21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Set Backs

Axel

My eyes roam over the lively scene unfolding in The Night Owl, my chest swelling with fierce pride at the sight of my packmates pitching in to breathe new life into the joint. A cacophony of banging, buzzing saws, and mirthful voices rings out, the music of my pack moving as one. Deep in my core, I feel my wolf rumbling his approval, content to witness our crew in action.

I roll up my sleeves and join in, hauling lumber and drywall alongside my Beta, Ethan. As we work, I keep an eye on the progress, ensuring that everything is running smoothly.

"Looking good, boss," Ethan grins, wiping the sweat from his brow. "This place is really starting to take shape."

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "It is. And it's all thanks to the hard work of our pack."

As I step back to assess the progress, I notice my grandmother, Mabel, deep in conversation with Lila. They're poring over a set of blueprints, discussing the placement of tables and the flow of the kitchen. Mabel's eyes sparkle with wisdom and enthusiasm as she shares her insights with Lila, who listens intently, her own excitement palpable.

Warmth blooms in my chest as I watch the two of them, the connection between them growing stronger with each passing day. Lila has become such an integral part of our pack, and seeing her bond with my grandmother fills me with a sense of rightness.

The renovation of the bar & grill has been progressing steadily, until today. I'm discussing the placement of the bar with the contractor when he informs me that the original plumbing is not up to code and will need to be replaced entirely. I feel a headache coming on as I mentally calculate the additional time and expense this will incur.

"Alright, let's get it done," I sigh, knowing that cutting corners is not an option. "We'll have to adjust the timeline and budget accordingly."

As I relay the news to Lila, I can sense her disappointment and frustration. My wolf paces within me, agitated by the delay. I pull her into my arms, offering comfort and reassurance.

"We'll get through this, Vanilla Bean," I murmur, using the affectionate nickname that never fails to bring a smile to her face. "We're partners, remember?"

Lila nods against my chest, drawing strength from our embrace. "I know, Axel. It's just frustrating when things don't go according to plan."

Our moment is disrupted by the sound of tires sliding on grass and pack members growling outside.

Rushing out, we discover Ethan and Finn dealing with a group of rowdy pack members who have gotten a bit too wild. I step forward, my wolf surfacing as I assert my authority as Alpha.

"Cut it out, and behave," I command, my voice infused with strength. "This is your only warning."

The pack members hesitate, weighing their choices, but eventually opt to back down in the face of our united stance. I exhale deeply, aware that the potential for chaos is still present.

"Everything okay out here?" Lila asks.

I turn to her, marveling at the concern and strength in her eyes. "Just a minor threat. They're gone now."

We walk down the bustling streets of Crescent Moon. The curiosity in the air is palpable as townspeople glance our way, their eyes lingering on the newly renovated Night Owl Bar & Grill. My wolf remains alert, ever vigilant in protecting our pack's secrets.

"Looks like we're the talk of the town," Lila murmurs, her fingers brushing against mine.

I nod, offering a friendly smile to a passing couple. "Just remember, we're here to integrate, not isolate. But we must also guard our truth."

As we make our way down the street, I guide Lila in navigating the delicate balance between friendliness and discretion. We exchange pleasantries with the locals, discussing the upcoming opening of our restaurant while carefully steering conversations away from our personal lives.

Suddenly, Sophie appears at our side, her eyes wide with urgency. "Hey, can we talk privately?"

We duck into a quiet alley, the sounds of the bustling street fading behind us. Sophie turns to face me, her eyes wide with urgency. "Guys, I need to tell you something," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I have psychic abilities. I've kept it hidden, even from you, Lila. But I had a vision that I can't ignore."

Lila and I exchange a surprised glance, but we nod for Sophie to continue. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself. "I saw a health inspector coming to the restaurant. He found traces of wolfs-bane in the kitchen, and it nearly exposed us." Sophie's words hang heavy in the air, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

My heart races at the premonition Sophie discloses, and I feel a chill run down my spine. "Wolfs-bane?" I ask, my brow furrowing. "That's harmless to humans but potentially deadly to werewolves. Who would be hiding that in our restaurant?"

Lila places a comforting hand on Sophie's shoulder. "You did the right thing by telling us, Soph. Your gift is incredible, and we're grateful for the warning."

I nod in agreement, my mind already forming a plan. "Okay, we need to do a thorough cleanse of the kitchen," I instruct, my voice firm with determination. "We can't take any chances. Sophie, your vision has given us a valuable heads-up. Thank you."

Sophie manages a small smile, relief evident in her features. "I'm just glad I could help. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you guys or the restaurant."

"We're in this together," Lila assures her, pulling Sophie into a quick hug. "Now, let's get back and make sure our kitchen is spotless. We have a restaurant to protect."

Sophie nods, a mix of relief and determination in her eyes. "I'm just glad I could help. I know how important it is to keep your secret."

"Soph, how long have you had this gift? And when were you planning on telling me about it?" Lila asks, her voice a mix of surprise and concern.

Sophie shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between Lila and the ground. "I've had it for as long as I can remember, but it's not something I like to advertise. People tend to think I'm crazy and I didn't want to be locked up."

