They don't know

The days following the final battle with Tom were filled with a mix of relief. The vampires were gone, but Tamsin City had changed. The pack was stronger, but they had scars—some visible, others buried deep.

Lola sat on a bench outside, watching as pack members moved about. She spotted Jessica coming her way, a broad smile on her face.

“Lola! There you are. I was wondering if you’d finally relax a little,” Jessica teased, nudging her.

Lola laughed softly. “Relaxing… it’s not exactly easy after everything that’s happened.”

Jessica took a seat beside her, her gaze thoughtful. “You know, Mike’s been different lately. I think you might have something to do with that.”

Lola felt her cheeks warm. “Jessica… we’re just… well, I don’t know what we are.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow, giving Lola a playful grin. “Oh, come on. The whole pack saw the way he looks at you. It’s more than ‘just anything.’”

Before Lola could respond, a voice interrupted them. “Jessica, Lola. I need a word.”

They both looked up to see Mike, his expression serious. He nodded toward his quarters, gesturing for them to follow him.

Jessica gave Lola a knowing look, whispering, “See? Can’t hide from this, Lola.”

Lola ignored her teasing, following Mike inside. He closed the door, his gaze shifting between them.

“Thank you both for coming. I wanted to discuss some new responsibilities,” he began, his tone firm.

Jessica tilted her head, intrigued. “New responsibilities?”

“Yes,” Mike confirmed. He looked directly at Lola. “I want you to take on a more prominent role in the pack, Lola. You’ve proven yourself time and again, and I believe you’re ready.”

Lola blinked, taken aback. “Me? But… I’ve only just found my place here.”

Mike’s expression softened. “And that’s exactly why you’re perfect for this. You’ve shown strength, loyalty, and courage. Qualities that are hard to find.”

Lola glanced at Jessica, who gave her an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, Lola looked back at Mike, determination in her eyes. “If you believe I can do it, then… I’ll try.”

A faint smile tugged at Mike’s lips. “Good. You won’t be doing this alone. Jessica will help with the training, and you’ll have my guidance whenever you need it.”

Jessica grinned. “This is going to be exciting, Lola. We’ll make a great team.”

Lola felt a spark of excitement, a sense of purpose. “Thank you, Mike. I won’t let you down.”

---

The next few days were full of multiple training sessions and new responsibilities. Lola found herself learning everything from pack politics to combat strategy. Jessica was a patient teacher, guiding her through each lesson with enthusiasm.

One evening, as they finished up training, Lola caught Mike watching from a distance. She approached him, wiping the sweat from her brow.

“Keeping an eye on me, Alpha?” she teased, her smile playful.

Mike chuckled. “Just making sure you’re ready. You’ve come a long way, Lola.”

She looked down, a bit shy. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.”

He stepped closer, his gaze intense. “You’re stronger than you know, Lola. You’ve earned every part of this.”

A silence fell between them, filled with unspoken words. Finally, Mike spoke, his voice softer. “Would you… like to go for a walk? Away from all this?”

Lola’s heart lifted. “I’d love to.”

They walked side by side through the woods, the quiet evening wrapping around them. After a while, they reached a clearing overlooking the city. The lights of Tamsin sparkled below, a symbol of everything they had fought for.

“Do you ever think about how different things could have been?” Mike asked, his voice thoughtful.

Lola nodded. “Sometimes. But I’m grateful for where I am now. I feel… like I’ve found my place.”

Mike turned to face her, his gaze filled with something deeper. “And have you found your place with me?”

Lola’s breath caught, but she kept her voice steady. “I think so. If you’ll have me.”

He reached out, taking her hand. “Then stay by my side, Lola. Not just as part of the pack. As my partner.”

She looked up at him, her eyes shining. “I will.”

Lola’s role in the pack continued to grow. She and Mike became inseparable, working together to strengthen Tamsin and ensure the safety of their pack.

During a quiet moment, Mike found Lola in the main hall, poring over a map of the territory.

“Still working?” he asked, moving beside her.

She looked up, a smile breaking through her focused expression. “There’s always something to plan.”

He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Maybe it’s time to take a break.”

Lola leaned into him, enjoying the warmth of his presence. “You know, I never imagined I’d find this kind of peace here.”

Mike tightened his arm around her, his voice soft. “Neither did I. But here we are.”

They stayed there, wrapped in each other’s presence, as the sounds of the pack echoed softly in the distance.

As they prepared for a gathering of nearby pack leaders, Jessica pulled Lola aside, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“So, Lola… when are you and Mike making things official?”

Lola’s cheeks flushed. “Jessica!”

Jessica laughed. “Oh, come on! Everyone sees it. The pack would be thrilled.”

Lola bit her lip, a soft smile spreading across her face. “Maybe soon.”

Mike’s voice interrupted, calling them over. Lola shared a final look with Jessica before joining him.

As they stood side by side, welcoming the guests, Lola felt a feeling of pride and joy. She had found her place, her purpose, and someone who believed in her more than she ever believed in herself,and for the first time, Lola felt truly at home.