Page 21 of Bonded Beyond Regret

I almost laugh thinking of how serious Aisley looked as she also vowed to devote herself to Waning Moon. It’s not really a requirement for pups to be inducted into the pack with a ceremony, but Aisley wanted to do it. Unlike with Nyx, we didn’t use the knife to cut her hand and join it with the cut in mine. It’s part of how the packs become bound to the Alpha, but the bond is different from that between mates.

Aisley is bound to the pack through Nyx, but when the sweetest eight-year-old I’ve ever met asked to also recite the vow, I couldn’t say no. I was filled with pride, and I wasn’t alone. My wolf was practically preening as he howled his joy over her actions. Nyx was also pleased with her daughter’s commitment along with the pack members who witnessed the moment.

There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Aisley will become a force in the pack. It’s more than the kindness she shows, it’s because of the light she is so generous with. Even the grumpiest of shifters would be charmed by her.

Last night was the first time that Nyx and Aisley met my parents, Darwin and Stacy. After the induction, before some of the older wolves who weren’t going to participate in the run rounded up the pups for a sleepover in the packhouse. Over the last year it’s become a normal occurrence for the pups to miss school the day after a Moon Light Run. Before then, a pack run wasn’t something Thomas ever did, but we’re a stronger pack for it.

Nyx gave me a soft look when I approached her and Aisley. It had my heart racing because I knew I was taking a big step by introducing her personally to my parents. Not only that, but I was doing it in front of the entire pack.

But that didn’t stop me.

Even though I know I don’t deserve it, I desperately want to find out where this could go. Something inside of me craves Nyx and I already love Aisley like my own.

“I’d like to introduce you lovely ladies to a few people.” I tried to keep the nervousness out of my voice, “Is that okay?”

Nyx smiled at me and everything else vanished, including my worries and anxiety. For a second it was like we were the only two wolves in existence. Then Aisley grabbed my hand and the moment broke, but I wasn’t upset about it.

How could I be when Aisley was looking up at me with trust and curiosity in her eyes?

Nyx tensed when we approached my parents, and they turned toward us. Anyone who chose to look could see the questions written on their faces, but their smiles weren’t forced.

They never liked Kathy. Not before we were mated and not after.

“Mom, Dad,” I greeted them, and Nyx’s back went rigid. It wasn’t easy, but I hid my smile knowing full well that she was going to lay into me later, but that didn’t stop me. “I’d like you to meet our newest pack members, Nyx, and her daughter, Aisley.”

Nyx’s voice was soft, but I could still hear a little bit of a wobble, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Dad offered his hand, but before Nyx could reach out, Mom was there and hugging her like they were long lost best friends. The wide-eyed look of panic and confusion Nyx gave me was enough to make me chuckle.

That chuckle became a full-blown laugh when Aisley piped up, “Can I get in on this hug? Hugs are the best and I love them.”

Mom shot me a glance, full of knowing, and her eyes were sparkling. When she released Nyx, not even a heartbeat later, she was giving Aisley a hug. Dad was grinning from ear to ear as he watched the whole scene.

I was a little surprised and taken aback by the look of approval he gave me.

Growing up there were many times I could remember my dad not agreeing with my choices, but once I became the Alpha, he’s been one of my biggest supporters. I never realized the stress my parents were under or the pain they were in.

They loved Serenity and wanted to protect her, but that wasn’t possible because of Thomas and is greed.

I’m not the only one who was set free the night the former Alpha family was taken down; mom and dad were as well. Even though the relationship that my parents have with Serenity is strained, the same as mine, everything is now out in the open and we have the time to make things better.

Watching Aisley and Nyx charm my parents made me face some hard truths that go deeper than feeling protective over the females or wanting Nyx in my bed. My wolf was purring in happiness as he watched the scene through my eyes.

I realized in that moment that what he had been saying was true—they’re our females.

“Yes, they are,”my wolf’s agreement pulls me from my thoughts, and I realize he’s following a scent on the wind.

I know that scent. It’s soft wildflowers and sunshine and all Nyx.

“Welcome to the party,”my wolf sounds amused as he growls.“I’ve been tracking her scent for a while now. Her wolf has been calling to me,”he snarls.

My wolf’s desire slams into me and the fact that we’re stalking the woman we want with a desperation that I’m not used to experiencing is only ramping it up. I hear the sound of the she-wolf in question running ahead of us and we pick up our speed.

I have one focus—finding my female.

The light shines through the trees and causes the forest around us to look purple. It’s beautiful and one of my favorite stretches of forest. There have been many times when I’ve come out here and gotten lost. Not just in nature, but in my thoughts, and in my pain.

When I skid to a stop in a small clearing, I find Nyx’s wolf standing there like she’s been waiting for me. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth and her maw pulls into a toothy grin.

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