Chapter One

Kyle stared ahead. He hadn't been told why he was in the alpha's office, but he could take a guess. There was only one reason for his alpha to talk to him so soon after his mother's death.

Alpha Davis wasn't even going to wait a week. Kyle wasn't surprised, but that didn't mean he liked it or that he knew what to do.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you to come to my office," Alpha Davis said from behind his desk.

There were two guards by the door, as if the alpha expected Kyle to attack him. It was ridiculous because Kyle had never attacked him or anyone else, but Alpha Davis had always disliked Kyle. It had nothing to do with Kyle himself and everything to do with who his father was.

Well, that and the fact that Alpha Davis had been planning to marry Kyle's mother until she got pregnant with Kyle.

Kyle should answer Alpha Davis's question, but what was he supposed to say? They both knew why he was there. He was about to get kicked out of the pack. He wouldn't have been if his mother was alive, but she wasn't.

Grief tightened around Kyle's heart. He'd lost the person who'd been most important to him, and he didn't know how to deal with that. His life was missing something massive. How was he supposed to fill the hole his mother's death had left? He didn't think he could, and he'd have to find a way to survive the pain.

Even though Alpha Davis was taking his family from him, too.

Kyle swallowed. "You asked me to come, and I came."

Alpha Davis was silent.

Kyle could feel the man watching him, but he didn't look at him. He didn't need to.

"We all feel the loss of your mother," Alpha Davis said. "You know how important she was to the pack and to me."

Kyle almost snorted. Yes, he knew how important she'd been to Alpha Davis. He hadn't cared that she'd never wanted to marry him. He hadn't cared that her parents wouldn't have forced her to and would rather have left the pack. He'd wanted to marry her, and he'd been set to do just that.

Until she'd gotten pregnant. Kyle couldn't say that his father was any better than Alpha Davis. He barely knew the man, but he'd looked into him, and he disliked what he'd found. Alpha Carter had led the Green Hill pride with an iron fist, and the people who'd left didn't make it a secret that they thought he was an asshole.

The last Kyle had heard, the pride members weren't allowed to leave the house they lived in. At least that wasn't something Alpha Davis had ever ordered. That would be too hard since the pack didn't live in one massive house like the pride did. Besides, he liked that his pack earned money, because it meant he did. He didn't have a job outside of being the alpha, which was fine. It was how things usually worked. That didn't mean he had to take half the salary of every single pack member, though.

Kyle didn't say that out loud. He couldn't afford to, especially not with the guards standing by the door. "She was important to me and my family, too," he muttered.

"And I'm very sorry for your loss. You have to look at things from my point of view, though. You're a tiger shifter. The pack accepted you because of your mother, but you can't expect them to continue doing so now that she's gone."

Kyle gritted his teeth. "Are you saying you want me to leave?"

They both knew that was what Alpha Davis was saying. Kyle wanted confirmation, but he didn't need it. Decades had passed since Alpha Davis had to let go of Kyle's mother, but he still resented her and, even more so, Kyle. Even when Kyle was a child, Alpha Davis considered him responsible for his failure to marry Kyle's mother. His parents had prevented the marriage since she'd become pregnant by another man—another alpha. Kyle still didn't know if she'd done it on purpose. He knew for sure that she hadn't wanted to marry Alpha Davis, but she'd never wanted to talk about it. Considering how awful the situation had been, Kyle wasn't surprised.

Alpha Davis cleared his throat. "It would be best for everyone. We tolerated you, but you never fit in, Kyle. People are nervous around you, and I don't want my pack to feel like that. With your mother gone, there's nothing keeping you here, is there?"

Kyle almost snapped, but since he didn't think Alpha Davis would take it well, he stopped himself before doing something stupid. "My family is here."

"Well, of course, but they're wolf shifters. Besides, I'm not telling you that you'll never be allowed to come back. I just think it would be better if you found yourself a new pack, or even better, a pride. Why don't you go to your father?"

Kyle wanted to jump up from the chair and run out. He'd known this was why he was here, and now that he had confirmation, he didn't need to continue listening to this. But he couldn't give Alpha Davis even one excuse to mistreat him and his family. He couldn't afford to.

Even though Kyle had to leave, his family wouldn't. They were wolf shifters. His grandfather, brother, and sister deserved to continue living the life they were settled into. Their home was here, with the wolves, and since Kyle wouldn't put it past Alpha Davis to bother them if he didn't obey his orders, he needed to keep himself in check. For now, Alpha Davis wouldn't kick Kyle's family out. Hopefully, he never would if Kyle went quietly.

He got to his feet. Alpha Davis winced and leaned back in his chair as if he expected Kyle to attack him. Suddenly, Kyle was exhausted. He'd just lost his mother, and he was being kicked out of the only home he'd ever known. He didn't have the energy to attack Alpha Davis.

He quickly bowed his head. "I'll start packing as soon as I return to my grandfather's house. You don't have to worry about me trying to stay."

Alpha Davis looked surprised. "You're not going to argue?"

"Would it change anything if I tried?"

