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Chapter 50: Weathered So Many Storms
Last Updated:
2023-08-18 14:06:06Related chapters
The Stray Alpha Chapter 1: Adorable Ragamuffin
Lucy POVWell, I'm definitely not in Colorado anymore, Lucy Carrigan thought as the Arizona sun shone brightly in the sky. Moving from a well-known landscape for skiing and mountain climbing to a cacti-filled terrain can be a shock to one's nervous system, especially with the Sedona heat making all the difference. Lucy did not like the sticky feeling of sweat droplets trickling down her back into her underwear. She wiped her brow as she stared up at the bloom of an Agave Americana plant. This was such a different plant in comparison to Colorado's Quaking Aspens, Rocky Mountain Junipers, and Lodgepole Pines. Lucy huffed as she bent over, placing her hands on her knees and taking in a deep breath. Perhaps she shouldn't have come here. It was so different from home…what had she done? Had she made a mistake coming here?She stood back up quickly, stomping her foot. No. She had come to Sedona often in her childhood to visit her mother's old ancestral home, which was owned now by her
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 2: State Your Business
Gabriel's POVNot too far down the rural desert road were around thirty acres of land where a group of people lived together as a makeshift family of sorts. At least, that's what someone with human eyes would believe. Officially, the land belonged to Gabriel Herman but Samson Strider had built the compound with his own two hands. Samson had brought them to the land years back after they had been disowned by the Moonlight Pack and had been sheltering other stray wolf shifters who needed a home ever since. Those who joined him also helped him build a place of peace and tranquility away from the shame of losing the pack they had known and thought was their home.A loud clang of tools dropping on the paved ground and a gruff voice shouting obscenities came from the garage area."OW! Sh*t! Sam!" Samson scurried over to the voice. There he saw two legs sticking out from under the unnaturally large, gilded-colored truck taking up two parking spaces as it was lifted into the air."Yes,
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 3: Your Dog's New Vet
Gabriel POVThe Sedona heat hadn't yet affected the Dry Creek trail, since it was still early this bright Friday morning. Gabriel was enjoying a jog through the underbrush of a variety of plants and cacti as he trudged through the sand on the pathway. He was happy to let off some steam after feeling frustrated the day before.He paused by the dry creek bed at the bottom of a small hill, taking a moment to quench his thirst. The air was just starting to begin to feel dry on his throat, and the sunshine was peaking over the red rocks over the horizon, causing him to work up a sweat. The thing about the Sedona blue sky was its extreme beauty overturned any previous views of the sky one had ever seen. A sound of a lizard scurrying by brought Gabriel back to reality. The lizards and birds were still active around him in the quiet ambiance of the desert environment. He looked at the ground around him taking in the various stones and red dirt, happy to let his mind drift and wander off be
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 4: Too Late
Lucy POVLucy had just completed her first part-time shift at one of the many coffee shops in town. She hung her apron out back, patting it affectionately. It had been a while since she worked a retail job like this; it was at a different pace from the nurse position she had back in Colorado. She sighed, not wishing to think about her fast exit from the medical world. She felt like it had been her true calling… what she was destined to do… to help people. I'll just have to try and help people while I make their coffee, she thought, biting her lip. She was going to look at this from the bright side. She exited the coffee shop and made her way to her car. She had been thinking about the interesting veterinarian known as Gabriel all day. Not only was he extremely good-looking, but he also had a professional job and possibly owned the veterinarian business he had mentioned. She plugged the address for Holy Grounds Cafe into her phone and realized it was just a short drive down the
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 5: He Makes Me Feel Safe
Lucy POVLucy could not believe her ears. First of all, this gorgeous tan man was being forward and admitting he was attracted to her. Secondly, they were on a date! Lastly, it was her first week officially settled in Arizona and she was already being asked out."So… I take it the pause isn't a good sign?" Gabriel's voice sounded defeated as he asked the question."Oh! I am so sorry Gabriel I'm just really floored… I'm not usually the one who gets asked out. I'm more of a sidekick for the friends who do get asked out," Lucy stated blushing a deep red as she made eye contact with him.She looked away, quickly sipping her coffee. Gabriel smiled softly, and Lucy realized he must think her so innocent without much dating experience!"Well, I just don't ask anybody out haphazardly. I… uh… I feel drawn to you… if you catch my drift. I'd really like to get to know you more. I have a … feeling if you will. I try and follow those feelings," Gabriel said matter-of-factly while nodding in wh