Lila's expression softens, and she reaches out to squeeze Sophie's hand. "You know you can trust me with anything, right? I would never judge you."

Sophie nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I know, Lil. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to burden you with my secret. Especially not with everything you've been going through lately."

As they continue to talk, I hear raised voices coming from the direction of the restaurant. My wolf stirs within me, sensing the tension in the air. "Excuse me for a moment, ladies. I need to check on something."

I make my way towards the source of the commotion, my senses on high alert. As I approach, I see Finn and Elena, engaged in a heated argument. Their voices are low, but the anger behind their words is unmistakable.

"What's going on here?" I ask, my tone firm but not accusatory.

Finn and Elena turn to face me, their eyes flashing with barely contained emotion. "We were just discussing the security measures for the restaurant," Finn explains, his jaw clenched. "Elena thinks we should have a more visible presence, but I think that will only draw unwanted attention."

I nod, understanding their concerns. "Let's take this discussion inside. We need to find a balance between safety and discretion."

I guide Finn and Elena into the restaurant, my mind already working to find a solution to their disagreement. As we step inside, Lila joins us, her brow furrowed with concern.

"What's going on, Axel?" she asks, her hand resting on my arm.

Before I can respond, Finn jumps in, his frustration evident. "We were discussing security measures for the restaurant, but Elena wants us to be more visible," Finn explains, his brow furrowed and his hands gesturing emphatically. "She thinks having a stronger, more noticeable presence will deter potential threats."

He shakes his head, his frustration evident in the set of his jaw. "But I disagree. I think being too obvious will only draw unwanted attention to the restaurant and its patrons. We need to be discreet, to blend in and monitor the situation without causing alarm."

Elena crosses her arms, her icy blue eyes narrowing. "And what good is being discreet if it means we can't effectively protect everyone? We need to send a clear message that this place is secure and that any troublemakers will be dealt with swiftly."

Finn sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I understand your point, Elena, but we have to think about the bigger picture. Drawing too much attention could put everyone at risk from those who might discover our true nature."

I step between Finn and Elena, my wolf growling at the tension crackling in the air. "Enough," I command, my voice laced with the authority of an Alpha. "We will discuss this calmly and rationally."

Elena's eyes flash with defiance as she pushes Finn back, her voice rising. "You're wrong, Finn. We can't just hide in the shadows and hope for the best. We need to show strength, to let everyone know that we're here to stay."

Finn snarls, his hands clenching into fists. "And risk exposing our secret? Are you out of your mind, Elena? We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves, not with the hunters still out there."

I raise my hand, silencing their argument. "Both of you, stand down. This is not the time or place for a fight." I turn to Lila, my mate's presence calming the restless energy within me.

Elena's giving a fierce look with a tight-lipped expression. "Rationally? Finn's idea of keeping a low profile is basically hiding who we are. We shouldn't have to cower in the shadows!"

Finn growls, his fists clenched at his sides. "And your idea of parading around as wolves will only put a target on our backs! We need to be smart about this, Elena."

Their voices rise, the tension in the room growing thicker by the second. I can feel my own wolf stirring within me, agitated by the discord among my pack members.

Lila steps forward, her hand on my arm a calming presence. "Guys, let's take a breath and-"

But Finn cuts her off, his frustration boiling over. "Stay out of this, Lila. You're not even a real wolf. You don't understand what it's like to live in constant fear of exposure!"

I feel Lila stiffen beside me, her hurt and anger radiating through our bond. My own temper flares, and I take a step towards Finn, my eyes flashing red.

"That's enough, Finn," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "Lila is a part of this pack, and she's the owner of this establishment, her opinion matters just as much as anyone else's."

Finn has the grace to look chastened, but I can still see the defiance simmering beneath the surface. Elena, meanwhile, has gone quiet, her eyes darting between Finn and me.

Lila clears her throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I understand both of your concerns," she begins, her voice calm and measured. "We need to find a balance between ensuring the safety of our pack and maintaining a low profile."

I watch in awe as Lila navigates the situation with grace and confidence. She suggests a compromise, proposing a mix of subtle and overt security measures that will allow us to protect our own without raising suspicion.

Finn and Elena consider her words, their anger slowly dissipating. "That could work," Elena admits, nodding thoughtfully. "We can have a visible presence during peak hours and rely on more discreet measures during quieter times."

Finn agrees, his posture relaxing. "And we can rotate shifts so that we're not drawing too much attention to any one individual."

As they continue to discuss the details, I can't help but feel a swell of pride in my chest. My wolf rumbles with satisfaction, recognizing the strength and wisdom in our mate.

"Rather than continuing this discussion, you two should be looking for the wolf's-bane that Sophie sensed," I say firmly, reminding them of the urgency of the situation and the value of Sophie's abilities.

Elena steps forward, her expression serious. "Alpha, we've already taken care of that. The wolf's-bane has been carefully disposed of, but we don't have any idea who put it in the bin with the onions."

My eyebrows furrow in frustration. "I should have been told before you moved it. Sophie's vision could have provided more details if she'd seen it in person."

