24. Devon

Rolling over, I yawn and stretch against the soft white sheets of the king-sized bed. Im pleasantly exhausted, my body drained from the endless fucking I endured. Kyle and Frankie slipped out of the bedroom a few hours ago, leaving me and River to sleep in.

Over the last few weeks, theyve fallen into a rhythm of working with the rest of the pack. Frankie helps out in the kitchen while Kyle lends his strength to various projects around the compound.

Meanwhile, Ive been keeping River company as much as possible, doing my best to encourage him as he steps into the role of leading an entire pack.

When I reach for him, I frown when I realize his spot in the bed is empty. Lifting my head, I glance around the room and catch sight of him standing by the large window that looks out over the woods behind the compound.

Hey, sweetheart. I sit up and rub my eyes. Whats wrong?

Nothing. He glances back at me with a weak smile. Just thinking.

About what? I climb out of bed and pad across the room to hold him.

He sighs. About how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time.

Its a lot. I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my chin on his shoulder. But its a good change, right?

Yeah, of course it is. He leans against me and places his arms over mine, tightening my grip around him. But I cant help worrying that maybe its all too good to be true.

What do you mean, sweetheart? I press a kiss against his neck, loving the way his scent is the perfect blend of all four of us.

I mean, what if the northern pack is still a threat? He exhales deeply, still staring straight ahead. And what if the claim I have against them only lasts as long as I do. Someday, even if its a very long time from now, I won’t be around to maintain our position. And if we have pups, they and their kids are gonna be in danger again.

River... I turn him around to face me, looking into his eyes. You cant think like that. You cant worry about things that might happen in the future. We can’t control what happens in ten or twenty or fifty years. We can only control the present. That’s what we need to focus on. Building on our present to secure our future.

But worrying is my job as the leader of this pack, isnt it? Worry about what might happen so my pack stays safe.

Technically, he’s right. I want to tell him theres nothing to worry about, reassure him that theres no chance the northern pack will ever come back and threaten us or our descendants. But even I know thats naive. So, what do you think we should do to protect the future?

He looks at me uncertainly and then turns back toward the window. I think...I need to dissolve our isolationism. I think if we foster stronger connections with the town, maybe even with the local hunters, well have more access to resources. More people on our side, so hopefully, itll be more difficult for the northern pack or anyone else to just sweep in and either eradicate or absorb us.

You know there are risks to that, too, right? It sounds great on paper, but in reality, it might create new or bigger issues. The local hunters may be receptive to friendly relations, but there are still those out there who hunt and kill wolves.

I know, but I think its worth the risk. I really believe we can build something here. Something that will last. Something that will protect us for generations to come.

I think youre right. I kiss his shoulder then up to his ear, nipping at the soft skin. And I think youre already an amazing leader.

You really think so? He looks at me with a hopeful expression.

I do. I promise. I wrap my arms around him and pull him close, letting him feel my love and support.

It won’t be easy to completely change your packs culture of isolationism. I pull away from the kiss and tilt his head up to face me. A lot of people will probably disagree with you.

I know, but I think I can convince them. Especially if I have you three by my side.

Always. I suck his lower lip into my mouth, kissing him again. Well always be by your side.

Thank you, alpha.

I grin and give his butt a playful smack. Now, it’s time to get dressed. Youve got a busy day ahead of you, and Frankies already gonna lecture us for sleeping in.

Oh god, youre right. River laughs and hurries to get dressed.

Its hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, Kyle, Frankie, and I were vagrants. Nomads. Traveling from place to place, running from the past but not headed toward any particular future.

Now everythings changed.

River and I emerge from the bedroom, fully dressed and ready for the day. As soon as we make our appearance in the dining room, were swamped. The work of a pack leader is never ending, and theres always something that needs his attention or someone who wants help.

At first, I was worried hed get overwhelmed by it all, but hes adapted better than I ever imagined he would. Hes a natural leader, and people genuinely respect him.

Ah, there you are. Charles joins us at one of the tables in the dining room after the initial crowd of wolves has cleared away. True to his word, Rivers father has been acting as an advisor and counsel. Now that hes no longer in absolute control of the pack, hes not as much of a dick as he seemed to be when we first met.

Morning. River greets his father with a smile.

I want to talk to you about the upcoming breeding season. Charles sits down beside River and glances at the rest of us before laying a stack of papers on the table. These are the applicants who want to be considered for breeding rights this year.

“What?”

Charles frowns at his son. “You know about this.”

River shakes his head slowly, obviously confused. I knew youve been limiting the number of couples who are allowed to breed each year, but I didnt realize we had so many who wanted to have pups of their own. He eyes the stack of paper with a rather somber expression.

Well, we do. Charles shrugs with indifference. And, as the new leader, youre gonna have to make the final decision on who gets to breed this year.

What if... River looks up at Charles and furrows his brow. What if we don’t limit anyone. We just let them all have pups?

Thats not how it works. Charles sighs and shakes his head. Weve been trying to keep the pack population under control for decades. If we suddenly allow everyone to have pups, well have too many mouths to feed. Too many people to house. Wed end up having to expand our territory, and that would make us vulnerable.

Only if we keep doing things the way weve been doing them. River straightens his back, and I know what’s coming. I squeeze his knee under the table, silently supporting him. What if we have access to more resources? Like, if we start bringing in more outside resources. We could trade with the town for food and supplies. We have plenty of strong laborers who could find work in the surrounding area, bringing in money we could use to support the pack.

Thats a dangerous game to play. Charles isn’t at all open to the idea, immediately writing him off. Weve kept ourselves isolated for generations, River. Opening ourselves up even more than we already have is risky. Theres a reason why weve done things the way we have.

I know. But I think we can make it work. If were smart about it, we can make this pack thrive.

Charles looks at River like he’s seeing him in a whole new light. Honestly, I’m not so sure. I think youre getting ahead of yourself. This is a lot to take on at once.

Thats why Ive got you here to advise me.

Ill do what I can. Charles blows out a deep breath, giving in to the idea. But you need to be careful. Think things through before jumping headfirst?—

I know. River holds up his hands in surrender, chuckling slightly. Dont worry. Ive been thinking this over for a while. Even before all this shit with the northern pack went down. Ive been paying attention, Dad. Learning by watching you, and I think we can make this work.

Charles looks at River with a mixture of pride and uncertainty. I hope youre right. If nothing else, youll have the packs support if you give them an open breeding season with no restriction.

River smiles broadly. I know. Thats why Im gonna do it.

Charles chuckles and shakes his head slowly. Youre a lot more confident than you used to be, Son. I’m proud of you.

Thanks. River glances at Kyle then me and Frankie.

Very well then. Charles stands up and gathers the stack of papers. Ill see about writing up an announcement about the change of plans for breeding season.

Thank you.

I watch River carefully, impressed by how far he’s come in such a short period of time. His relationship with Charles is still tainted by years of neglect and abuse, but theyre making progress. Theyre both taking steps toward becoming better people.

For the good of their family and the pack.

Are you sure about this? I turn to River. Giving everyone breeding rights is a big step.

Yes, River says with a nod. I think its the right thing to do. Besides, people are more willing to do difficult things when theyve got someone to protect, right? He looks at me with a soft smile. I think its an important first step toward making us stronger and reducing our level of isolation.

If youre sure, then we’re behind you one hundred percent.

Thank you, he says, leaning in to kiss me. I cant do this without my mates.

Youll never have to.