Page 6 of Bonded Beyond Regret

“Alpha,”Mike, who is at the gate to the pack, cuts into the paperwork I’m going through in my office,“the visitors from the Silver Howler Pack have arrived. The Alpha and Luna are in one vehicle with three adults and one child in a second one. They’re heading to the packhouse now.”

“Thank you for letting me know, Mike,”I respond, glad that I remembered to brief him on expecting more than one car without having to give details.

While I want Nyx and Aisley to feel welcome in the pack, they don’t need to feel the pressure of greeting everyone as soon-to-be pack members. When I spoke with Whitaker and we finalized plans, he said that he would be coming along with his Luna. I’m sure Nyx’s parents are the other two adults.

It makes me wonder what the story is with Aisley’s other grandparents. If Andrew was their own pup, it might have put a strain on the situation without anyone even knowing it. I’ve heard stories from some of the people who have sought refuge here and it’s not always pretty.

Sometimes people don’t realize the reverberations that their grief causes. As I run my fingers through my hair and head out of my office, I can only hope none of that tension touched Aisley. She doesn’t deserve it. Hell, Nyx wouldn’t deserve it either. She’s been dealing with more than enough with the loss of her mate and having the mate bond ripped from her soul.

Dalton meets me at the front door of the packhouse and I find myself rubbing the center of my chest. The ache that is always there makes itself known. Again.

Most days I can ignore it, even though it’s only been a year without my mate. Looking back on my life with Kathy, I’m not sure she ever loved me. I have no doubt that if a better opportunity presented itself—like in the form of an Alpha wanting to take her as a chosen mate—I would have been rejected.

It stings to know I was more than likely disposable and the best option my mate had.

When the cars stop in front of the packhouse, I step down off the porch, my eyes trained on the woman driving the second car. The man sitting next to her is clearly her father, but I barely even notice him in the periphery of my focus.

“Female is gorgeous,”my wolf growls with appreciation.

He’s not fucking wrong, but him chiming in surprises the fuck out of me. The only female he’s ever shown interest in was Kathyand that hasn’t really changed in the last year, even though he didn’t regret our actions in killing her.

My attention is pulled away from the female when the doors of the first vehicle open and close. When Whitaker walks around the SUV and wraps an arm around his mate’s waist, a pang of jealousy hits me, but I push it away. There’s no room for that shit in my life.

“Good morning, Alpha Whitaker,” I greet him before turning to his mate, “and Luna Tilly.” I nod toward Dalton and introduce him, “This is my Beta, Dalton.”

When I offer my hand, Whitaker shakes it and then Tilly. They do the same with Dalton, greeting him warmly and offering kindness. I’m glad to see it. There are far too many arrogant Alphas out there who don’t spare more than a bored glance at a Beta.

Tilly smiles brightly at me, “Please, call me Tilly. I’m not officially Luna, anyway, not until my ceremony,” there’s a teasing lilt to her voice that has Whitaker groaning.

It’s clear there’s some sort of inside joke with her statement. I don’t even want to know.

“Still my Luna, little wolf,” Whitaker’s voice is low with a hint of growl in it from his wolf. He smiles at me and reiterates, “And we’ve already established Whitaker is more than fine.”

“Of course, same goes for me,” I agree.

“Anyway, considering that Tristan is like a second, equally annoying brother to me, we’re practically family,” her voice is filled with amusement.

There’s not a hint of judgement or acknowledgement about the fact that my relationship with Serenity is strained and may never be what it should be. I appreciate it.

“It’s already gotten better with our sister,”my wolf reminds me. He’s not wrong. Being allowed to go to Blood Rising and meet my nephew gave me so much hope that we can find a way forward.

Before I can come up with something, anything, to say in response, Tilly keeps going, “I’ve heard a lot about what you’re building here, and I think it’s wonderful. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Everyone should be able to find a home, no matter their past, and that kind of mission is one I want to support.”

“Thank you, Tilly,” my words are filled with sincerity. “It’s been a slow process, but we aren’t in a hurry. I’m just glad word is getting out that we will provide sanctuary. Too many wolves go rogue, not knowing that there is another option, but now they’re starting to come here.”

Tilly and Whitaker nod with pride and my own flares in recognition. I am damn proud of what we’re doing here.

When the doors to the second SUV open, my attention snaps in that direction. Nyx stands there for a moment, her eyes taking in what she can see of the pack. I thought she was stunning already, but seeing all of her has my heart stuttering and my wolf standing up and taking notice.

I can’t help but snarl at my wolf,“What is going on with you?”

He huffs and looks through my eyes, like he’s trying to get a better look at her,“Like you’re much better.”

He’s not fucking wrong.

Nyx has black hair that reaches just past her breasts, curling at the ends. It’s rich, luscious, and thick. Her eyes are brown with flecks of gold that catch the sun. They’re beautiful and the sadness in them speaks to the same sadness in me. Our circumstances aren’t the same, but our pain are mirror images.

An older couple gets out, the male wrapping an arm around the female’s shoulders as Nyx turns and opens up the door to the back. I know she’s letting her little girl out. I send a little prayer up to the Moon Goddess that the girl been brought down too much by the death of her father. A pup should be able to enjoy their childhood as much as possible.

---