Page 45 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

“What about them don’t you trust?” Nicolai’s voice is close, gentle, and he presses a warm kiss to my cheek.

“They smell wrong,” I reply, my gaze drifting from Nic to Ambrose, then back to the team. “It’s just a gut feeling.”

Griffin steps forward, catching the intensity in my eyes. “Ethan and I talked it through, and he thinks they’re up to the task.” His eyes are steady on mine, searching for any lingering doubts. “I’ll talk to him again,” he says, kissing my forehead before heading over to Ethan and the trackers.

Nicolai leans in, a confident glint in his eye. “Do you think the four of us can get her out?”

I laugh, shaking off some of the tension. “If we can’t, no one can.” I look back at the van—one of Nic’s construction vans, inconspicuous enough but packed with everything we’ll need, from space for a bike to the inflatable mattress for Ambrose’s mate.

A question suddenly crosses my mind, something I hadn’t thought to ask before. “What’s your mate’s name?” I glance back at Ambrose, feeling silly for not knowing.

“Lily,” he answers, his voice softening. “Like the flower. And she’s every bit as beautiful.” A heavy sigh escapes him as he runs his hand through his hair, eyes distant. “I just hope she remembers me … It’s been years.”

The weight of his worry hits me, and I reach out, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “She will,” I say firmly, letting the ember wolf’s fire simmer just beneath the surface. “She’s waiting for you.” As we all prepare to depart, the certainty builds within me—we’re bringing her home, no matter what it takes.

Griffin finally convinces Ethan to leave the trackers behind, and we all gather to go over the plan one last time. My mates stand with me, a circle of strength that includes both our moms and Nic’s dad, all watching with a mix of pride and worry.

“I’m going to ride with Ethan on his bike,” I announce, my eyes dropping to the rings on my fingers—the ones that once belonged to Ambrose’s mate, Lily. The hum of her life force is still there, faint but tangible, like a soft pulse against my skin. “Since I’m more in sync with Ethan, it makes sense. I’ll direct him where the pull is coming from. When we get close or stop for fuel, we’ll check in.” I glance over at Ambrose. “Anyone who wants an update, call Ambrose. He’ll be driving the van.”

“How long do you think you’ll be gone?” Conrad asks, his voice soft as he sways, with Bishop nestled in his arms.

I close my eyes, letting the rings guide me. The pull tugs at me like a child leading me down a winding path, gentle yet insistent. “She’s at least a day away, maybe more.”

“We’ll need a day or two to stake out the place before we make our move,” Ethan adds, resting his hand on my shoulder, grounding me as I focus on the life force flowing through the rings, the steady heartbeat of Ambrose’s mate.

Ruby’s voice pulls me back. “How is she?”

I open my eyes, meeting her gaze. “Good. She’s fighting to stay hopeful. I told her we’re coming for her.” Deep down, I feel the spark of hope I shared with Lily, the way her essence pulsed with the news. The ember wolf in me has its advantages, it seems—the connection thrums now like a live wire, powerful and clear. It’s more than the lunar wolf could have ever offered, and I feel that strength surge in me.

I glance around at the faces surrounding me, all of us united, bound by more than blood or pack. This is the life I’ve fought for—the family I’ll protect at any cost. And now, with this new connection between worlds, I feel ready.

“We’re so lucky to have such a loving mate.” Griffin pulls me flush against him, pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of my head. His arms tighten around me, warm and steady, and I hold him close, letting the comfort of his touch ground me. He knows the lengths I went to for him, the destruction I left in my wake to bring him back.

“I’m a little concerned about sending those three into battle,” Barrett says with a playful glint in his eyes, cradling his son and pressing a kiss to his small forehead.

A soft, playful growl escapes my lips as I approach, my eyes gleaming. With a slow tilt of my head, I lean close to Barrett, letting my voice drop to a low whisper. “You like me feral. You love it when I chase you … when I hunt you, especially when you're least expecting it.” I can see the effect my words have on him; his scent shifts, his breath hitching, and for a split second, I know that if we didn’t have to leave, and his son wasn’t in his arms, he’d be dragging me straight to his nest.

I press a lingering kiss to Barrett’s lips, sipping at his full bottom lip before moving over to Conrad, letting the warmth and certainty of my love for them to fill the surrounding air. “We’ll be in touch constantly. I just need to…” The words trail off, inadequate for the depth of gratitude I feel for Ambrose and everything he’s done for my family.

Conrad reaches out, his hand gentle as it caresses my cheek, his touch grounding. He leans in, kissing me softly, his warmth a quiet promise. “I feel the same way. Do whatever you need to doto make sure everyone comes back. Therapy’s been good for us, and we can always do more of it if needed.” His chuckle is light, but the seriousness in his gaze tells me he means it.

Then Griffin guides Lorcan over to me and I grin, tugging on his beard to get him to bend down to my height. “Be good, lass. Worst case, send ’em to hell first class,” he teases, his voice gruff with affection. I lean in, our lips meeting, and as always, it feels like the first time with him—full of sparks and unspoken promises. Lorcan still gives me butterflies, even now, and in secret, he’s my second favorite … but I’ll never let the others know.

“Time to ride!” Ethan’s voice bellows, cutting through the air with the thrill of command. He and Nicolai fire up their bikes, and the engines’ roar feels like lightning in my veins. Adrenaline stirs in me, bringing a wild smile to my face.

Griffin steps close, his hands steady as he helps me slip into my chaps, thick leather jacket, and boots. With a small shake of his head, he lifts the cut Ethan had custom-made for me and slides it over my shoulders, the leather settling perfectly. “Of course his road name for you is ‘Feral’s’ ole lady…’” he murmurs, smirking, as he carefully slips my helmet on. Then, his hands grip my helmet, holding my gaze, his eyes dark and intense. “Come back to me,” he says, his voice soft, but there’s a plea beneath it, raw and unguarded.

“Always … I love you, Griff.” I kiss my fingertips and press them to his lips, the helmet in the way, but I feel the warmth of his breath against my fingers. His eyes close, and he kisses his own fingers, then presses them to my helmeted lips.

“I’ll be waiting for you,” he whispers, voice thick with emotion. His eyes flicker with something deep and unspoken, making it even harder to pull away.

I look around at the rest of my family, fighting the tears that sting at my eyes. “I love you all. See you soon.” My heart aches, the weight of leaving pressing down as I step up to Ethan’s bike. He’s there, hand extended, guiding me into place. I swing up, settling behind him, and tap his shoulder to let him know I’m ready.

As the engine rumbles to life beneath me, I lean back against the backrest, feeling the power of the bike and the promise of the journey ahead. I lift my hand one last time, waving goodbye, my heart pulling in two directions at once. Somewhere out there, Ambrose’s mate is waiting for us to find her—and we won’t stop until we do.

Chapter 30

Ethan

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