Page 12 of Coveted By the Alpha Pack

Reluctantly, Ethan and Nicolai agree, their tension easing like a storm cloud passing overhead. Thankfully, it didn’t come down to them battling it out like last time, leaving me with a sense of relief as we navigate the complexities of our pack dynamics.

There’s a soft knock at the door, and Ethan turns to open it. Griffin stands there, his son asleep on his chest. “You guys need to get going, or you’re going to be late to the meeting,” he reminds us, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency.

Leaning forward, I press a kiss to my son’s cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin against my lips, before turning to Griffin and planting a playful kiss on his lips. “Be good, Daddy. We’ll be home soon,” I tease, knowing the effect those words have on him. His eyes flash golden for a moment before returning to their usual color, a sign of his wolf’s arousal. It’s become our little code for intimacy, a playful way to ignite the passion between us.

As I move past Griffin, I notice Conrad and Barrett making their way through the house, their movements purposeful and efficient. “Where are you two going?” I quicken my pace down the hallway to catch up with them.

“We’re heading to the airport. Lorcan’s flight is due to arrive this afternoon. International flights can be unpredictable at times,” Conrad explains, his voice steady as he effortlessly picks up Ashina.

“We’re taking the girls with us so that Griff doesn’t lose his mind,” Barrett adds with a chuckle, sidestepping Griff’s attempt to grab him playfully.

“I’m not going to lose my mind,” Griff protests grumpily, but the teasing from his pack mates only earns him a knowing look.

“We all know that when Deacon naps, so do you,” Ethan says, his words punctuated by a shared laughter that fills the air. It’s moments like these, during the chaos of our lives, that remind me of the bond we share as a pack.

I make sure to kiss each of the kids as well as my mates before Ethan and Nic usher me towards Nic’s SUV. It’s a routine, yet each touch carries its own significance, a silent reassurance of our bond amidst the looming uncertainties.

Choosing to sit in the back, in the middle, I settle into the seat, craving the vantage point it offers. I need to see everything, to feel in control even as the world around us feels increasingly chaotic.

Nic slides behind the steering wheel and glances back at me, concern evident in his eyes. “Are you sure you want to sit back there?”

Memories flash through my mind, vivid recollections of the last time I rode in the front seat with Nic driving. My wolf chooses now to share the memory with Nic and Ethan, and the emotions it evokes are palpable.

Nic looks down at his hands before meeting my gaze with unwavering determination. “I would do it again in a heartbeat,” he declares, his words echoing with conviction. I reach out and squeeze his shoulder, finding solace in his steadfastness.

“All of us would sacrifice ourselves to save you, Grace,” Ethan chimes in, turning in his seat to look back at me, his eyes filled with unwavering love.

“I know,” I reply softly, the weight of the burden heavy on my shoulders. “It’s a burden knowing my life is the key to ending all of yours. Unless I sever the bond before my last breath.” The thought has consumed me, especially with the numerous attempts on my life. It’s a decision I’ve pondered endlessly, one that Ethan’s mom has shed light on, outlining the sacrifice it entails. My wolf and I agree: if it comes down to it, the bond must be severed to ensure our children have their fathers.

“No one is dying today. So let’s focus on the business at hand. Wolverton needs order. They need the Lunar Wolf to lay down the law,” Nicolai asserts, his tone brooking no argument. With that, the SUV roars to life, and we’re on our way to Wolverton, my heart heavy with anticipation and apprehension. I can only hope it’s not as dire as I suspect.

Chapter 8

Ethan

-Bones- Imagine Dragons-

Every single time we leave the house with Grace, I feel like I’m going to war. My senses are on high alert, each sound amplified, each movement scrutinized to the point where I’m almost paranoid. It’s a constant battle between the urge to protect and the fear of what might happen if I let my guard down.

After witnessing the accident that nearly claimed Grace’s and Nicolai’s lives from her perspective, my concern for her safety has reached new heights. Why didn’t she tell us her fear of being in vehicles was so severe?

“She doesn’t want to be coddled any more than you already do, asshole,” my wolf growls at me in my head. His words are a sharp reminder of the balance we must strike between protection and independence.

“I don’t coddle her. I’m keeping her safe,” I fire back defensively, my gaze flicking to the visor mirror to steal a glance at Grace in the backseat.

“She just has to lose her temper, and she can kill all of us with her alpha bark,” my wolf continues, his tone smug as he reveals a piece of ancient knowledge I never knew existed.

“I’m guessing you didn’t know that, huh, tough guy?” my wolf taunts, and I’m left reeling, my mind racing to process this newfound information.

“Do the others know?” I ask as I watch Grace engrossed in a game on her phone.

“We’re telling them now. It’s not for human knowledge. It goes against our covenant,” my wolf replies, his words carrying a weight of responsibility I hadn’t expected.

I can sense the moment Nic’s wolf shares the revelation with him. He looks at me, his eyes flaring for a moment before returning to normal. All I can do is nod, the weight of the secret settling heavily between us. I motion back to Grace, who remains blissfully unaware of the conversation unfolding around her.

The secret chat among the guys lights up like the Fourth of July, questions flying from all directions as we grapple with this newfound knowledge given to us by our wolves. It’s a responsibility we hadn’t asked for, but one we’ll carry with us to ensure Grace’s safety and happiness, no matter the cost.

“Darlin’?” I say softly, careful not to startle her.

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