18. Grace

Chapter 18

Grace

-What’s up?- 4 Non Blondes-

I listen to my favorite song, the one that starts singing about the twenty-five years … This is my twenty-sixth journey around the sun. So much has happened in my first twenty-five years,I hope this year is better.

Slowly, I tread through Nicolai’s house, the afternoon light casting long shadows across the floorboards. Ambrose had important dealings with him, and later, over dinner, we would delve into the discoveries I’ve made.

As the men engage in their discussions, I cradle my son, Deacon, in my arms, gazing out the window. Beyond the glass, I watch my daughters frolic in the yard with the den mother, their laughter echoing faintly into the room. The sight of them, running and tumbling with the other pups, fills me with a mixture of pride and apprehension.

Their playful skirmishes, though seemingly innocuous, are crucial for their growth within the pack. Every pounce and every tumble shapes them, preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead.

Instinctively, I long to shield my babies from the rougher play of the other pups. Yet, I know that such protection would only stunt their development within the pack hierarchy. Deacon, with his lineage, will lead the Murphy pack. Nina, bearing her father’s bloodline, is poised to inherit the Volkov pack. But my Ashina, my dear Ashina, stands at a crossroads, her destiny uncertain.

Contemplating the broader scope, I can’t help but wonder if, in the grand scheme of things, all my children will one day vie for my mantle. The growing territories and shifting dynamics of our world hint at a future where their paths may converge in unexpected ways.

“We’re home,” Nicolai’s voice echoes through the house, pulling me from my reverie. The familiar creak of the front door and the heavy thud of boots on the wooden floor signal their arrival. With a soft sigh, I tear my gaze away from the window and make my way to the front of the house.

As they come into view, I offer a gentle smile, raising a single finger to my lips and tilting my head down towards my sleeping child. Nicolai and Ambrose catch the hint immediately, their expressions softening as they observe Deacon, nestled in my arms, his tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber. Ethan and Griffin enter last and take up positions against the wall, since they already know what I plan to do.

Nicolai approaches quietly, his steps measured, his gaze warm with paternal affection. Ambrose follows suit, his features reflecting a mix of admiration and affection for my son.

I gesture towards the kitchen and dining room, where a feast fit for royalty awaits. Nicolai and Ambrose settle into their seats, helping themselves to the spread before them.

“I’ve been reaching out to your mate,” I announce, fixing Ambrose with a steady gaze. My eyes betray a hint of icy calculation, a reflection of the weight of my task.

Ambrose cocks his head, observing me intently. The faint, unusual blue glow in his eyes catches my attention, a rarity among our kind. It’s a hue tinged with sorrow, a constant reminder of his loss. “And?” he prompts, his curiosity evident in his tone.

With a soft smile, I extend my hand towards him, allowing the glow of determination to suffuse my own eyes. “Let me show you,” I offer, wiggling my fingers in invitation, anticipation coursing through me as I await his response.

Ambrose’s larger hand envelops mine, and I grip it, closing my eyes as the connection forms between us. I summon forth the memories, weaving them into a tapestry of emotions and experiences. With careful control, I slow the pace of the flashes, allowing Ambrose to glimpse his long-lost mate through my eyes.

My attention is laser-focused on Ambrose, his rapid breaths and pounding heartbeat reverberating through the air like the beat of a war drum. I grip the fragile connection I have with his mate, feeling the delicate thread quiver between us. For a fleeting moment, I allow them to touch, to share a brief glimpse of each other’s presence. Ambrose’s grip on my hand tightens, as if he’s yearning to pull himself towards her.

Slowly, I release my hold on the tether, letting it dissolve into the ether, and then I open my eyes, withdrawing my hand from his grasp. “I told you I found her yesterday,” I announce, my gaze locked on his, even as I tenderly stroke my sleeping son.

“This is amazing.” His voice is barely more than a whisper, laden with disbelief and hope.

“Seems I’m linked to all wolves,” I reply, my tone tinged with a mix of determination and caution. “I have a solid direction now. But before we can reunite you, we must ensure the safety of our packs and track down the elder and my ex. It won’t be safe for your mate until then.”

My wolf stirs within me at the thought of the impending battle, but this time, facing the darkness doesn’t send shivers down my spine like it once did. We’ve changed, evolved, and the prospect of confronting our demons feels less daunting now.

I fill Ambrose in on my scheme to enhance the resemblance between Griffin and Ethan, already practically indistinguishable.

“Why not Conrad and Ethan? They’re triplets after all,” Ambrose suggests, casting a thoughtful gaze between Griffin and Ethan.

Through our bond, I summon Conrad, and after a while, he arrives at the house. I position him alongside his brothers. “Ethan and Griffin have the most similar builds. Conrad would need to pack on fifty pounds of muscle or Ethan would have to shed it. Neither seems feasible given our time frame,” I explain, stealing a glance at the trio before turning to Ambrose and Nicolai.

