Page 36 of My Possessive Alpha

I nodded. “I might be down and out for a time, but I’ll always find my way back to that run-down place eventually.”

“It isn’t much for a toast, but here’s to a new little one,” Beau proposed as he lifted his coffee cup in the air.

We all chuckled as we did the same, toasting from afar given the distance between us at the conference table. “To a new little one.”

A new, unfamiliar sensation filled my chest at that moment—a positive one that reminded me there was always a chance for good things to happen. It was the realization that despite feeling down on my luck about not having a mate before, my life made such a hard pivot when I least expected it.

After complaining about being alone and lacking that connection, my path crossed with Lydia’s out of nowhere. Because of that, we established our bond, and in turn, our child was busy growing inside her.

Every step of the way, while unexpected, led me to a place where I could share good news with others.

“Speaking of Lydia,” Levi eventually brought up, expression giving way to a more serious one. “How’s everything going with her old alpha? We heard about the attempted ambush.”

As much as I wanted to focus only on the good, I couldn’t ignore the rest. I sighed.

“Jack sent some betas out to try and get her back, but luckily, I came in at the right time before they could do anything. Especially now that we know she’s pregnant, the pack is keeping a close eye on her. If I’m not with her, then someone else is,” I explained, feeling slightly angry at the reminder. “Jack has made it very clear that he won’t stop until she’s back in his possession, but I don’t plan on letting that happen any time soon.”

Everyone shared their grave yet understanding expressions. They all knew how serious I was about it, and I could feel their support even without needing to hear it.

“If you need the backup, we’ve got you,” Levi said, making sure I could see it in his gaze. “There’s no ask that’s too big for us. Just give us the word.”

While I was more used to offering my help to the others, it was reassuring to know that the favor would be willingly returned at any point.

I nodded gratefully. “I appreciate that. His wolves have been lurking around lately, and I have the feeling it won’t be long until Jack tries to strike.”

“If he has waited this long, I can only assume he’s got some sort of plan lined up,” Beau added, meeting my gaze. “He’s probably waiting for the right moment.”

“That’s what I’m anticipating, anyway.”

While I didn’t have any qualms about calling in that favor, it only meant that the situation was becoming more serious, and soon enough, I’d have no choice but to act.

If I wasn’t careful, I had more to lose than ever before.

***

On the drive back home, my arm rested against the open window as I took in the sights and scents, letting them surround me.

I followed the main road back towards the pack grounds and studied the air as I tended to more recently with the thoughts of Jack and his intentions heavy on my mind.

Even if I couldn’t see them due to the trees and distance between us, I could sense them. Those wolves hiding out, just out of range but close enough for me to be aware of their presence.

It was ominous, and it added another layer of pressure. That tension seemed to grow with every passing day, leaving me to wonder how much more I could take or how much more Lydia could shoulder.

I wanted it behind us, but I was well aware of the kind of damage that could come from pulling my pack into full conflict.

Since day one, I have vowed to protect them and offer them the safety and security they deserve in exchange for their trust and support. Yet, while not unheard of, having them fight alongside me was a lofty risk.

Still, my mate and our connection were the very things hanging in the balance—all determined by the decision I would inevitably have to make.

The recent disturbances and the presence of the other pack were constant reminders of everyone I was determined to keep safe and of the lives I was prepared to lay my own down for if it ever came to it.

The irritation I felt while shouldering that responsibility eased away the moment I found Lydia out on the back deck, leaning against the railing as she observed the forest around her. As I passed through the patio door, I caught Zoe standing by the glass table, and she pulled a reassuring smile for me.

I murmured my appreciation for her help as she saw herself out, seeming more than happy to do her part.

As my sister left us alone, I cut the space between us and settled next to her. Glancing over, I caught the pensive look in her eyes, even as she grinned at me.

“Do you remember that day you had to rescue me from that pond near your family’s old place?” she asked, her tone light and reverent.

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