Page 42 of Embraced By the Alpha Pack

Nicolai, his eyes reflecting the serene beauty of the surroundings, moves to sit us on a large, moss-covered rock near the water’s edge. The day was cooler than normal for this time of year, but his presence, like a comforting blanket, chased away any chill. He turns his attention to me, a tender smile gracing his lips, and his strong hand rests gently on my pregnant stomach.

My eyes meet his, and in that moment, the world seems to slow down. Clouds drifted lazily across the sky, their white, fluffy forms creating playful shadows on the grassy banks. A sense of peace envelopes the two of us, a tranquility born from the deep connection we share.

Nicolai’s fingers trace delicate patterns on my belly, each touch filled with love and anticipation for the life growing inside me. His touch is a testament to his unwavering commitment, a promise to be there for me and our child through all the trials that life would bring.

As the creek continued its gentle babble, Nicolai leans in closer, wrapping me in his muscular arms. The scent of the forest, a mix of pine and earth, mingles with his warm, comforting presence. He pulls me against his chest, and I can hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a reminder of the love that binds us together.

“I regret running away from you when I first realized who you were to me.” My voice is softer than usual, and I can’t help but sigh as he gives me a comforting squeeze.

“There’s nothing to regret. I saw your protective streak when it came to Barrett. Your strength of will when you stood your ground. The little bit of heartache I suffered was worth seeing you at one hundred percent, then watered down to what you thought I may have wanted.” He kisses the crown of my head and I melt further. “This baby…” His hand stills on my stomach. “Is so very loved and will be fiercely protected by everyone.” He rests his head on top of mine and I kiss his chest.

His words sink deep into my heart and the tension I was holding slowly released. “We still need to join the packs. Now I’m adding the Gratus pack to the mix.” Shaking my head, I pull away slowly. “Why didn’t you stop me?”

Nicolai laughs and caresses my face, smiling at me. “Because you were doing the right thing. For years, we’ve heard rumors of what James was doing but couldn’t do anything. The elders never would have backed any of us going to remove James from power. But you…” He kisses my lips softly. “Being the Lunar Wolf has its perks. You want him out of power … Boom! Out of power. The elders can’t do shit.” I smile, sensing Griffin approaching.

“There’s still the matter of that sliver of land that the rogues are using as a highway between the packs.” Griffin, prepared as always, lays the map on the rock before and shows me the slice in question.

Studying the map makes the decision is easy. “Since everyone will be gathered for the melding of the packs, I’ll divide the strip up between the packs.” Griffin offers me a pencil and I draw lines splitting the land between the four packs whose land it touches. “Nic, I’m sure your engineer can do a better job than I did. So let’s get him on it so we can email the suggestion to the alphas.” Nicolai kisses my cheek and takes the map before leaving. “I have a question, Griff.”

Griffin helps me off of the rock, and we walk down the river bank heading home. “If I can answer it, I will.” He kisses the top of my head and draws me into his side.

“Why does my wolf drive me to be more dominant than I am? Most of the time I’m scared then she’s there pushing me to be more than I am.” Looking up at him I see him bite his lower lip before he turns and looks at me.

“You may not be an Alpha because of everything you’ve been through. But she is. There’s going to be times she’s going to push you to be more.” Griffin’s voice softens as he nuzzles me, leading us back to the house. “It’s almost time for the walk. Our Betas and Nic’s Betas are assembled at the pack house, ready for us to go. I’ll stay in my human form and walk with you, Ethan and Nic, in your wolf forms. We’ll be safe, so don’t worry about anything.” He kisses me on the steps, softly sipping from my bottom lip and on the tip of my nose before sending me inside.

I stop at the door and look back over my shoulder. Griffin lowers his head slightly and I head inside. This is going to be one hell of a walk.

Chapter 25

Grace

-The Sound of Silence—Disturbed-

Ruby futzed over every inch of my hair, making sure it was knot free as she braided it back. I know her anxiety over a gathering of this magnitude is eating away at her. “Everyone will be looking at how beautiful you are.” She ran her fingers through my hair where the Arctic Fox ritual was fading, the magenta taking on a purplish hue revealing my blonde roots.

“They’ll be staring at my scars.” I glance over at my shoulder where Ethan’s bite stands out.

“You were almost murdered by a madman. You lived. That alone is impressive.” She placed her hand gently on my cheek and smiles at me. “You are our Lunar Wolf. Unlike the males in charge, you lead with your heart not constantly having a dick measuring contest. You see the big picture, not the immediate threat.” She gently kisses my cheek and hands me my robe for when I shift back.

We say our goodbyes and I walk out the front door, seeing my guys waiting for me as well as twenty betas already shifted. Barrett came over and took the robe from me and I kiss his cheek. “Stay with Griffin and Conrad. Above all else, keep the pups in line.” Our lips meet and kissing my omega was like a sinful fantasy all by its self. He always wears a flavored lip gloss and I never know what he would taste like. Today, its sweet summer strawberries. A soft moan escapes his lips as his hand cups my throat.

“We need to get going.” Ethan calls from the other side of the yard.

Barrett moves me back over to the tent they had set up for me and I shift in private. It was getting harder to shift and I know my time is almost over. My pregnancy is almost to the point I would be left defenseless, unable to shift until after I deliver. A soft bark escapes my muzzle and Barrett unzips the door, letting me out.

People in the crowd murmur to each other in hushed tones, sharing their amazement and disbelief at seeing me. Their whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd as individuals react to what they’re witnessing.

Some describe my fur and the way it looks to them, others were talking about how unique it was for me not to have a single marking. Several women cry, seeing me talking about the stories of the white wolves. Some of the greatest luna’s in history were pure white. I get lost for a moment listening to the stories being regaled around us.

“Darlin, we need to get going.” Ethan says as he whips his shirt over his head before his massive black wolf rips free from his body. He comes to me without hesitation and rubs his body against the length of mine. Something settles in me and I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Looking around, Nic is ready to shift, and looks at me and lowers his head.

“Go to him.” Ethan says through the bond, encouraging me to show affection to Nicolai.

Feeling a little wicked, I prance over to him and rear up, putting my paws on his chest. “Be careful Grace, you are carrying precious cargo.” I get down, and he rubs my stomach. He kneels next to me and cups his hand as he leans in close to my wolfs ear. “This might be the last time you shift till you deliver.” He leans back and looks deep into my eyes. Nodding my wolfs head, Nicolai removes his dress shirt and pants before allowing his wolf to take over. The gray face of his black wolf nuzzles me and ran his body down the length of mine.

“Time to go!” Benjamin calls out and starts walking towards the border of the territory.

Ethan and Nicolai flank me as we fall instep behind the elder. Griffin, Conrad, and Barrett are behind us, taking turns carrying the puppies. The air is filled with the soothing hum of nature’s symphony. Tall, ancient trees stand like sentinels, their branches forming a verdant canopy overhead. Rays of dappled sunlight filter through the lush foliage, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground below. My eyes dart around, taking in every inch of the surrounding forest, knowing this may be my last shift for the unforeseeable future.

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