“Ethan’s going to struggle enough with trying to erase that southern drawl from his voice to pass as Griffin.” I smile at my mate. I absolutely love his accent when he lets it out. All those years as a bounty hunter working in the deep south left him with that sexy accent.

The guys listen intently as I speak, their expressions shifting with each word. “Why aren’t Barrett and Lorcan here?” When Ambrose raises the question about Barrett and Lorcan’s absence, I feel a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

“They won’t be of much use in battle,” I reply, my voice tight with unease. “Lorcan’s blindness renders him unable to fight, and Barrett is needed more with the babies.” My gaze flickers briefly to Conrad, who nods in understanding before retreating to the safety of the house.

My hands clench and unclench nervously as I continue, avoiding direct eye contact with the others. “Lorcan can provide healing support, but that’s about it.”

Nicolai’s voice breaks through the tense silence as he approaches us, concern etched on his features. “Should we send our mothers away with the children?” he asks, his words heavy with the weight of impending decisions.

I chew on my bottom lip, torn between conflicting emotions. My gaze darts between the alphas gathered before me, uncertainty gnawing at my insides. “I’ve been considering it,” I admit reluctantly. “But I won’t make any final decisions until the very last moment. I refuse to put the babies at risk of being discovered when I’m not there to protect them.” A low growl rumbles in the back of my throat, betraying the fierce protectiveness I feel towards my pack, my family.

“Grace, I understand. What do you need me to do?” Ambrose’s voice is steady, but I can see the concern etched in the lines of his face as he shifts his gaze between me and my mates.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts before responding, my fingers tracing absent-minded patterns on the table. “When the time comes, I’ll need to tour your lands with one of your betas. Everyone must be ready,” I explain, punctuating my words with a gesture towards Ethan. “Griffin,” I add, emphasizing the name with air quotes, “will accompany you to a meeting. The real Griffin will be nearby, with the team Ethan’s been training, ready to intervene if needed.”

Glancing at my phone, I note the date, my heart skipping a beat. “In about two months, I’ll go into heat again, and we’ll use that to lure the ex out of hiding.”

Nicolai’s complexion drains of color, and before he can voice his concerns, Griffin interjects. “Grace has already consulted with the doctor. She’ll be receiving a shot to prevent pregnancy this cycle. She’ll still experience her heat, but no children will result from it.” There’s a melancholy tint to Griffin’s eyes as he looks at his brother, understanding the longing Ethan harbors to become a father. It’s a desire I share, just not at this moment.

“Are you sure this is the best option?” Ambrose’s voice is laced with concern as he draws nearer, his presence adding weight to the gravity of our discussion.

Drawing in a deep breath, I pace. The floorboards creaking beneath my footsteps. “My ex will be drawn to my scent like a moth to a flame,” I explain, my words tinged with a mixture of fear and determination. “He’s fixated on the idea of having his own male offspring. He knows I’m capable of carrying and birthing a pup without any complications.” My gaze shifts between Ambrose and the other alphas in the room, silently pleading for understanding.

Griffin’s voice cuts through the tense atmosphere, his words echoing my concerns. “He was obsessed with tearing her away from us, even in her final moments,” he says, his tone heavy with the weight of past conflicts. “His desire to possess her, to breed her, outweighs any sense of reason or logic.” As he speaks, he gestures to each person in the room, locking eyes with them one by one. “As much as it pains me to admit it, Grace has presented us with a viable solution.”

The acknowledgment from Griffin brings a sense of validation to my proposal, yet it’s accompanied by a pang of sorrow for the necessity of such drastic measures. We find ourselves at a crossroads, faced with tough choices born out of the harsh realities of our world.

“We have several advantages now that we didn’t have before,” I announce, stepping away from my mates and Ambrose. The weight of my words hangs in the air, a palpable tension that seems to ripple through the room.

“I’m not a weak human anymore,” I continue, my voice steady but tinged with a newfound strength. My gaze sweeps over them, lingering briefly on each face before moving on. “Not only can I shift, but I possess Luna powers that could bring even the strongest to their knees.”

Despite my attempts to exude confidence, a flicker of uncertainty dances behind my eyes. The unknown looms before us like a shadow, casting doubt on our plans and strategies.

“The only downside,” I add, my tone slightly softer now, “is that we don’t know if it will work on rogues.” It’s a sobering realization, a reminder of the hurdles we still face in our quest for dominance.

But even as I speak these words, I refuse to let doubt consume me. We may face unknown dangers, but we are also armed with newfound strengths and a unity that binds us together. And with that, I square my shoulders, determined to face whatever challenges lie ahead with unwavering resolve.