a more inclusive and harmonious community. Hallie's compassion and sense of justice inspire those around her, earning her the respect and admiration of both pack members and neighboring packs.Parker, on the other hand, discovers a deep love for music and art. His creative spirit flourishes as he explores various forms of artistic expression, capturing the hearts of many with his talent. Avery and Roman wholeheartedly support his passion, enrolling him in music lessons and art classes to nurtu
As the years pass, the family's story weaves itself into the fabric of their community. They become known not just for their individual accomplishments but for their collective impact on the world around them.Milo's veterinary clinic grows into a sanctuary for animals in need, providing care and rehabilitation for injured and abandoned creatures. His dedication to their well-being inspires others to foster empathy and compassion for all living beings.Hallie's art transcends the boundaries of galleries, adorning public spaces with colorful murals that uplift and unite communities. Her work becomes a catalyst for conversations about social justice and environmental stewardship, reminding people of the interconnectedness of all living things.Parker's research and advocacy work on marine conservation gain global recognition. He becomes a leading voice in the fight against pollution and habitat destruction, working tirelessly to protect fragile ecosystems and raise awareness about the i
Roman stammers, caught off guard by Milo's question. "Well, uh... I suppose it could be," he mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.Avery's laughter fills the room, and she walks over to Roman, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Milo, sweetheart, your dad and I have already made a commitment to each other. But finding this ring again just reminds us of the importance of our bond," she explains, giving Roman an affectionate smile.Milo rolls his eyes playfully. "I know you guys are already together, but still, proposing with a ring that got thrown into a lake? That's pretty cool," he says, grinning mischievously.Roman chuckles, relieved that Milo isn't disappointed by his response. "Well, I can't argue with that," he says, pulling Milo into a playful headlock. "You're a smart kid, you know that?"As they engage in their playful banter, Hallie tugs at Avery's hand, looking up at her with wide eyes. "Mommy, does that mean you and Daddy are gonna get married again?"Avery's hea
"Mom, what's this?" Milo asks, his hands flying through Avery's old wooden jewellery box.The nine-year-old is excitable and energetic, and Avery is half asleep still."What's what?" She asks, covering her yawn with her hand while she leans in the doorway.Roman can hear the two of them from the bed and inwardly groans.If Milo is awake, that means four-year-old Hallie and one-year-old Parker are going to follow soon."This circle," he says innocently, pulling a small metal ring out of the box."That's a ring, sweetheart," Avery explains, walking over to where he stands.She wraps an arm around him, pulling him to her and kissing his temple."You don't wear rings," Milo frowns, his nose scrunching up when Avery kisses his head."I found that when I stayed at dad's pack, literally years ago," Avery realises, gently prying the old ring out of Milo's hand and examining it.Some of the original chain is still attached, but it's mostly broken off, which she understands is almost definitely
"I can't do all of the work," Avery snaps, snatching the boiling pot off the stove and switching it off."Hallie, honey, hands away from the hot stuff," Avery strains to sound sweet, giving her daughter a small smile."Sorry, mommy," Hallie mumbles, the tiny child wandering back over to the kitchen table."I'm not asking you to do all of the work," Roman retorts, manoeuvring around their child to get over to Avery."I came home from a weekend-long Council meeting to the house looking like a junkyard. Which had been set on fire," she reminds him, her eyes flashing irritably as she mixes her homemade vegetable sauce."What did you expect to come home to? We have a three-year-old," he reminds her, equally annoyed and snappy.Hallie watches the two of them with wide eyes, swinging her legs from the high stool she managed to clamber onto."I am three months pregnant, working two full-time jobs, and raising our daughter basically by myself. I cannot do this," Avery snarls, slamming the pot
Her left hand rests on her bump as she brushes through her hair with her right, exhaustion apparent on her face as she fixes herself for her meetings.Putting the brush down onto the dressing table, she slowly hauls herself up from her stool, wincing as her back aches at the sudden movement.Roman can hear movement from where he is in the bathroom, and he quickly hurries out, his eyes widening as he spots his very pregnant mate moving around."Ave, I told you to call me!" He scolds, and she scowls at him, slapping his hand off her arm."I'm not an invalid, I'm just pregnant," she scoffs, waddling around the room to find a hat."Yes, very pregnant," he reminds her with a frown, grabbing a tan wool hat for her.It matches the only coat she wants to wear nowadays, so he figures that she can't be too upset at his pairing of the two.She stares at it for a moment, taking it off him gently and cramming it onto her head roughly, glancing at the time."I can drive you if you give me two minut
It feels like everyone Avery has ever known is staring up at her intently.She can feel sweat building up on the back of her neck, and she tugs gently at the silk scarf hanging around her neck as she glances up at Roman."You're probably wondering why we called this pack meeting," Roman begins, and looks down at Avery.He raises an eyebrow at her.Are you going to continue, or do I have to keep talking?, he asks urgently, and Avery has to hold back a smile.She likes knowing that he's just as nervous as she is, because he doesn't usually express much emotion, especially in front of either of their packs.Both packs together?Forget it.I might faint if I try to talk, she responds, and she isn't lying.Sonya has gone radio silent out of absolute fear, and Avery herself feels ridiculously light-headed.You can face down packs of rogues and vampires, but a speech makes you crap yourself? Really?, Avery grumbles to a slightly miffed Sonya.Those rogues aren't expecting me to make a speech
She lays the white plastic down on the counter, brushing the strand of hair that fell into her face away from her eyes."They're all positive," she murmurs, looking over her shoulder to a very pale Roman."I think I'm going to be sick," he whispers, sinking down against the cupboards."Don't lean against the wood, you'll get blood on it," she snaps, washing her hands in the kitchen sink.He absentmindedly reaches around to his back and begins unclipping his chest plate, staring at the pregnancy tests on the kitchen island.Avery slaps his hands away and unclips his armour for him, gritting her teeth."Stupid," she growls, and he looks up in alarm, raising his eyebrows in confusion."What did I do?" He asks, slowly hauling himself up from the ground."Not you, me," she sighs, shaking her head miserably."What are you talking about, you crazy girl?" He furrows his brows, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her towards him gently."I've constantly been shifting, and I just foug
"Yeah, I did, I'm not being responsible for getting them all back to their rooms later," she chuckles, glancing out the window."Do you know how many people are going home tonight?" Roman calls from the bathroom, turning the water back on."I think a few Alphas are, but I'm not sure," she responds, laying the makeup she's using for the dinner dance out on the dresser."Oh, I thought everyone would stay for the dinner," he shouts, and she nods to herself."Some of the Alphas are really annoyed that they didn't rank too well, I'd say they're running home with their tails tucked between their legs," she sighs, and she reaches into her suitcase to find her hair products.Do you want to join me in here?, Roman links her, and Avery raises her eyebrows, trying not to laugh.No thanks, I don't want to get my hair wet, she snorts, quickly replying to some of the emails while she waits for him to get out of the shower.As soon as he opens the bathroom door, she breezes by him, clutching towels