Page 23 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

“How are you feeling, Grace?” Mark asks, leaning back in his chair. His eyes flicker between us, studying our reactions, waiting for something to slip.

I let out a breath, doing a mental inventory, as if I can account for all the broken parts of me in one sitting. “As odd as it’s going to sound, I feel okay mostly. I lost a huge chunk of time, I guess, after I was injected, but... I think I’m okay.” I bite my bottom lip, fidgeting with my hands as I force myself to look deeper, tocheck for any fractures beneath the surface. Physically, I’m fine. But emotionally? That’s murkier.

Mark shifts his attention to Ethan, and for once, his questioning doesn’t make me angry. “Ethan, how are you feeling?” Mark asks, his tone soft but probing.

Ethan exhales, his gaze turning to me, searching my face as if the answer is written there. “Like Grace said, mostly, I feel okay.” He pauses, his brow furrowing slightly. “But... her wolf didn’t recognize me when I was using a gentle tone. Her wolf only responds to the savage side of mine, not the softer side of me.” His voice is low, almost apologetic, and the truth of his words rings in the quiet room.

“She thought you were an imposter. It didn’t make any sense.” I meet his eyes, and for a moment, we’re both caught in the memory of that night. My wolf, blinded by the serum, didn’t know him—not the way I do now. The gentle side of him wasn’t enough to break through.

Mark leans forward slightly, his eyes sharp, cutting to the heart of it. “What brought you back, Grace? What gave them the opening to sedate you?”

A low growl rumbles from my chest, my body reacting before I can stop it. I huff out a sigh, forcing myself to relax. “My daughter calling for me. And then Barrett’s whine.” The words feel heavy as they leave my lips, the memory of that moment still raw. It was Ashina’s voice, that small, trembling plea for her mother, that cut through the chaos in my mind. Then Barrett’s voice, full of need and desperation, dragged me back from the edge.

The soft click of the door opening pulls my attention. I glance over. And there he is—Barrett, standing in the doorway with his arms open wide, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “What can I say? I’m magically delicious and irresistible.”

I don’t even hesitate. I’m out of my chair in a flash, running toward him, diving into his arms like my life depends on it. I hug him so tightly I can feel his breath catch, tears streaming down my cheeks as I pepper his face with kisses. My wolf rumbles happily, a warm, contented sound vibrating in my chest.

Ethan strides over, wrapping his arms around both Barrett and me, pulling us into a tight embrace. His warmth envelops us, and I can feel the strength in his grip as he looks at Barrett with something close to relief. “Welcome back, Barrett,” he says softly, his large hand gripping Barrett’s jaw, tilting his head back just enough for Ethan to kiss him. The gesture is possessive yet tender, a rare glimpse of his softer side.

I glance over at Mark, catching the flicker of shock on his face. It’s written all over him—he didn’t expect to witness this, and it amuses me. I press a quick kiss to both Ethan and Barrett’s cheeks before dragging Barrett out of Ethan’s grasp, guiding him to the nearest chair. As soon as he sits down, I waste no time climbing into his lap, peppering his face with kisses and nuzzling against his cheek like a wolf showing affection after a long separation.

Mark’s voice cuts through the moment. “For being an ember wolf, you’re rather calm and affectionate,” he observes, tilting his head like I’m some new puzzle for him to solve. His gaze is sharp, watching our every movement, but there’s no challenge in it.

‘Should we show him our temper?’my wolf asks, her voice smug, eager to prove her strength.

‘It’s not needed,’I remind her, amused.‘He’s a delta. He’ll piss himself.’

Satisfied, she retreats, leaving me to the moment. Barrett’s arms tighten around me, his lips brushing the side of my throat. “It’s good to be home,” he whispers, and I feel a sense of peace settle in my chest that I haven’t felt in a long time.

“Let’s get back on track.” Mark’s pen clicks several times as his eyes flick between the three of us, pressed together like a pack reunited. “Do you feel different, being the ember wolf now?” His attention focuses on me, and I can feel the weight of his question settle on my shoulders. “From what I’ve read, you’re not acting like the ember wolves of the past.”

I tighten my grip on Ethan and Barrett, grounding myself in their presence before I stand and pace. “I feel a lot different,” I admit, my voice quieter than before. “At one point, there were two spirits in my head. Two wolves, I guess you could say. Both created by my almost murder.” I pause, glancing back at my mates before locking eyes with Mark. “Because of when I was born, the lunar wolf was created. And what was happening at the time—my wolf was given to me—the ember wolf was born too.”

I glance down at my hands, shifting them, watching the white fur ripple over my fingers as my claws elongate. “I asked the ember wolf to keep the white fur. She agreed.” I lean against the wall, the weight of my transformation still sitting heavily on my chest. I’m not sure if Mark’s questions will set my wolf off, but I brace myself regardless.

Mark seems genuinely intrigued, leaning forward just slightly. “There’s nothing written about something like that ever happening,” he says, his voice almost clinical. He looks over at Ethan and Barrett. “Does she feel different to you?” His head tilts slowly, as if afraid a sudden movement will provoke me.

Barrett hesitates, his gaze flicking between me and Ethan before he answers. “Yes,” he says finally, his voice soft but sure. “She feels stronger, more stable.” A smile pulls at the corners of his lips, the kind that makes my heart flutter. “Whatever happened when she became the ember wolf, it settled something in her.” He lets out a small laugh. “I’m not as worried about her now.”

Ethan, always the practical one, rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “She definitely gave Nic and me a run for our money when she was under the rage serum’s control.” His tone is playful, but there’s an edge of truth beneath it. “But in the grand scheme of things, she feels more settled. And that’s good because my wolf isn’t as restless anymore. I’ll take the win.” He grins at me, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Besides, I like Gracie feral.”

I arch a brow, smirking. “That’s my line.”

Mark’s brows furrow in confusion, clearly trying to piece it together. “Am I missing something?”

Barrett chuckles, his hands gently squeezing my hips. “Grace likes when Ethan loses control during sex, when his wolf is barely restrained.” His grin is teasing, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Apparently, it works both ways now.” Barrett chuckles and looks at me. “Remember, I am delicate.” The playful smile that graces his lips makes me laugh.

I laugh, leaning closer to him, my lips brushing his ear. “Okay, baby... I’ll be gentle.” As I speak, I let the red-orange of my wolf’seyes surface, just enough to make my point. Barrett’s playful smile widens, but there’s no mistaking the flash of heat in his gaze.

“Let’s end our session here today, all things considered,” Mark says, his eyes flicking down to his notes for a moment before looking up at us again. His expression is calm, professional, but I catch a hint of relief in his tone. “Enjoy your time with your family.”

I nod, grateful that the heavy conversation is over for now. We all move to the door, stepping out into the waiting room, where Ruby is already sitting, waiting for us. She lifts her head as we approach, a familiar glint in her eyes. I tilt my head, puzzled, but Ruby stands and strides over, looping her arm with mine.

“Griff went home to get everyone settled and start dinner,” she explains, her voice soft but teasing.

I raise a brow. “Let’s face it, Mom. He wanted to see the children. That’s the real reason.” The moment the words leave my mouth, I laugh, and the others join in. As much as Griffin tries to play the big, bad alpha, we all know he’s a huge softy when it comes to the kids.

We pile into the car, Ruby taking the passenger seat for once, letting Ethan drive her fancy car. I don’t even hesitate—before anyone can say anything. I pull Barrett to me, wrapping my arms around him tightly. I refuse to let him go, the warmth of his body grounding me in ways I hadn’t realized I needed.

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