Page 52 of Finding Forever with the Alpha Pack

“Mission successful.” I smirk, already picturing him surrounded by the pack of them. “Nic unknowingly admitted he feelsneglected, so Grace is riding with him on the way home. We really need to set those date nights up and make sure Nic and you get your extra time with her on their days off.”

I go over the mental list I remember from our last therapy session, ticking off the things we’d discussed. A little extra time, a bit more intentional focus—it sounds simple, but I know it’ll go a long way.

Conrad reads off the list like he’s keeping us in check. “Lorcan and I have been working on a fair date rotation. Since Nic and I are off every weekend, those are our days. We also get an hour alone with her after we get home, wherever they want to be.” His voice has that casual, calm tone he always uses when he’s keeping things organized. “Oh, and on the seventh day, we do something in the evening as a family.”

I grin, picturing how Lorcan and Barrett must’ve carved out a plan as well. Sure enough, Lorcan chimes in, his Scottish accent thick with pride, “Dunnae forget to tell him about Barrett and me splittin’ baby duties so Grace can take time to herself when need be.”

Conrad switches to speaker as Lorcan continues. “Since he and I are home all day, we’re givin’ up our afternoon time to whomever needs it. Bedtime’s still ours on our day. Fair that way.” In the background, I hear the unmistakable sound of a baby’s soft burp.

“That sounds very fair; thank you,” I say, my tone softening. “How’s my boy doing?”

Conrad’s voice comes back, warm and amused. “He’s got a good appetite.” A small babble follows his words, and I can almostpicture my son’s little face lighting up. “He hears your voice and is reaching for the phone.”

“How’s my boy doing?” I ask, directing my question to my son, who babbles back, as if he understands every word. “Oh, is that so? Don’t give your other daddies a hard time. I’ll be home soon, and Mommy and I will snuggle with you as soon as we get there.”

Another babble, then the unmistakable sound of raspberries blown into the phone. A chuckle escapes my lips, warming my chest as we take the next off-ramp to refuel.

“We’re about halfway, Con. Call Gracie on Nic’s phone. She’s paired up to his at the moment.”

“Will do,” Conrad replies with a touch of amusement in his tone. “Get home safe.”

As the call disconnects, I let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the miles still left to cover. Damn, I miss the pups.

Chapter 34

Conrad

The minutes drag on,stretching out like hours as I keep my eyes glued to the family app, waiting for any sign of their arrival. Nic mentioned he’d pick up his van from Ambrose later in the week. Right now, the only thing that matters is seeing that little dot on the map getting closer. All six of the kids are in the fenced yard, shifted and full of energy. The new babies wobbling on unsteady legs while the older pups dash circles around them, their laughter and yips filling the air.

The whole family’s out here, all of us impatient, watching and waiting. I’m not sure who’s more anxious—me or Griffin. He was a mess last night, checking his phone every hour like an old mother hen. Today, he’s no better, practically vibrating with anticipation.

“Damn it, they should be here by now,” he mutters, holding his phone out to me like he needs confirmation.

“You know the GPS on that thing isn’t 100% accurate,” I remind him, shaking my head as we lean on the fence, our eyes never straying far from the kids as they tumble and play.

A low growl escapes him, his brows furrowing. “I know. But still…”

“You sound just like Gracie when she doesn’t get her way,” Barrett chimes in from behind us. With a cheeky grin, he slaps Griffin on the ass, clearly aiming to distract him.

It works. Griffin’s expression shifts from frustration to indignation in a flash. “Oh, you little—” He takes off after Barrett, who’s already laughing, weaving around the yard and staying just out of reach.

Watching them, I can’t help but chuckle. Barrett’s laughter rings out, his playful yelps mixing with Griffin’s gruff threats, and for a moment, the tension in the yard eases. The kids pause their play, their little ears perked, watching their dads chase each other like pups.

And just like that, the wait feels a little lighter, our impatience softened by the warm, familiar chaos of our family. But deep down, the moment that app shows they’re close, I know we’ll all be running to meet them.

The first rumbleof motorcycles echoes up the mountainside, cutting through the stillness, and all of us freeze. The sound is unmistakable, sending a ripple of tension through the pack. The girls shift back first, scrambling for their clothes, moving so fast it’s almost a blur. In record time, they’re dressed, and Deacon’s pup is bouncing up and down, little paws swiping at his clothes but not quite reaching them.

Griffin, still a little dazed, blinks once before he snaps into action, helping his son get dressed. The smallest pups dart and weave, slipping out of the moms’ arms like greased piglets, their tiny forms twisting and turning with surprising speed. It’s chaos and laughter, but I can’t focus on any of it. My pulse is pounding in my ears, each beat matching the thundering of the engines as they draw closer.

My palms are sweaty, my nerves shot to hell. It feels like the first time all over again—like my entire world is about to shift. I glance over at Griffin, who hands Lorcan his daughter before they bolt toward the driveway, excitement lighting up their faces. I scoop up Bishop, who squirms in my arms, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Barrett with Dante. His face softened with a look of anticipation and joy.

And then, finally, the bikes crest the hill. The sound roars through me, and I can’t hold back the smile that pulls at my lips. As the bikes come to a stop, there’s a pause—a moment of pure, electric tension.

And then Grace leaps off the back of Nicolai’s bike. She doesn’t waste a second, her eyes locking on us, and she’s running straight for us, her face lit up with joy that makes every second of waiting worth it.

The moment Grace steps into the yard, our daughters dart forward, wrapping their little arms around her legs as if they’ll never let go. The rest of us aren’t far behind, gathering around her. Each of us wanting a piece of her warmth and presence, while the babies wiggle and coo in our arms, adding to the joyful chaos.

Tears slip down her cheeks, soft and steady, as she looks at each of us. “I’ve missed you all so much,” she says, her voice catching.One by one, she bends down, kissing each of the kids, showering them with affection before turning her attention to us.

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