Dakota was pacing the living room of his future-in- laws; Diesel was on edge and was ready to snap. “Dakota, son, please try and relax. I promise that she’ll be back. She may have a few injuries, but she always comes back,” his soon to be father-in-law assured him. “She’s a lot stronger than most give her credit for.” “Kota,” Kolby said standing next to her new brother. He looked down at her, she was worried also, she was hugging her stuffy like her life depended on it. “Here’s one of her shirts you can hold onto it.” She handed him a pink shirt that said, Warrior Princess. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Thank you Kolby.” He inhaled his mate’s scent and Diesel slowly let her scent help him relax.“How long do these missions usually take?” Drake asked. “It can vary depending on where and the situation, each is different but this one is close to home so hopeful

“Kyde!” a sweet small voice cried out. Kadence turned a saw her best friend and cousin, Sofia, Alpha Kelvin’s only child and the first future female Alpha of the Shadow Mountain Pack.  “Sofia! she said hugging her cousin tight. “It’s about time you got here.”  She grumbled at her cousin.  “I would have been here sooner, but those damn male Alpha’s were being dicks.” She grunted.  “Sofia!” her dad scolded.  “Oh dad, please I’ve said much worse.” She giggled.“Dakota, we need to discuss yo…” Drake started to say but stopped and froze in place.  “Uh, Drake, you okay?” Kelvin asked.  Sofia walked up to him and placed her hand on his cheek. “MATE.” They both said. Drake pulled Sofia into his arms, leaned down and gently kissed her lips. He buried his face into the crook of her neck, inhaled and said, “MINE.&rd

He took his index and middle fingers, put them under her chin, lifted her face so that she was looking at him.  “There’s nothing weird about you.”  He told her kissing her nose.  She rolled her eyes at him, “you’re supposed to say that you’re my mate.”  She frowned as he chuckled and hugged her close as she tried to wiggle out of his hold.  She was one for not showing affection in public and that was something he wanted to work on. “What’s the commotion out here?” Alpha Kelvin asked looking around at his family and new family members.  “Everything’s fine, Uncle Kelvin, just a misunderstanding.”  Kasper said with KC still in his arms.  “Kasper, I hope you have a very good reason why my little sister is wrapped in your arms?”  Drake said raising his brow.  “Kasper let that poor girl go.”  Sofia stomped up to him and w

“Kyde, my child.” Elder Abby called to her niece. “Aunt Abby, please tell me that he’ll be okay.” Kydence sighed. “Of course, he will be okay.” Her aunt said sounding a little offended. “When have I ever lied to you?” Her aunt scoffed. “Never. I’m sorry.” Kydence answered. “So, after all this over, we will be able to live our lives?” “What’s gonna happen to Andrew.” “He will live and move on, but his future is clouded.” Abby sighed. “What does that mean?” Kydence asked with a frown on her face. “It means that he will need to decide if he will move on with a new mate who is waiting for him but finding her is up to him. It will depend on him being consumed by hate and anger.” Abby said. “But right now, all you need to do is be by your mate’s side. You need to open up to your mate, let him in. He wants to love you, but you need to let him in.” Abby smiled loving at her niece. “You, Sofia, your brother’s, and your mate’s are going to run both these packs with a strong

The dining room was limited to family only so they could spend time together before things really changed.  Dakota and Kydence would be taking over the pack, her parents, aunt, and uncle were taking a year to travel.  Kolby would be living with Kydence and Dakota.“Alpha’s!  We have an intruder!”  Vic yelled out running into the dining room.  “Dakota sorry, but you need to stay here, you’re still not at 100%.”  Drake told his brother.  “Please stay and watch our mates.”  He asked.  “Kota, please stay.  I’ll go.”  Kydence said.  “You better be careful.  We can’t lose you.”  Dakota told her. She snorted.  “Babe, don’t forget who and what I am.”  She pecked his lips and ran out after Drake and her brother’s. “Hot Damn!”  Diesel uttered.  &ldq