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 6: Now That was Alpha Behavior
Gabriel POVThat evening after a long day at the clinic, Gabriel pulled into the compound waving to a few strays who were admiring his blue wheel wells.See Sam… they ARE cool, he thought, puffing out his chest as he saw his adoptive father standing out on the porch watching him pull into the garage. "Gabriel. A word," Samson called out across the driveway. Uh-oh. Sam sounded tense. What had transpired at the compound? Usually, it was quiet and peaceful.Gabriel hurriedly made his way over to the porch and groaned to himself seeing another figure puffing a cigar with his legs widely crossed in a comfortable dominating position. "Uncle Fennick. Another visit. Sara joining us soon?" Gabriel asked cautiously, trying to avoid the elephant in the room."She's not the priority right now, Gabe. I figured it would not be appropriate to ask you at the coffee shop, nor at your place of work. Did I happen to see you with a human female today at the Holy Grounds Cafe?" His face was lit by
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 7: Morning Beautiful
Lucy POVLucy's heart skipped a beat and her breathing was hitched. She hiccupped, her head slightly spinning. She took another sip of her drink as she texted back and forth with Gabriel, discussing their early morning hike. He had let her decide when she'd like to contact him next, a gesture that she really appreciated. It showed that he respected her enough to give her time to decide. She smiled reading his text. 'Hey gorgeous, that sounds wonderful. We must also both be early birds?She texted back. 'Must be.'Gertrude shot up from the couch that she had been zonked out on. "Huh? What?" She gasped, sleepily rubbing her eyes."Auntie, hey you doing all right?" Lucy asked worriedly as she sat upright on the couch watching her aunt."Whew, I'm just super tired, Lucy. I'm making my way to bed. I'll see you in the morning pumpkin." Gertrude stretched and walked over to the stairs.The two of them had made a pitcher full of a mixed strawberry margarita drink and had been happily c
Last Updated : 2023-08-18The Stray Alpha Chapter 8: This Isn't Your Fight Kid
Lucy POVLucy stood at the counter at her place of work thinking of the hike earlier in the morning while wiping up crumbs from the donuts and bagels that had been bought by customers. She couldn't stop pondering about the odd situation with Gabriel wincing in pain after she had touched him.Was he allergic to her? Was it her body wash? She had been wracking her brain ever since they said goodbye after he dropped her off. He had been bandaging her leg after she fell and scraped up her leg. As she went to touch his arm, her silver bracelet had moved down and had barely touched him before he had pulled away from her as if in pain. She distinctly heard him breathe quickly as if he burned himself. He seemed to dismiss the situation and moved on from it by saying they both needed to get back in time for work. He seemed to be in a rush after that and barely looked at her as he dropped her off at Gertrude's house. What was bothering him? Why did she feel like there was a distance betwee
Last Updated : 2023-08-18
Latest chapter
The Stray Alpha Chapter 50: Weathered So Many Storms
Lucy POVOver the last couple of days, Lucy and Gabriel were busy ensuring they laid a strong foundation for the beginning of the Stray Moon Pack. This entailed visits to both lands, filling out endless paperwork, smoothing any ruffled feathers with the merge of the two packs, and continuing to foster friendships between the pack members. Lucy was so proud of both of them, and how much they had accomplished.Lucy had also been offered the title of pack healer because of her background in nursing. She was thrilled that the title came with two offices on both plots of land where she could attend to any mishaps, concerns, or even expectant mothers. Sara and Vance had their first check-up with her yesterday, and everything seemed to be progressing along for Sara and her pregnancy. Soon they would be able to find out if the pup was a male or female. Lucy felt bitter-sweet as she began attending to Sara's care and needs in her first trimester of pregnancy. Could that be her someday? Ma
The Stray Alpha Chapter 49: Luna Business
