18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18:

Threats

Axel

I stand at the head of the table, my eyes scanning the pack members gathered in the meeting room. The air is thick with tension and anticipation as I prepare to recount the recent events that have shaken our community.

"As you all know, we've faced a grave threat from Gio and his alliance with the rogue wolves," I begin, my voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. "Their goal was to sow discord and chaos among the packs, undermining our way of life."

I provide key details of the confrontation, highlighting the bravery and skill of our pack members. "In the chaos, Lila tried to keep Gio from getting away."

Ethan, my trusted beta, chimes in. "We found Gio's body late last night. It appears that the hunters he had been working with saw him as a liability and a traitor. They turned on him."

A wave of relief washes over me at this news. Gio was a manipulative, power-hungry bastard who caused so much pain and destruction. He burned down Lila's food truck, putting her dream and livelihood at risk. He conspired with rogue hunters to sow chaos and undermine our way of life. The world is a safer place with him gone.

I glance over at Lila and see a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. She tries to hide it, but I know she's glad the scumbag is dead too. After everything Gio put her through, I don't blame her one bit. He made the mistake of targeting the woman I love, and now he's paid the ultimate price for his treachery. Good riddance.

A murmur ripples through the room, a mix of relief and unease. Some pack members express concern about the hunters, while others are curious about Lila's role in the conflict. I can feel my wolf growling internally at the mention of Gio, still seeing him as a threat even in death.

"As far as I can tell the hunters do not know about us, but we will keep a watch on them. Lucky for us that Ethan and I found those documents that Gio had dropped while fleeing Lila's food truck the other night."

"So, there is no more threat to us?" Finn asked

"While this chapter may be closed, we must remain vigilant," I caution. "The hunters who killed Gio are still out there, and they may not see our pack as a target yet., but we must be prepared for any future threats."

As the meeting ends, there's a sense of closure regarding Gio's fate, but an underlying current of unease persists. We have faced a significant challenge and emerged stronger, but I know that our struggles are far from over.

As the pack members disperse, I notice Lila wincing slightly, and my heart clenches. Her injuries from the battle serve as a reminder of the sacrifices we've made and the challenges we've yet to face.

I guide Lila to my private quarters, my hand gently supporting the small of her back. As we enter the room, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon fills my nostrils, making my wolf stir restlessly within me.

"Let me take a look at those wounds," I murmur, gesturing for Lila to sit on the edge of the bed.

She complies, wincing slightly as she lowers herself onto the mattress. I kneel before her, my fingers delicately tracing the edges of the bandages that peek out from beneath her shirt. The urge to pull her close, to hold her tightly against me, is nearly overwhelming.

"it looks like they are healing just fine, by tomorrow they will be gone."

"Axel..." Lila breathes, her hazel eyes locking with mine.

Unable to resist any longer, I lean in, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Lila responds eagerly, her hands fisting in my hair as she pulls me closer. My wolf howls in satisfaction, recognizing Lila as our mate, our other half.

I deepen the kiss, my tongue sliding against hers in a sensual dance. Lila moans softly, the sound sending a jolt of desire straight to my core. I eagerly explore her body, yearning to feel the touch of her skin against mine.

Just as I'm about to lay Lila back on the bed, a sharp knock at the door shatters the moment. I growl in frustration, my wolf snarling at the interruption.

I pull back from Lila's embrace, my mind still reeling from the interruption. With a sigh, I stand and open the door, revealing Ethan's anxious face.

"Sorry to interrupt, Alpha, but there's an urgent matter at your human job that needs your attention," Ethan says, his tone serious.

I exchange a knowing look with Ethan, a silent understanding passing between us. It's time. I turn to Lila, taking her hand in mine.

"Lila, there's something I want to tell you," I begin, my heart racing with anticipation. "I have been getting ready for this moment, eagerly awaiting the chance to embark on something meaningful with someone I deeply care about."

Lila's eyes widen, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean, Axel?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I'm going to resign from my job as a health inspector. It's time for me to focus on the pack and our future together."

Lila gasps, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise. "But Axel, your job..."

I squeeze her hand reassuringly. "That's not all, Vanilla Bean. I've acquired a building on the edge of our territory. It's the perfect place for a restaurant, one that we can run together. You'll be the head chef, and I'll be your partner, supporting you every step of the way."

Tears well up in Lila's eyes as she processes my words. "Axel, I... I don't know what to say. You've been planning this all along?"

I nod, my wolf preening at the joy and gratitude radiating from our mate. "I wanted to provide for you, to give you a new dream after everything that's happened."

