20. Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Vows

Lila

I take a deep breath, trying to process the whirlwind of events that have turned my life upside down. My wolf stirs within me, still adjusting to our new reality. As I stand in the empty space that will soon become The Night Owl Bar & Grill, a sense of excitement mingles with the uncertainty.

Elena bounces into the room, her energy infectious. "Lila, you're going to need a bouncer for the bar with all the shifters coming in," she says with a grin.

"Oh, you got a good point there." I silently nod, coming to the realization that she could be right. "Do you know any good bouncers?"

Elena's eyes sparkle. "Actually, I'd like to apply for the position myself. If you'll have me, of course."

A smile spreads across my face. "I'd be happy to have you as the bouncer, Elena. Welcome aboard."

Sophie walks into the empty space, her eyes widening as she takes in the scene. Her gaze lands on Elena, and I detect a flicker of jealousy in her expression. I quickly step forward, wanting to smooth over any potential awkwardness.

"Sophie, this is Elena," I say, gesturing towards the other woman. "She's going to be the bouncer for The Night Owl."

Sophie raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A bouncer? I didn't realize we needed one."

"Yes, Soph we need a bouncer to keep the customers from being too aggressive after one too many beers. You know that most of them will be shifters," I remind her.

"Oh, but her, why?"

I nod, feeling a sudden wave of emotion as memories flood back. "Remember when I was kidnapped a while back?" Sophie nods, concern etching her features. I continue, "Elena was taken too. She... she helped save my life and with her being a werewolf enforcer, I'm sure that she will be able to handle them with ease."

Sophie's eyes widen, and she turns to Elena with newfound respect. "I had no idea," she says softly. "Thank you for being there for Lila."

Elena shrugs, a small smile playing on her lips. "We looked out for each other. That's what our pack does."

I feel a warmth spreading through my chest at her words. The concept of pack is still new to me, but the bonds are already forming, strong and unbreakable.

"I was hoping," I begin, looking between the two women, "that the three of us could be friends. We've all been through a lot, and I think it would be nice to have each other's backs, supporting and looking out for one another."

Sophie's face breaks into a genuine smile. "I'd like that," she says, stepping forward to give Elena a quick hug. "Welcome to the team, Elena."

Elena returns the hug, a bit surprised but pleased. "Thanks, Sophie. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better."

As I watch my best friend and my new packmate embrace, I feel a sense of rightness settling over me.

"Alright, ladies," I say, clapping my hands together. "Let's get to work. We have a restaurant and bar to open."

As Sophie and Elena help me brainstorm ideas for the restaurant and bar, I can't help but notice Elena's growing comfort around me. My heightened senses pick up on the subtle changes in her demeanor, and my wolf recognizes her as a trusted friend.

"What if we have a special menu for werewolves?" Sophie suggests, her eyes bright with excitement. "You know, dishes that cater to their enhanced senses and nutritional needs."

"That's a great idea," I say, jotting it down in my notebook. "We could also have a separate section in the restaurant for pack meetings and gatherings."

As we continue to bounce ideas off each other, I find myself struggling to balance my human creativity with my wolf's instincts. It's a strange sensation, having two distinct parts of myself vying for attention. Yet with every moment that goes by, my resolve to turn this new venture into a success grows stronger.

"We should also consider soundproofing the private rooms," Elena adds, her brow furrowed in thought. "It'll help keep sensitive conversations private and prevent any potential issues with any human customers."

I nod, impressed by her foresight. "Good thinking, Elena. We'll definitely incorporate that into the plans."

Axel walks through the door and announces that it is time. "The pack is ready to hear your plans."

We gather up all of our plans for 'The Night Owl Bar & Grill' and head to the packhouse for the meeting. My nerves feel like I'm convincing my family of my career change and moving away all over again.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I stand before the gathered pack members. Axel's presence beside me is a comfort, but I can still feel the weight of their skeptical gazes. My wolf bristles within me, sensing the challenge and wanting to prove our worth.

"I know that the idea of a werewolf-friendly restaurant may seem unconventional," I begin, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "But I believe it's an opportunity for us to create a space where all shifters can feel welcome and safe. It will have a separate dining area for humans that happen upon the restaurant, that way our own community will still be hidden."

I launch into my presentation, my passion for the project evident in every word. I talk about the specially designed menu, the soundproofed private rooms for pack meetings, and the potential for The Night Owl to become a hub for the supernatural community.

As I speak, I feel my wolf's energy coursing through me, fueling my determination. I channel that energy into my arguments, my voice growing stronger with each point I make. Axel remains a solid presence at my side, his quiet support bolstering my confidence.

Elena chimes in, her enthusiasm for the project shining through. "I think it's a brilliant idea," she says, her eyes sparkling. "It's about time we had a place where we can be ourselves without fear of judgment or exposure."

