Alphas burden

Everyone rises, chatter filling the room. Alistair keeps an eye on Rooke Bell as he leaves first with Moonlight Lake’s alpha, their heads bent together.

“I never imagined what happened to our mothers could be tied to something affecting all the packs in the region,” Avery says in an undertone while people filter out.

“It never crossed my mind, either. Or my father’s.” I tuck her hair behind her ear. “Even if our mothers aren’t still out there somewhere, I feel better knowing we could find out what happened to them one day.”

She nods. “Me too. And we could all stop the same from happening to others in our pack and in others.”

“We’ll keep an eye out for everyone.”

“Do you need me for anything?” Liam checks.

“No. Go enjoy yourself.” I squeeze his shoulder. “You’ve earned the downtime.”

“You’re sure? Should I check on Callie?”

I wave him off. “She’s probably keeping Taryn company. I’m sure she’s fine.”

“Taryn told me something,” Avery says with a wry twitch of her lips.

Liam narrows his eyes. “What’s that?”

“That you can’t spell the word fun.”

He grumbles, gaze flicking to me when I stifle a snort. “Hilarious. Fine, see you both later. If you need me, let me know.”

Alistair stops us on our way out to the gardens. “You’ve changed.”

My head jerks. “I have? How?”

“You’ve mellowed out. You’re not as on edge as I’ve known you to be in the past,” he commends. “I’m glad to see it.”

Heat prickles the tips of my ears and my nape. I clear my throat.

“I’d say it’s largely in part to finding my mate,” I reply gruffly. “She balances me.”

“Ah, as any good partner should,” Alistair says.

He clasps my arm and catches up to Atlas. We stroll through the vibrant gardens while everyone else disperses. With the accords coming to a close, I relax, able to appreciate the beauty of the grounds. Maybe because my mate looks resplendent against every backdrop here.

“He’s right,” Avery says.

“About what?”

“How you’ve changed.” She studies me, a smile playing in the corners of her mouth. “Definitely for the better. You’ve lost that whole constant scowl you had going on.”

I gather her in my arms, heart swelling with warmth. “Because I have you.” I walk until her back hits a pillar swathed in moss and vines, kissing her. “And you make me want to smile all the damned time. Unless someone’s wronged you, then they’ll face my wrath.”

She laughs, cupping my jaw. My wolf purrs. He loves the sound of her delight.

“You can’t go around fighting everyone who looks at me in a way you don’t like,” she says in fond exasperation. “You’ll get a reputation for being mate-crazed.”

“I can and I will. Reputation be damned because I’m already there.” I kiss the inside of her wrist, then sweep her off her feet, striding through the gardens at a brisk pace with her nestled in my arms.

“Where are we going?” She rests her head against my shoulder with a radiant smile.

“There’s time before the closing feast. I’m going to show you how crazy I am for you, mate.”