Page 49 of Alpha Awakening

“I told him how I felt about yesterday and that his action took part of my trust away. He understood and we came to the agreement that we would try and rebuild it.”

“Did you tell him that we understand why he did it?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“After we spoke, we went to see Alpha Raymond. We talked about the expectations he has for me and how I was brought up and saw my father lead.”

“Did they seem similar, or do you think you two will have a hard time?”

“Though the pack does certain things differently, I don’t think we’ll have a hard time. We just have to work together and figure everything out as we go.”

He handed her the first dish and she started drying it off. She seemed calmer, though her bond was somewhat quiet, still not ready to share her thoughts.

“I also made sure they knew that we would appreciate a permanent home before we move. I told them we would want to have it all settled before Aruna and Emlyn arrive.”

Tears filled her eyes, and sadness flooded her. She nodded, unable to speak.

He pulled his hands from the water and dried them before taking her hand in his. “I’ll make sure that everything you want to bring here will come with us. I want you to know that just because we’re starting over, doesn’t mean that everything has to stay behind.”

“Okay.” Her voice broke before she could say another word.

He turned back to the dishes, handing her one at a time. “I asked how long it would be before he expected me to take over and he just wants to play it by ear. Whenever he’s ready to let go I’ll be ready to step up. I don’t want to push it and give the pack the impression I’m just here to make it mine, you know?”

She nodded, her sadness still very present.

“Mother is more than welcome to come for the birth. I’m sure whoever else you want will be welcomed too.”

That thought seemed to ease her clouded mind, brightness starting to slowly poke through.

“I’m sure whatever else eases the transition for you they’ll welcome. Luna Charlotte has basically adopted you as her daughter.”

She smiled, her eyes lovingly resting on his. “I like her too.”

He told her all about his conversation with Alpha Raymond and Fallon. Occasionally, he could suspect how she felt about certain things but for the most part, she listened quietly. Though she didn’t say much, he knew this was important to her. She wanted to know all that was being said. She didn’t like being kept out of the loop and he owed her at least that.

While he put away the dishes, she retreated into the bedroom where he found her sitting on the edge of the bed. Her mind seemed far away, her eyes staring at something he couldn’t see. He kneeled before her and gently picked up her feet onto his lap. He rested on his heels as he carefully started to massage her feet. They were swollen, though it was barely noticeable.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her eyes finally registering him.

“There is no need. I know this is a lot for you and even though I’m excited about this opportunity, I’m also sad. Our life finally settled and now there is another project ahead of us. I’ll miss my family and my friends, and I can’t even imagine how you feel. I don’t want you to think that you have to apologize to me for what you’re feeling right now. Just know that whenever you’re ready, I’m here to listen.”

She looked down at her feet. “Can you do that while I lay down?”

“Anything for you.”

He watched her get comfortable with a small pillow under her lower back before she rested her feet on his lap again. She closed her eyes as he massaged her soles and calves. He didn’t even stop when she dozed off and kept going until she shifted into a new position, sleep pulling her under.

The next day was spent with Ann, though Niev was very quiet and withdrawn. Kareem suggested they leave way before the evening as even he didn’t like driving through the mountains at night.

As he packed up their belongings, Niev said her farewells to Ann. “I’m sorry I haven’t been myself the past few days.”

“Oh Niev, I totally understand. There is no need to feel bad about it. I loved seeing you and I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon–and meeting the girls of course. Kareem already said I should stay longer and give you a helping hand if you need.” Ann giggled. “Even though I’ll have to get in line to help you, I’ll be more than happy to wait my turn.”

Blake came to the front and set the bags down so he could pull his sister into a hug. He had to suppress the urge to tell her that they would soon be neighbors and that she would see Emlyn and Aruna grow up firsthand.

“Thank you for coming. It was great spending time with you again.”

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