Page 66 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

My mother, always the more intuitive one, looks between Axel and me with a knowing smile. "I can see why our daughter is so smitten," she teases gently, causing a blush to rise to my cheeks.

As the introductions continue, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn to see Mabel, Axel's grandmother, holding a beautifully wrapped package.

"We have a surprise for you, my dear," she says, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I unwrap the package, my hands trembling slightly with anticipation. Inside, I find a stunning hand-painted sign that reads "The Night Owl Bar & Grill." Tears spring to my eyes as I run my fingers over the intricate brushstrokes, marveling at the craftsmanship and the thoughtfulness behind this heartfelt gift.

"Oh, Grandma Mabel," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "It's absolutely perfect. I can't believe the pack did this for me."

Grandma Mabel's eyes twinkle with pride and affection as she watches my reaction. "You're part of our family now, my dear. We wanted to show you how much you mean to us, and to Axel."

I'm overwhelmed with a sense of belonging and love. "Thank you so much. This means more to me than you could ever know."

As I hold the sign close to my heart, the energy of opening night begins to pulse through me. My heightened senses come alive, taking in every detail of the bustling restaurant. The sizzle of the grill and the mouthwatering aroma of searing meats make my stomach growl with hunger.

"Sounds like someone's ready to dig in," Axel teases, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

I lean back against his strong chest, my wolf practically purring with contentment. "Can you blame me? Everything smells incredible."

The clink of glasses and the laughter of patrons fill the air, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. I inhale deeply, savoring the mingled scents of savory dishes and tantalizing spices that waft from the busy kitchen.

"Let's go check on things in the back," I suggest, eager to be in the heart of the action. "I want to make sure everything is running smoothly on our big night."

My wolf is alert and ready, guiding me through the controlled chaos. I feel a surge of pride as I survey the restaurant, knowing that Axel and I have poured our hearts into creating this space. As I step into the kitchen, ready to bring my culinary dreams to life, I know that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

I move with a newfound grace, my enhanced reflexes allowing me to plate dishes with precision. The flavors are more vibrant, the textures more pronounced. I find myself savoring each ingredient, appreciating the nuances that my human senses could never fully grasp.

"The sauce is perfect," I murmur to the sous chef as I pass by, offering a smile of encouragement. "Keep up the great work, everyone!"

As I step out of the kitchen to survey the dining room, a sense of pride swells within me. The Night Owl is alive with conversation and laughter, pack members mingling together seamlessly.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" I whisper to Axel, leaning into his embrace. "We did this, together. And it's only the beginning."

My gaze lands on Elena, and I make my way over to her. She's been a rock for me throughout this journey, but I've noticed a tension in her lately, especially since her argument with Finn.

"Hey, Elena," I say softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Is everything okay?"

She looks up at me, her eyes shadowed with worry. "Why do you ask?"

I give her a knowing look. "The other day, during your disagreement with Finn. I could sense the stress rolling off you."

Elena sighs, her shoulders sagging. "I'm sorry, please forgive me, Lila. I shouldn't have said those things. I've just been so on edge lately, and I took it out on you. It wasn't fair."

I pull her into a hug, my wolf offering comfort through the embrace. "It's okay, Elena. I forgive you. You know you can always come to me with anything, right?"

She nods against my shoulder, and I feel the tension begin to drain from her body. "Thank you, Lila. I don't know what I'd do without you."

As we move away from each other, a different smell captures my interest, something new among the mix of aromas in the restaurant. My wolf stirs, a sense of unease prickling along my spine.

I lift my head, sniffing the air as I try to locate the unfamiliar scent.

What is that?I wonder, my brow furrowing in concentration. It's earthy and wild, with a hint of something I can't quite place.It's not like anything I've smelled before...

My wolf tenses, hackles rising as a figure steps through the door of The Night Owl. I narrow my eyes, studying the newcomer intently.

He's tall and broad, with a rugged beard and eyes that seem to glint with an ancient wisdom. There's an aura of power around him, and I instinctively know he's not human.

A werebear,my wolf whispers, both wary and intrigued.

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