Richard sat in the living room playing peekaboo with his giggling son while surreptitiously glancing at Amelia, who was resting on the couch with a book in her hand, her tired eyes betraying the toll her condition had taken on her. He was thinking of ways to cheer her up when a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and he hurried to open it, revealing a beaming Mateo, his trusted beta and his mate Laura, accompanied by their respectful son, Torrez. Amelia had also come over to welcome them with a hearty smile.Mateo may not have been the tallest or the most physically imposing member of the pack but his unwavering loyalty and dedication made him an invaluable asset. He was his trusted confidant and his no-nonsense approach to pack matters earned him the respect of their fellow wolves."Richard, my friend!" Mateo greeted with a hearty handshake, while Laura hugged Amelia gently. "Laura figured you both needed some help with the little champ, so we brought our secret weapon: Torr

Richard had turned to his craft to seek refuge, his sanctuary from the constant ache of loss and with each stroke of his chisel and every precise cut, he poured his heart and soul into his creations. The pieces he crafted were more than mere objects; they were an extension of himself, a tangible expression of his emotions as the scent of freshly cut wood filled his senses, grounding him in the present moment and allowing him a temporary respite from the haunting memories that still lingered in his mind.While he sought solace in his workshop, his son Lucas spent more time with Mateo's family. Laura, of course, welcomed his boy into their home with open arms, providing him with a nurturing environment and companionship while Torrez became his constant playmate and also began acting as a big brother.Although he was thankful for their support, his heart ached as he watched his son flourish under the care of his beta's family as it was a reminder of what he would never have again. He kne

A vast clearing within the heart of Mystic Pines had been transformed into a sacred ground, adorned with vibrant flowers and intricately woven tapestries. Pack members, young and old, gathered in anticipation and the atmosphere crackled with energy as they awaited the moment when their new alpha would be officially declared.Lucas stood at the centre of the clearing, clad in a ceremonial robe that bore the symbols of the Blackwood pack. His gaze swept over the familiar faces of his pack, feeling humbled and slightly nervous by the weight of their expectations. Torrez stood somewhere beside him, as a pillar of strength and support.As the sun cast its golden rays upon the assembly, a hush fell over the crowd. The elders of the pack, adorned in their traditional garb, stepped forward, their weathered faces reflecting a lifetime of wisdom and experience. Among them was Elder Gideon, the oldest pack member alive, whose voice carried the weight of authority."Fellow members of the Blackwoo

The Blackwood pack buzzed with excitement as the day of Lucas and Cassie's wedding approached. The scent of anticipation filled the air, and the pack members were abuzz with joyful chatter. The grand ceremony would take place in the heart of Mystic Pines, surrounded by the ancient trees that had witnessed countless generations of the pack's history.As the day arrived, Lucas stood in front of the pack, his heart filled with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. The pack members gathered in their finest attire, their eyes gleaming with happiness. Torrez, standing by his side as they waited for Cassie, couldn't help but tease him as he whispered for his ears only."I always knew you were quick to make decisions, but getting married within a month of reconnecting with Cassie?" He chuckled, mirth dancing in his eyes. "You really don't waste any time, do you?"Lucas rolled his eyes playfully, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he whispered back. "Well, when you know, you know. And b

In a frenzy of urgency, Lucas sprinted through the dense forest leaving the meeting grounds, his body transforming into a shimmering blur of fur and muscle. His heart pounded in his chest frantically as he raced back to Mystic Pines letting the light of the moon guide him back, the burning pain he had felt during the meeting fueling his desperation.With each powerful stride, the trees blurred past him, their branches reaching out as if to impede his progress. But nothing could deter him now as his mind was consumed by worry for Cassie, his every thought fixated on her safety. Each passing second felt like an eternity as he pushed himself to his limits, his instincts driving him forward.His senses heightened, the world around him a symphony of scents and sounds. As he got closer to home, a sickening sense of dread settled in his chest as an unexplainable fear threatened to overwhelm him, but he held onto hope with an iron grip. He prayed that he wouldn't be too late, that she would s