Page 23 of Coveted By the Alpha Pack

And then there’s Selune, the moon goddess, watching over us with her serene gaze. Her blessing fills me with a sense of purpose, a belief that there is still hope for a brighter future. With her guidance, I know I can find the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead, to embrace my Luna gifts and stand tall against the darkness.

So, with determination burning bright within me, I steel myself for the battles to come. I may be battered and bruised, but I refuse to be broken. For I am a warrior, a protector, a guardian of my pack and my mates. And together, we will face whatever the future may hold, united in our strength and our love.

Chapter 14

Barrett

-The Hanging Tree- The Hunger Games-

I feel the exact moment that Grace makes Lorcan hers. It’s as if a bolt of lightning streaks through the air, crackling with raw power. My heart races as I gasp, the intensity of the connection driving me to my knees. Beside me, my bond mates also collapse, a collective response to the monumental shift in our dynamic.

As I struggle to catch my breath, I meet the gazes of my companions. There’s a silent exchange of understanding, a recognition of the profound change that has just occurred. And then, like the calm after a storm, I sense it—the bond settling into place.

Gone are the chaotic surges of energy that once plagued us, replaced now by a serene sense of harmony. I glance around, meeting Ethan’s bewildered expression as he voices the question on all our minds. “What just happened?” he asks, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Griffin, ever composed, offers an explanation. “The bond settled,” he says, his gaze sweeping over his brothers and then to me and Nic.

Nic, still recovering, staggers to his feet, a hand pressed to his chest as he surveys the scene. “She’s done it,” he declares, a hint of awe in his voice.

I tilt my head, studying him intently. “What do you mean?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly as I find my balance.

“Think about the legend of the Lunar Wolf,” Nic says, a smile spreading across his face. “She brings balance—Alpha, Beta, Omega. And before her turning human, this is what she needed.”

His words hang in the air, sinking in as I grasp the enormity of what Grace has achieved. With a newfound sense of clarity, I meet the eyes of my companions, a shared understanding passing between us. Grace, our mate, has fulfilled her destiny. In doing so, she has brought us all into alignment.

“She’s going to be alright,” I say, my voice trembling with excitement as relief floods through me. I leap from my seat, heart racing, and dash into the kitchen. The fridge door flies open with a forceful tug, and I scan its contents, my mind already concocting a feast fit for celebration.

As I gather ingredients, the energy in the kitchen shifts. Within moments, the room is alive with movement and chatter as everyone pitches in to prepare dinner. It’s a symphony of clinking utensils and murmured conversations, a tangible sense of unity and purpose filling the air.

I had always feared for Grace, knowing the immense power she harbored would inevitably lead to her downfall. But now, with the recent turn of events, there’s a glimmer of hope for a future together, a future stretching out before us like an endless horizon.

Ruby enters, a radiant smile gracing her face as she distributes the children to the alphas. “Come on, Barrett,” she says gently, her warmth enveloping me like a comforting embrace. In her presence, I feel a sense of belonging I’ve rarely known, a maternal instinct that transcends blood ties.

Several hours later, Grace and Lorcan stride into the house, their faces glowing with exhaustion and relief. As they step inside, a thunderous round of applause erupts, echoing through the air, a symphony of gratitude and admiration. I rush forward, eager to envelop them both in tight embraces, feeling the warmth of their presence against my skin.

Grace is passed around like a cherished treasure, embraced by each of us. I hold her close, feeling the weight of worry lift from my shoulders as I sense her calmness, her acceptance of the love surrounding her. It’s as if she absorbs our collective relief, letting it wash over her like a gentle tide.

For so long, I’ve been haunted by the fear of losing her to the overwhelming power she possesses. But today, in this moment of shared joy and gratitude, that fear dissolves like mist in the morning sun. It’s the love of a blind beta, unwavering and pure, that has brought us to this point. Lorcan stands tall beside her, his handshakes firm and his smile genuine, accepting the congratulations with grace and humility.

In this embrace of love and solidarity, I know that we’ve overcome the darkest of challenges. And as I look into Grace’s eyes, I see not just the relief of survival, but the promise of a future filled with hope and possibility.

Agnes finally arrives, her gentle presence bringing a sense of relief as she steps into the kitchen, her warm smile calming the chaos that had brewed in her absence. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she takes over from where I had been struggling, seamlessly slipping into the rhythm of kitchen tasks. As she works alongside Ruby, their laughter fills the room, a melody of familiarity and comfort.

Meanwhile, I find myself relegated to the sidelines, but it’s not a punishment; it’s a chance to observe. I dance around the table, the clinking of plates and silverware accompanying my movements, a symphony of anticipation for the meal to come.

Grace, our vivacious mate, rushes over to the tablet nestled in the kitchen's corner, her excitement palpable. With a few swift taps, her playlist fills the room with upbeat pop tunes, setting the perfect backdrop for our impromptu kitchen dance party.

Our daughters, caught up in the infectious energy, join in, twirling and giggling as they sing along to the catchy lyrics. Watching them, I can’t help but be swept away by the sheer joy radiating from their faces.

Suddenly, Grace prowls toward me, her playful demeanor lighting up the room even more. She corners me against the wall, her mischievous grin mirroring my own. “Hey cutie,” she purrs, her breath warm against my skin as she nuzzles my cheek.

“Hey Gracie,” I murmur, leaning in to sip gently at her lips, savoring the warmth of her presence. “I missed you,” I confess softly before pressing another kiss to her lips.

Her laughter, like a delicate melody, dances through the air, reassuring me with its sweetness. “I wasn’t gone for long,” she assures me, peppering my cheeks with tender kisses.

But just as we settle into our intimate cocoon, Ruby’s voice intrudes, yanking us back to reality. “Dinner, you two,” she calls, breaking the spell.

Gracie intertwines her fingers with mine, pulling me towards the table where Lorcan sits on her other side. Deacon is passed to her, and with a graceful motion, she adjusts her top and feeds him right there at the table. The sight fills me with an overwhelming sense of peace, as if all the chaos of the world has momentarily ceased.

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