Finn looks between Elena and me, his voice cautious. "We didn't want anyone touching it, Alpha. We thought it was safest to remove it immediately."

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that they acted with the pack's safety in mind, even if I disagree with their methods. "I understand your intentions, but in the future, consult me first. Sophie's gift is a valuable asset to our pack, and we need to utilize it effectively."

The pack members nod, looking somewhat chastened.

"Now," I continue, my voice firm, "we need to focus on finding who's responsible. Use every resource we have. I want patrols doubled and every inch of our territory searched for any other threats."

"Yes, Alpha," they respond in unison.

"Dismissed," I say, watching as they disperse to carry out my orders.

As Finn and Elena take their leave, their issues resolved, I turn to Lila, my heart full of admiration and love. "You were amazing just now," I tell her, pulling her into my arms. "The way you handled that situation, the way you always seem to know just what to say and do..."

Lila smiles up at me, her eyes shining with emotion. "I learned from the best," she teases, echoing her earlier words to Sophie. "But seriously, Axel, I couldn't do any of this without you. You've given me a new life, a new purpose, and I'm so grateful for that."

"We're in this together, Vanilla Bean. Always." I lean down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. "If you weren't here, I would have just let them fight it out."

We stand there, wrapped in each other's arms.

I take Lila's hand, guiding her through the dimly lit interior of The Night Owl Bar & Grill.

"It's perfect, Axel," Lila breathes, her eyes shining with pride and excitement. "I can't believe we actually did it."

I pull Lila closer, her body melding against mine as we stand in the dimly lit interior of The Night Owl Bar & Grill. The scent of her, vanilla and cinnamon, fills my senses, igniting a fire within me that only she can quench.

"Lila," I murmur, my voice husky with desire. "I want you. Here. Now."

Her hazel eyes darken, a flush creeping across her cheeks as she reads the raw need in my gaze. "Axel," she whispers, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw. "I want you too."

The bond between us, the unbreakable connection of fated mates, pulses with an urgency that neither of us can deny.

I take her hand, leading her through the shadowy restaurant to the private room in the back. The door closes behind us with a soft click, sealing us off from the rest of the world. This is our sanctuary, our haven, where nothing exists but the two of us.

I turn to face her, my hands cupping her face as I capture her lips in a searing kiss. She responds with a hunger that matches my own, her tongue dancing with mine in a rhythm as old as time.

"I need to feel you, Lila," I growl, my hands moving to the hem of her shirt. "To taste you. To claim you as mine."

She nods, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as I undress her, revealing the soft, supple skin beneath. My fingers skim over her curves, each touch sending jolts of electricity through us both.

I guide her to the plush sofa in the corner of the room, our bodies entwined as we explore each other with a reverence that borders on worship. My lips trail a path down her neck, across her collarbone, and lower still, until I'm teasing the hardened peak of her breast with my tongue.

"Axel, please," she moans, her fingers tangling in my hair as she arches against me. "I need you inside me."

I can't deny her any longer. With a low growl, I shed the rest of my clothes, my cock standing proud and ready for her. She watches me with hooded eyes, her gaze filled with desire.

"You're so fucking beautiful," I tell her, my voice rough with need. "And you're all mine."

I position myself between her thighs, the heat of her pussy radiating against my skin. I enter her slowly, savoring the way her body stretches to accommodate me. She feels like heaven, a perfect fit, as if we were made for each other.

And we were. Fated mates, destined to find each other in this vast, chaotic world.

Our movements are slow and deliberate at first, each thrust building the tension coiling within us. But as our passion grows, so does the intensity of our lovemaking. I drive into her harder, deeper, each stroke bringing us closer to the edge.

"Fuck, Lila," I groan, my control slipping. "You feel so damn good."

"Harder, Axel," she urges, her nails raking down my back. "I'm close. So fucking close."

I obey her command, increasing my pace until we're both teetering on the brink of ecstasy. I can feel her inner walls tightening around my cock, a clear sign that she's about to come undone.

"Come for me, Vanilla Bean," I whisper in her ear. "Let go and fly with me."

With a cry of surrender, she shatters around me, her body convulsing with the force of her orgasm. The sensation of her pussy clenching my cock is too much to bear, and with a final, powerful thrust, I join her in bliss, my release flooding her depths.

We lie there in the aftermath, our bodies slick with sweat and our hearts beating in unison. I brush a stray lock of hair from her face, my eyes meeting hers in a silent vow of eternal love and devotion.

"I love you, Lila," I murmur, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I can't imagine my life without you."

Lila smiles up at me, her eyes shining with love and contentment. "I love you too, Axel. More than I ever thought possible."

As we bask in the afterglow of our connection, my mind drifts to the future.

A mating ceremony.

The plans are coming together, just waiting for the next full moon to start our lives as a mated pair in the sight of my pack and name her my Luna.

Lila is my mate, my soulmate, and I want the world to know it.

I tighten my arms around her, savoring the feel of her warm, pliant body against mine. Tomorrow, I will start planning the ceremony. But for now, I simply hold my mate close, reveling in the love and happiness that we've found together.

"My mate," I whisper, the words a promise and a prayer. "Forever."