Slowly, I see the skepticism in the pack members' eyes begin to fade, replaced by curiosity and even a hint of excitement. My wolf preens at the growing acceptance, thrilled at the prospect of being part of this new family.

"I understand your concerns," I say, addressing the lingering doubts head-on. "But I promise you, I will put everything I have into making this restaurant a success. Not just for myself, but for all of us. This is a chance to strengthen our bond as a pack and create something truly special."

As I finish my presentation, I look around the room, my heart swelling with gratitude as I see the nods of approval and the smiles on the faces of my new packmates. Axel squeezes my hand, his pride and love for me evident in his touch.

Mabel's eyes twinkle with excitement as she steps forward, her presence commanding the room's attention. "I think it's a wonderful plan, my dears," she says, her voice warm and supportive. "A place where all shifters can come hidden in plain sight from humans, where we can strengthen our community and forge new bonds. It's exactly what we need."

I feel a rush of relief and gratitude at her words, my wolf practically wagging its tail in delight. Mabel's approval means more to me than I can express, and I find myself blinking back tears as she continues.

"If you'll have me," Mabel says, a mischievous glint in her eye, "I'd love to help out at the restaurant. Perhaps as a hostess, greeting customers and making sure everyone feels welcome. I may be old, but I still know a thing or two about hospitality."

I glance at Axel, a smile spreading across my face as I see the love and pride shining in his eyes. He nods, and I turn back to Mabel, my heart full.

"We would be honored to have you as our hostess, Grandma," I say, the affectionate term slipping out naturally. "Your wisdom and experience would be invaluable, and I can't think of anyone better to make our customers feel at home."

Mabel beams, her smile lighting up the room. She steps forward and pulls me into a warm embrace, her arms strong and comforting around me. I hug her back, feeling a sense of belonging and acceptance that brings tears to my eyes.

"When are you two going to make it official?" Mabel questions us throwing me off guard.

"Grandma, this isn't the time," Axel quickly answers.

Mabel winks at me and punches Axel in the shoulder.

"Don't keep me waiting, I want lots of pups from the two of you."

I hold out my hand towards Mabel, she smiles as she takes in my ring finger. "That's a start."

As we part, I look around the room, taking in the faces of my new family. My wolf stirs within me, content and proud. This is where we belong, and together, we will make The Night Owl a success.

"Well, I think it's clear that Lila has put a lot of thought and heart into this project," one of the pack elders says, his voice filled with warmth. "And I believe in her vision. I say we give The Night Owl our full support."

A chorus of agreement rises from the pack, and I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. My wolf howls with joy, knowing that we have finally found our place in this new world.

My wolf has been restless, pacing within me, eager for the pack's approval. But as the meeting draws to a close and the pack's support solidifies, I feel a different kind of tension building between Axel and me. It's as if the air itself is charged with a raw, unspoken desire that hums beneath our skin.

Axel's hand finds mine, his fingers intertwining with my own in a silent promise of what's to come. He pulls me towards his office at the back of the pack meeting building, his grip firm yet gentle. My heart hammers in my chest, a wild rhythm that matches the anticipation brewing inside me.

The door closes behind us with a soft click, and suddenly, we're alone in the dimly lit room. Axel's blue eyes burn into mine, aflame with a heat that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Lila," he says, his voice a low growl that resonates deep within my core. "I need you. I want you, right here, right now."

His words ignite a fire within me, a fierce longing that I can no longer deny. I step closer, the space between us feeling like an ocean that I'm desperate to cross. "Yes, Axel," I whisper, my voice barely above a breath. "I want you too."

He reaches out, his hand cupping my cheek, his thumb brushing gently against my skin. His touch is electric, sending jolts of desire coursing through my veins. I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed as I savor the sensation.

Axel's lips meet mine, soft and gentle at first, then growing more insistent. His tongue teases my lips, seeking entrance, and I open for him, our tongues dancing in a frenzied rhythm. The taste of him, a heady mix of mint and musk, is intoxicating.

His hands roam my body, exploring every curve with a reverence that makes my knees weak. He breaks the kiss, his lips trailing a path of fire down my neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. I gasp, my body arching into his touch as a flood of warmth pools between my legs.

"Fuck, Lila," he murmurs against my skin, his hands sliding under my shirt to caress the softness of my stomach. "You're so damn responsive. It drives me wild."

I fumble with the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel the heat of his skin against mine. His chest is a wall of hard muscle, and I can't help but trace the contours with my fingertips, reveling in the way his body reacts to my touch.

With a growl, Axel lifts me onto his desk, his hands pushing my skirt up around my hips. His fingers hook into the waistband of my panties, and he pulls them down my legs with an urgency that makes my heart race.