Lucy POVLucy scanned the crowd wondering who had just screamed just when she noticed Aunt Gertrude. She stood with her hands clasped over her mouth, staring down at Samson who was down on one knee and holding out a ring. Samson's smile glowed and he looked handsome with his silver fox hair swept back as he awaited Gertrude's answer."Yes!" she exclaimed. She looked like a ray of sunshine in her yellow dress as she started to cry tears of joy. "Yes, oh, how I've dreamed of this day."Lucy whooped loudly as other shifters joined her with cheers and shouts of congratulations. Gabriel whistled loudly and clapped his hands, elbowing Lucy, "Looks like you are going to have to help plan a wedding!""I guess so! Wedding business and Luna blessings just got added to my to-do list." Lucy clapped harder as they watched Samson stand and slide the ring onto Gertrude's finger. Lucy walked toward her aunt to congratulate her. "Auntie, congratulations. I'm so happy for you. We have a lot to d
The Stray Alpha Chapter 48: He Looks Just Like His Father
Lucy POVLucy stood in Gabriel's bathroom applying makeup with Sara. Sara seemed louder and more talkative than usual after she and Vance had come to Gabriel's place to get ready for the barbeque party. Lucy felt like she could not get a word in edgewise while Sara gently swept the makeup brush full of glitter across her face. Sara wore a smokey midnight blue-colored theme of makeup on her face with white glitter sparkles adorning her eyes and cheeks. She explained to Lucy that wolf shifter parties were always wild, loud, and a blast. All shifters dressed for the occasion, the males wearing their best plaid shirts and cowboy boots while the females wore their best summer dresses and boldly applied their makeup. To match her makeup, Sara wore a midnight blue dress with a round neck and a laced scalloped design that stopped a few inches above her knees. She wore sparkling silver earrings that fell to her shoulders and her hair was swept back in a side part. Lucy wore a long sleeve
The Stray Alpha Chapter 47: You Aren't Even Worth The Dirt Between My Toes
Gabriel POVGabriel felt like he had been put on a roller coaster without being buckled in correctly. He was angry and felt betrayed. When Gabriel heard the elder man's voice speak about his parents being murdered, he saw the color red cloud his vision. First, he had beat his uncle who was still lying in the sand dazed, in a duel. Next, he heard that his parents had died in a fire that had been set intentionally to kill them. What next? And who would have even dared to kill his father and mother?His eyes slowly shifted to the beaten shifter lying on the ground. It couldn't be…"Fennick Herman, you have been charged for the murder of Elijah and Louisa Herman," Shaman Kai stated with an angry face as she stomped her foot. "The police are on their way here to arrest you for your crimes. You will spend the rest of your days atoning for your actions that should have been addressed long ago."As Fennick tried to sit up from the sand a distant police siren could be heard making its w
The Stray Alpha Chapter 46: Please Forgive Us
Lucy POVLucy held onto Gertrude's arm, watching Gabriel hold his head in pain. She desired now more than ever to speak to him through their mind link to encourage him to get up, but she feared she would distract him. Her whole world felt like it was on pause as she watched Fennick gloating with a devious smile on his face while making his way over to Gabriel. She wanted to curl up under a blanket so she didn't have to watch what would happen next.Yet, with one swift move, Gabriel pushed himself up onto the fence with his arms before swinging his body high and gracefully into the air to propel himself over Fennick and land behind him. He had avoided Fennick's assault with poise and ease. Fennick seemed slow as he spun back around to face Gabriel with a look of pure hatred. Gabriel grinned at his uncle. "Thought you had me right where you wanted me, eh?"Fennick growled, "I'm going to make your fake mate watch as I tear you from limb to limb.""She's real, spoiler alert and som
The Stray Alpha Chapter 45: You'll Be Sorry
Lucy POVLucy looked into Gabriel's eyes as she told him how she was feeling about tomorrow. He looked at her with love as if he already knew she felt that way. "I know. It's got to be done though, Freckles," Gabriel said softly as he walked over to her in the doorway and kissed her forehead. "I promise, I'm not going anywhere. Plus, I have you I want to fight for. I love you.""I love you too," Lucy whispered as she pursed her lips letting him know she wanted a kiss. Gabriel's hands cupped around her face as he brought his lips to hers. She missed the feeling of his mouth against hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer. Their breathing became faster as things started to heat up between the two of them. "Why do I get the feeling that we are going to get to lunch later?" Gabriel asked huskily as he broke the kiss."Your fault. You are only wearing a towel." Lucy grinned bopping his nose playfully as she pulled him to the bed.*****The next day the St
The Stray Alpha Chapter 44: What Silly Nitwit Gave You That Idea?
