Page 41 of Last Pack Standing
I couldn’t help the flicker of pride rising in my chest as Rys added, “We’re producing our own show… on a competing network.”
A gasp rolled through the audience, followed by a roar of applause. The host was caught off guard, clearly not briefed on that part of the announcement. Ash jumped in, eager to get payback. “It’s not just dating challenges and bonding trials this time. Our show will be about real life. We want to showcase real people, and real packs.”
“And no back stabbing contestants messing with suppressants," Cassie finished, with a pointed look toward the cameras.
The crowd went wild, rising to their feet as we sat together, unapologetic and stronger than ever. Frank stuttered, the producers cut the camera, and more chaos ensued. But we were used to it at this point, and it was almost like background noise as we just basked in the knowledge that we survived Last Pack Standing. And now, we had an adventure of a future ahead of us. I couldn’t wait to see what else was in store.
Chapter 39
Rys
The trail crunched softly beneath our boots as we walked through the pines, the air fresh and crisp as my pack took in the quiet beauty of the forest. I took the lead, guiding us toward my cabin, each step taking us further away from everything artificial, and closer to something that was real.
Cassie was behind me, her hair tucked into a loose braid. She was radiating the kind of peace that only came from feeling settled and safe. Leo was carrying our gear with ease, his usual restless energy quieted by the mountain air. Ash and Jace were behind them, having a conversation sprinkled with laughter.
This was our reset, our last vacation before the next beginning. We had been offered all kinds of opportunities after the show - sponsorship deals, a book deal, a spinoff. Streaming networkspractically fought over us the second we announced we were stepping into producing our own show. But none of us were interested in having another show full of lies and drama onscreen. If we were doing this, it had to be ethical. No fake bonds or staged betrayals. We wanted people to have a real chance at love, making lasting bonds, and the messy, beautiful truth of what it means to be a pack in a world that still didn’t know what to do with people like us.
“Alright,” I said as we reached the cabin. “This is it.” The pack let out a few murmurs as they took in the large, rustic cabin where we would be staying. We planned on bonding here, making our connection official and permanent somewhere far away from any cameras. Here, we would be free, and our time private and special. Cassie stepped up, her eyes big as she took my hand.
“Are you excited?” She asked, and I could feel her heart beat faster with just the slightest physical connection.
“I’m just happy more than anything.” I replied. It was true - after all this time, I finally found a pack. And I wasn’t going to ever let them slip away. I felt someone take my other hand, and turned to see Ash by my side. I knew that he would be the most nervous of all, even if he never showed it.
“All right everyone. Breathe in,” I said, raising my arms slightly, guiding them like I would a group of trainees in meditation. “Let it go. All of it. The stress, the anxiety, anything you’re holding onto.”
They followed without hesitation.
“Breathe out,” I continued, my voice low. “This is our time. And we can take all of it that we need.” I smiled as I felt the two omegas release their stress, then stepped up to the door as Jace and Leo followed us. I gave them a wink as we entered the cabin. I was looking forward to having these two at my side. They were honorable, good alphas.
Leo set the bags down, then stretched out in the large entry room. “Ready everyone? Tonight changes everything!” He’d been instrumental in helping us navigate the post-show media and offers. Being a semi-celebrity, he already had experience navigating the waters of public relations, agents, and contracts. After all the work he had put in for us, I wanted him to be able to have a vacation as well.
Jace looked around, smiling at the size of the cabin. He’d left his job after the show, and was now learning all he could about TV production, his creative side unlocked after our shared experience. I was glad that he had a newfound direction. Every day I learned more about him, and I loved it.
Ash started exploring the rooms, with Cassie quick to follow. He’d opened up tremendously in the last few months, and had grown so confident and open. After the show, he had a few family members that came to him with their hands out asking for money. But Ash was great at setting boundaries with them, his self-worth now through the roof. I loved watching his growth.
Once we were all settled, I began preparing dinner, wanting something warm and comforting to bring us together. We’d need the energy - not just for the night ahead, but for everything thatwas quietly shifting between us. After tonight, we’d be bonded, for life. It was a second chance for me. I'd royally screwed up once before, and I did the work to make sure I'd never take anyone for granted again. Now, as I looked at my pack, the ones who'd randomly been paired with me, who also ended up choosing me - I couldn't be more grateful.
Chapter 40
Leo
The fireplace was now mostly embers, casting a glow across the cabin walls. We’d made a simple dinner: grilled fish, wild herbs, and foraged greens. It was rustic and perfect. Now, we lay together in the calm peace of the wilderness. Well, as much wilderness as you can have inside a luxury cabin.
Thankfully the bed was large enough to fit us all. We were spread out, laying together in a heap and reminiscing. Ash and Cassie were curled up in the middle, and both of them seemed calm, but ready. The more an omega was around their alphas, the more secure they became. I knew once we bonded, they would feel the love and care we all had for them, so much love that they would never have another doubt in their minds. I couldn’t wait.
Jace had his arm draped over Cassie, and Rys was propped up on one elbow beside Ash, watching the firelight flicker across their skin. And me? I was right where I belonged. In the pack I always somehow knew was mine, from the first moment we all stood on that set.
I let my eyes sweep over them, my chest so full it ached. I’d won championships, made more money than I ever needed, and signed massive endorsement deals. I had all the fame and the fortune that I could ever want. But none of it came close to this. This was something I always felt was missing - a pack that just clicked, people who would be there for me and take my humor, but also be there for me during the good times and the bad.
I don’t think the others ever truly believed we’d make it here, but I did. From the first challenge on the show, I’d known. Call it alpha instinct or just a cocky gut feeling, but I knew we weren’t a fling or a phase or something producers could cut together for drama. We were the endgame. And now, we were finally ready for the rest of our lives.
Ash looked up, his gaze meeting mine. His scent pulsed out gently, warm and inviting. It was like something in him had clicked into place, like the last walls had finally crumbled. He reached for my hand. No hesitation.
“I’m ready,” he whispered, looking at each of us. I nodded to him and moved in closer.
“Me too.” Cassie said, reaching out and pushing back some of Ash’s curls from his forehead. Their nervous anticipation wasnow a hurried excitement, and I could smell their perfumes starting to fill the room. There was no spoken plan to what we were about to do, just trust and love.
“Well, let’s not keep them waiting.” Rys answered, moving in and opening his mouth. He gently bit down on Ash’s neck, and the way his eyelids fluttered at the teeth breaking his skin was something I’d never forget. Ash and Rys were frozen for a moment as the bond took over. Then, Ash gasped and opened his eyes, looking at Rys in awe as he was now fully connected to him. I had a feeling he’d be in awe for a while, so I reached for his wrist, bringing it up to my mouth so I could give him a beautiful bite to wear as a bracelet on his skin. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Jace biting Cassie. Soon, we’d all be connected.
