Page 44 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

“Try me,” I say, curious now.

“It’s after my favorite Marvel character.” He grimaces, waiting for my reaction.

I stop mid-bite, fork hanging in the air, then slowly grab my phone. A few quick taps later, I find what I’m looking for. “Seriously? Bishop?” I shake my head, pretending to pout. “Hell, I would’ve been happy with Logan.”

Ethan chuckles, moving to sit next to me. “You’ve got a thing for the actor from the live-action movies. Let’s be honest here, Grace.” His grin widens as he leans in to kiss my cheek.

“Okay, fine... busted,” I admit, moaning a little as the flavors of his cooking hit my tongue. The savory pepper steak and buttery potatoes melt in my mouth, and it’s pure heaven. Ethan always knows exactly what to make for me—his southern comfort food is perfection.

As I savor another bite, my wolf hums contentedly, and I catch Barrett’s playful smile from across the room. It’s moments like this that make everything feel right again.

I clear my plate, savoring the last bite as Ruby brings over a generous slice of apple pie for dessert. The sweetness is welcome, but my mind drifts away from the table, my gaze moving over each of my babies, their peaceful faces pulling at my heart. There’s still one promise I need to keep.

“I know that look, Gracie. What’s on your mind?” Griffin leans against the table across from me, his tone gentle but curious.

I take a slow breath, feeling the weight of my thoughts settle around me. “I have a promise to keep to Ambrose,” I whisper. “As soon as the little ones are a month old, we need to find his missing mate.” My eyes meet each of my mates and the sadness I feel ripples through the bonds we share, a somber echo in the quiet room. “I don’t know how he’s kept himself together all this time, being separated from her.”

Ethan meets my gaze, a sympathetic understanding in his eyes as he nods. “We did a lot of things we regret to fill the void.” He winces, the weight of past choices heavy between us. “He’s probably doing the same, just to keep himself from losing control of his wolf.”

The memories of their confessions still linger—how they struggled to hold on to themselves, seeking anything that could dull the ache of being without their mate. I know what they went through, the restless ache, the temptation to become something darker. Ambrose must be doing the same, and it tears at me to think of his pain.

“After next week’s check-up, let’s have Ambrose over to plan,” I say, feeling a surge of warmth from my mates through the bond, a shared understanding of what we owe him. He’s been there for me in so many ways, his strength and loyalty unwavering. Ambrose kept me safe after my attack, stayed by our side through every challenge. Finding his mate is the least we can do, and I feel my resolve strengthen, knowing my mates feel the same.

Chapter 29

Grace

The one-month appointment went well.The babies and I are healthy, and finally, I’ve been given the all-clear to put my plans in motion to help Ambrose. I can’t help the small surge of excitement in my chest as I text everyone, filling them in on the details. Ethan and Nicolai will ride out with us, while the rest of my mates remain behind to protect the babies. This plan, it hinges on my abilities as the ember wolf being stronger now. If I’m right, I should be able to pinpoint Ambrose’s mate with no issues.

Conrad pulls up in front of the pack house, and as I step out of the car, I see everyone already gathered, waiting. I slide out, reaching for Bishop, holding him close as Conrad carefully lifts Maeve. Barrett is already humming softly to his son, his eyes bright with pride as we head inside together.

The second we cross the threshold, the room goes silent. My wolf rises instantly, sensing several wolves I don’t recognize. Their scents are unfamiliar, and a low, guttural growl escapes my lips before I even realize it, my gaze locking onto them, unyielding.

Ethan is at my side in a heartbeat, his arm wrapping around me and Bishop, pulling me close in that way that settles my wolf, at least a little. “They’re expert trackers,” he says, his voice soft but reassuring, his gaze steady. “I asked them to help us.”

I take a deep breath, my gaze still fixed on the strangers, my wolf reluctant to back down. “Fine…” I manage, though it comes out as more of a growl than I intended. My wolf isn’t entirely convinced, but Ethan’s presence helps, and I can feel the tension slowly draining from me.

With him beside me, my gaze finally softens, though I keep a watchful eye on the newcomers. If they’re here to help, fine. But I’ll make sure they know exactly who they’re dealing with.

“We leave tomorrow.” My words hang heavy in the air, carrying the weight of what lies ahead. “Time is not on our side, and I do not know what’s been done to Ambrose’s mate. Either way, we need to get her out of there as fast as possible.”

I walk over to my favorite chair, sinking into it as Ambrose’s gaze follows me, his eyes shadowed with a mixture of fear and hope. He’s tense, and I can feel the silent plea radiating off him.

“What’s changed?” he asks, his voice quiet. But I see it—the flicker of dread hiding behind his steady gaze.

“Nothing yet,” I say, meeting his eyes firmly. “I just don’t want to chance losing her to her wolf.” I catch the slightest hint of a smile on his lips as he nods, acknowledging my commitment.

“Thank you for all you’re doing, Luna.” He drops to one knee before me, lowering his head in submission. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes, a symbol of his trust and respect. Right now, if I wanted, I could seize his pack for my own. But that’s not what I’m here for.

“We’re taking two motorcycles and a work van,” I say, keeping my voice steady and clear. “The bikes will lead, and the van is for transport.” I glance up at the clock, the second hand ticking by as if taunting us. We don’t have the luxury of time. “We leave in two hours. Get your shit together.”

The words fall from my lips like stones, heavy and unyielding. I stand and head out the back door, my son nestled securely against my chest, his little form grounding me even as my mind spins with plans and contingencies. This mission is more than just a rescue; it’s a race against time. And failure isn’t an option.

I pressa kiss to each of my children, letting the warmth of their hugs ground me before we head out. The midday sun beats down as I watch Ambrose approach, his expression tight with resolve. He holds out the rings his mate once wore, the same ones I used before to locate her. I reach out, gripping his shoulder firmly. “We’ll find her,” I promise, feeling the steady heat of determination rising within me. My eyes shift, and I can tell by the way Ambrose steps back that he’s seeing them—those fiery ember wolf's eyes that burn red-orange.

“I believe both of you,” he says softly, almost reverently, his gaze holding mine.

Blinking, I let the fire fade and turn toward Ethan and the team he’s assembled for this. Something prickles under my skin, a feeling I can’t shake. “I don’t trust them,” I murmur, a low growl slipping past my lips as I scan the faces in front of me.

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