Gabriel POVGabriel stood awaiting Samson's answer. Samson looked apprehensive as if he was afraid to tell Gabriel. "I have my suspicions. I don't think I'm at liberty to really say," Samson paused.Gabriel had never seen Samson hesitate to this extent. Samson truly did not want to say his thoughts out loud."You can tell me," Gabriel pleaded, hoping Samson would give him more information.Samson sighed, rubbing his face with his hands in worry. "Back then Fennick had conjured up a following in the Moonlight Pack. He had many shifters starting to believe the old ways were correct. They thought your mom shouldn't be Luna since she was a human being.""My mom?" Gabriel spoke, feeling his jaw tighten as he clenched his fists. He would give everything to have his parents alive and well."She had been originally accepted by the pack. But I'm wondering if one of Fennick's followers may have set the fire," Samson ran a hand through his hair. "I really hope arson isn't what happened an
The Stray Alpha Chapter 43: Which Side Is Yours?
Gabriel POVGabriel sat on his porch that evening sipping some tea. There was a cup with a teabag in it sitting on the counter so he could prepare it for Lucy when she got home. He loved the fact that he could dote on her more easily, now that she was staying with him. He couldn't wait to hear how the mini-golf tournament went between the girls. He watched Sara drive into the compound's parking lot. The three women quietly got out of the car. He frowned. Weren't they supposed to be laughing about the good time they had? They looked more stoic than anything.Lucy was speaking with the three women while looking over at him on the porch. Did she want him to come over? She shook her head, her voice echoing in his head, 'All good. I'll be right there.''Sounds good,' Gabriel answered her, and sat back in his chair. He waited for the ladies to finish their conversation and watched as Lucy walked toward him. "Hello there," Gabriel greeted as she walked onto the porch and joined him i
The Stray Alpha Chapter 42: Try Not To Get Into Too Much Trouble
Lucy POV"You're stealing me?" Lucy answered questioningly looking from Sara and Gabriel."Oh hell no, I can't compete with the best friend. Seriously, she's mine Sara," Gabriel said with a fake teasing aggression pretending Sara was a new contender for Lucy's heart."Wow, okay lover-boy, chill." Sara laughed, waving dismissively at Gabriel. "I'm taking you mini-golfing. Beers and mini-golf, what a great combination. You, me, and your aunt who I just met. What a lovely creature."Lucy stood there with surprise. "Mini-golf?""Yeah, I thought it would be a good distraction after what happened. Your aunt told me everything," Sara answered, gesturing toward the door. "Come on, there's no time to waste. They close when the sun goes down so we got to hurry.""Wait, before you go," Gabriel grabbed Lucy's arm as he finished saying, "can you please give me a kiss?""Aw, cute," Sara cooed as she stepped toward the front door allowing them some privacy. Lucy stepped on her tippy toes and p