Lila throws her arms around me, burying her face in my chest. "Thank you, Axel. This means more to me than you could ever know."

As we embrace, Ethan clears his throat. "I hate to break up this moment, but we should get going. The health department awaits."

I reluctantly release Lila, my heart full of love and anticipation for our future. "Let's do this."

I wrap my arm around Lila's waist as we exit my quarters, Ethan following close behind. The reality of our new venture begins to sink in, and I can't help but feel a rush of excitement.

"This is going to be amazing," Lila says, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I've always dreamed of having my own restaurant, and now I get to share that with you."

I press a kiss to her temple, savoring the warmth of her skin against my lips. "We'll make it a success together, Vanilla Bean. With your culinary skills and my business acumen, we'll be unstoppable."

Ethan chimes in, his tone supportive. "The pack will be there to help in any way we can. It would be nice if you guys would have a bar and a grill."

"That's not a bad idea," I agree.

"Italian and beer would provide a unique combination," Lila cheerfully exclaims.

As we walk towards the car, our conversation delves into the details of the restaurant. Lila bubbles with ideas for the menu, her passion for cooking shining through with every word. I offer suggestions on the decor and ambiance, envisioning a cozy, inviting space that will draw in shifters.

"We'll need to come up with a name," Lila muses, her brow furrowing in thought.

"How about 'The Night Owl Bar & Grill'?" I suggest, inspired by the symbol of our pack. "It's a subtle nod to our community, but still welcoming to everyone."

Lila beams, squeezing my hand. "It's perfect."

As we drive to the health department, the conversation shifts to the challenges we may face. Running a restaurant is no easy feat, and we'll need to navigate the complexities of the human world while maintaining our secrecy.

"We'll have to be careful," Ethan warns, his expression serious. "We can't let our guard down, even in this new venture."

I nod, understanding the weight of his words. "We'll take all the necessary steps to stay safe."

Lila leans her head against my shoulder, her presence a comforting reminder of why we're doing this. "Together, we can handle anything."

As we arrive at the health department, I feel a sense of confidence wash over me. I know in my heart that this is the right decision.

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders as I prepare to walk through the doors and resign from my position. It's time to leave the past behind and step into a future filled with love, purpose, and the promise of a new beginning.

I enter my boss's office with a mix of anticipation and nervousness churning in my gut. As I close the door behind me, my boss looks up from his paperwork, his eyebrows raised in question.

"Axel, what can I do for you?" he asks, leaning back in his chair.

"Did you get the email I sent you?" I ask.

"Yes, but I was hoping that it was some kind of joke or something. That you weren't serious," he answers.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "Sir, I haven't changed my mind, and it is no joke. I've come to inform you that I'm resigning from my position as a health inspector."

My boss's eyes widen in surprise. "Are you sure, Axel? May I ask why?"

I nod, my resolve strengthening. "It's a career change, sir. An entrepreneurial pursuit. You see, my fiancée Lila and I have decided to open our own business - a bar and grill."

My boss's jaw drops, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline. "Fiancée? Axel, I didn't even know you were seeing anyone. When did this happen?"

I can't help but shift a bit uncomfortably under his incredulous stare. "Well, sir, it's been a whirlwind romance. We've been keeping things quiet, but now with our business plans..."

He leans back in his chair, clearly still processing this unexpected information. "I see. This is... quite a revelation, Axel. Not only are you leaving, but you're engaged and starting a business. Are you absolutely sure about all of this?"

"Absolutely," I reply, my voice firm. "It's been a long-held dream of mine, and with Lila by my side, I know we can make it a success. But to do that, I need to dedicate my full attention to this new venture."

My boss leans forward, clasping his hands on the desk. "Well, Axel, I can't say I'm not disappointed to lose you. You've been an excellent health inspector, and your dedication to the job has been invaluable."

I feel a twinge of guilt, but I know in my heart that this is the right decision. "Thank you, sir. I've learned a great deal during my time here, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have served the community."

My boss sighs, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I understand, Axel. Pursuing your dreams is important, and I wish you all the best in your new endeavor. Just know that you'll be missed around here."

I stand, extending my hand. "Thank you, sir. That means a great deal to me."

As I shake my boss's hand, a sense of relief washes over me. I've taken the first step towards a new future, one that I'll share with Lila and the pack.

I exit the office, my heart lighter than it's been in years. I spot Lila and Ethan waiting for me in the car, their faces filled with anticipation.

I slide into the passenger seat, a grin spreading across my face. "It's done. I've officially resigned."

Lila reaches over, squeezing my hand.