He steps back, his gaze raking over my nakedness with an intensity that sets my skin alight. "You're so beautiful, Lila," he says, his voice thick with desire. "Every inch of you is a fucking masterpiece."

I reach for him, my hands working to free his cock from the confines of his pants. It springs free, hard and pulsing with need, and a thrill of excitement courses through me. I wrap my fingers around its girth, stroking him slowly as I watch his face contort with pleasure.

Axel's control snaps, and he surges forward, capturing my lips in a searing kiss as he positions himself.

"Lila," he groans, his hands gripping my hips as he pulls me to the edge of the desk. "I need to be inside you. I need to feel you around me."

I guide him to my entrance, the head of his cock pressing against my slick folds. He pushes in slowly, inch by inch, filling me completely. The sensation is overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and pain that leaves me gasping for breath.

"Axel," I moan, my fingers digging into his shoulders as I adjust to the feel of him inside me. "You feel so good."

He begins to move, his hips thrusting in a slow, steady rhythm that sends waves of pleasure crashing through me. Each thrust is deeper than the last, hitting a spot inside me that makes my toes curl.

"Fuck, Lila," he growls, his pace quickening as his control begins to slip more. "You feel so damn good. So tight, so wet. Perfect for me."

I match his rhythm, my hips rising to meet each thrust, our bodies moving in perfect sync. The sound of our flesh slapping together fills the room, a primal symphony that drives us both wild.

"Axel," I gasp, my body tensing as I feel my orgasm building. "I'm close. So close."

He leans down, his lips capturing mine in a fierce kiss as he continues to thrust into me. "Come for me, Lila," he murmurs against my lips. "Let me feel you come around my cock."

"God, Axel," I gasp, my fingers digging into the firm muscles of his back. "You feel so good."

He moves within me, each measured stroke sending waves of ecstasy crashing over me. Our bodies move together in a primal rhythm, our breaths mingling as we climb higher and higher towards the peak of our desire.

"I need you to come for me, Lila," Axel commands, his voice ragged with need. "Let go, baby. I've got you."

And with those words, I shatter, my orgasm ripping through me like a tidal wave. I cry out his name, my nails digging into his back.

Axel's pace becomes frantic, his thrusts wild and uncontrolled as he chases his own release. With a final, powerful thrust, he buries himself deep inside me, his cock pulsing as he fills me with his heat.

Axel pulls me into his arms, holding me close as our breathing slowly returns to normal. "I love you, Lila," he whispers, his voice filled with a raw emotion that tugs at my heartstrings.

I look up at him, my eyes locking with his. "I love you too, Axel. More than you could ever know."

And in that moment, as we cling to each other amidst the remnants of our passion, I know that our bond is unbreakable.

As I step into the town hall, my heart races with a mixture of excitement and nerves. Today is the day I face the town council to secure the permits for The Night Owl Bar & Grill. Axel walks beside me, his presence a comforting anchor in this unfamiliar territory.

The council members sit behind a long table, their faces a mix of curiosity and skepticism. My wolf stirs within me, bristling at the bureaucratic hoops we must jump through. I take a deep breath, silently urging her to remain calm.

"Ms. Taylor," the head councilwoman begins, peering at me over her glasses. "Please explain your vision for this... establishment."

I step forward, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach. "The Night Owl Bar & Grill will be a welcoming space for all members of our community," I explain, my passion for the project evident in every word. "We will offer a diverse menu, catering to various dietary needs and preferences, and provide a comfortable atmosphere for people to gather and connect."

As I delve into the details of my plans, my wolf grows restless, impatient with the slow pace of human bureaucracy. We should just show them what we're capable of, she growls inside my mind.

No, I argue silently. We need to do this the right way, by their rules. Trust me.

I feel Axel's hand brush against mine, a subtle gesture of support. His touch calms my wolf, reminding us that we are not alone in this endeavor.

The council members bombard me with questions, their skepticism slowly giving way to genuine interest. I answer each query with confidence, drawing upon my years of experience in the culinary industry.

As the meeting progresses, I can sense the tide turning in our favor. The council members begin to nod along with my explanations, their eyes lighting up at the mention of my signature dishes and innovative ideas.

My wolf preens with pride, recognizing that our charm and expertise are winning over even the most stubborn of human hearts. I feel a surge of gratitude for my dual nature, realizing that my human skills and my wolf's instincts make us a formidable team.

When the head councilwoman finally stamps her approval on our permits, I can barely contain my elation. Axel and I exchange a grin, our eyes shining with the promise of what's to come.

Howl, my wolf sings with joy.

As Axel and I stepped out of the town hall, the weight of the newly acquired permits in my hand, I couldn't help but smile. We'd done it—navigated the maze of human bureaucracy together and come out victorious. Axel squeezed my hand, his pride evident in his eyes.

"You were amazing in there," he murmured, his voice low enough for only my enhanced hearing to catch.

I was about to respond when a familiar tingle under my skin caught my attention. Glancing at the sky, I noticed the sun dipping low on the horizon, painting it in hues of orange and purple. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, and I could sense Axel's tension as well.

"We should head back," Axel said, his eyes already taking on a hint of their wolf gleam. "The full moon will be rising soon."

As we hurried home to change, I marveled at the duality of our lives. Just hours ago, we were Axel and Lila, prospective business owners facing down a town council. Now, we were preparing for my first official pack run under the full moon.

Swapping our business attire for clothes more suitable for the forest, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves bubbling up inside me. Axel must have sensed my anxiety because he paused, cupping my face in his hands.

"How long will you guys be gone," Sophie wondered out loud.

"We will be out late, don't wait up for us," Axel informs her.

"Oh, I wasn't. I just wanted to make sure that my show "The Town's Gossip" wasn't going to be interrupted," Sophie grins from ear to ear.

Before leaving, I give Sophie a disapproving shake of my head.

"You've got this, Lila," he assured me, his voice filled with confidence. "You've already proven yourself today. Tonight is just about embracing who you are."

With a deep breath, I nodded, drawing strength from his words and presence. As we stepped out into the twilight, heading towards the pack's meeting spot, I realized that while the challenges of the day—permits, council members, and bureaucratic red tape—were behind us, the night ahead would test me in ways I couldn't even imagine.

Breathe, Lila. You've got this, I tell myself as the cool night air hits my face, the full moon's glow washing over my skin. My wolf stirs within me, eager to be set free. I close my eyes, letting the transformation take hold. Bones shift, fur sprouts, and in an instant, I'm on four paws, my senses heightened and alive.

Around me, the pack is shifting too. Axel emerges as a massive brown wolf, his presence commanding and reassuring. Elena, Ethan, and Finn join us, their forms sleek and powerful under the moonlight.

Follow me, Axel's voice resonates through the pack bond, a sensation I'm still getting used to. He takes off into the forest, and we fall into formation behind him, our paws thrumming against the earth in perfect synchronicity.

As we run, my wolf revels in the freedom, the wind whipping through our fur and the scents of the forest flooding our nose. But I keep a part of my human mind present, focused on proving myself to the pack.

The senior members take turns leading us through challenges - leaping over fallen logs, navigating treacherous ravines, and even tracking down hidden scent markers. Each task tests my control and strength, pushing me to my limits.

But with Axel's guidance and my own determination, I meet each challenge head-on. I feel my wolf and I working in harmony, our movements fluid and precise. Axel runs beside me, his pride and approval pulsing through our bond.

As the night wears on and the challenges intensify, I find myself growing more confident in my abilities. The pack dynamic starts to shift, with the senior members beginning to view me not just as Axel's mate, but as a capable wolf in my own right.

By the time we circle back to our starting point, my wolf is howling with joy, and I feel a deep sense of belonging settle over me. The pack surrounds me, their acceptance and welcome palpable in the air.

As the pack disperses, heading back to their respective homes, Axel and I linger in the forest. After retrieving our clothes he leads me to a quiet spot, a small clearing bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the trees. We sit together on a fallen log, our shoulders touching, the warmth of his body comforting against the cool night air.

I take a deep breath, the scents of the forest mingling with Axel's familiar scent. My wolf hums contentedly within me, satisfied with our successful run and the acceptance of the pack.

"You were incredible tonight," Axel murmurs, his eyes shining with pride. "You've come so far in such a short time."

I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder. "It's been a whirlwind," I confess, my voice soft. "Sometimes I still can't believe this is real. That I'm a werewolf, that I'm part of this pack."

Axel wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer. "It's a lot to adjust to," he acknowledges, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my arm. "But you're handling it with such grace and strength."

I smile, warmth blooming in my chest at his words. "I couldn't have done it without you," I tell him, turning to meet his gaze. "You've been my rock through all of this."

His eyes soften, and he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. "I'll always be here for you, Lila. No matter what."

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hoots of an owl. I feel a tug in my chest, a deep sense of connection to the forest, to the pack, and to Axel.

"I've changed so much," I whisper, giving voice to the thoughts swirling in my mind. "Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. It's like I'm seeing the world through new eyes."

Axel nods, understanding etched on his features. "The wolf changes you," he agrees, his voice gentle. "It heightens everything - your senses, your instincts, your emotions. But at your core, you're still you, Lila. The wolf is just another part of you now."

I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, moved by his words and the depth of his understanding. My wolf stirs within me, drawn to Axel's wolf, the bond between us stronger than ever. Unable to help myself, I turn to him, cupping his face in my hands and capturing his lips in a tender kiss.

"Just wait there is so much more for you to see and learn about. We are not the only supernatural beings on the planet."