"I'm sorry, Kyle, but you just don't fit in."

That much was true. Kyle was a tiger shifter in a pack full of wolves. He had never fit in, but he'd been accepted because of his mother. Kyle didn't know if Alpha Davis had ever loved her or if he'd convinced himself that what he felt for her was love, and he didn't care. All of that was in the past now. This wasn't Kyle's home anymore.

Maybe it never had been.

Kyle bowed again and turned to leave. Alpha Davis didn't try to stop him. Neither did the guards. They allowed Kyle to walk out of the office without saying anything. Kyle didn't relax until he was out of the alpha's house. With every step, he felt he was leaving part of his life behind. He didn't know how to stop it from happening. He wasn't sure he could.

What was he supposed to do? This was the only home he'd ever had. He might have expected Alpha Davis to kick him out, but he thought he'd have more time. He was still mourning his mother and hadn't even started to think about what his next step would be.

Beyond packing and leaving, anyway.

He made his way to his grandfather's house, where their entire family had lived. They still did, except for Kyle and his mother. He hated that he would have to leave his siblings and his grandfather behind. He didn't want to, but he didn't have a choice.

They were waiting for him when he walked in. Jennifer jumped up from her chair at the kitchen table and rushed toward Kyle. One look at his expression seemed to be enough, because she threw herself into his arms.

He caught her easily. She was more than ten years younger, and even though she was twenty-one now, she'd always be his baby sister.

"What happened?" their grandfather asked as he rose from his seat.

Kyle's brother, Christopher, snorted. "What do you think happened? We all know what the alpha wanted."

He was leaning against the kitchen counter, looking like he wanted to strangle someone, possibly Alpha Davis. Kyle had to be careful with what he said because he didn't want his brother to get into trouble. Christopher probably would once Kyle was gone, though.

Kyle's life was unraveling around him, and he didn't know how to stop it.

He doubted he could.

* * * *

"Gordon, there's another tray to take up front," Dennis called out.

It took a moment for Dennis's apprentice to poke his head into the bakery kitchen. There was a smudge of what had to be sugar on his nose when he did, a sure sign he'd been poaching some of the pastries.

Dennis rolled his eyes. He didn't know how many times he had to tell his apprentice and his assistant that they could eat whatever they wanted. They always hid it, as if they expected him to fire them if he found out.

"Where do you want these?" Gordon asked as he grabbed the tray of doughnuts.

"Ask Shirley. She's the one in charge of the displays." And of anything that had to do with the customers.

Dennis loved to bake, but he'd rather not deal with the people coming in and out of the bakery every day. They were noisy and demanding, and things had been awkward when he'd still run everything on his own. He wasn't someone who enjoyed crowds and talking to people, so finding Shirley had been a godsend.

Gordon eyed the doughnuts, and Dennis knew what would happen. He had to suppress a smile.

"I kept a few doughnuts for you and Shirley, so don't start eating the ones on the tray," he warned.

Gordon's cheeks went red. He wasn't quite young enough to be Dennis's son, but there were enough years between them that Dennis felt brotherly toward Gordan—like a much older brother. Gordon was only twenty-two, and his messy hair, freckles, and ever-present smile betrayed his youth. Sometimes Dennis wished he could still be as hopeful and fresh, but he was almost forty, and he was tired, even though as a shifter, he was still young.

"Sorry, boss," Gordon muttered.

"Don't worry about it."

Gordon straightened his back and disappeared with the tray. Dennis could hear him talk to Shirley, and he listened for a moment. They weren't saying anything important, but knowing they worked for him at his bakery made Dennis want to puff up with pride.

After Alpha Carter had left, Dennis had hoped things would get better, but it had been hard to believe he would finally be able to do something with his life. Like every other pride member, he'd been forbidden to work by their alpha. They hadn't even been allowed to leave the house, and Dennis had been confined to the kitchen. Even there, he hadn't been allowed to do what he wanted. He'd known better than to make waves.

But all of that was over. The pride had a new alpha, and thanks to him, Dennis had been able to make the one dream he'd ever had come true. He'd opened the bakery.

The door between the kitchen and the front of the store opened again, and Gordon reappeared. "Liam and Gal are here."

Dennis looked down at himself. He was a bit messy, but they probably expected it. Still, he quickly took off his apron, washed his hands, and gestured at the oven. "Keep an eye on those for me, will you? I don't think I'll be long, but you know what to do if I am."

Gordon's eyes went wide, but Dennis didn't wait for him to ask if he was sure. He was training Gordon to be a baker, which meant Gordon would have to start doing things on his own. For now, he was an apprentice, but he was good enough that eventually he would become better. Dennis didn't have children, and he didn't know what would happen to the bakery when he retired. Thankfully, he had many years of work to do before that happened.

But he wanted Gordon to know that the bakery was his, too. Gradually he'd be more comfortable doing things on his own, and he was old enough to take on some of the responsibilities Dennis shouldered. Hopefully, he wouldn't burn down the bakery.

Dennis pushed open the door and stepped into the bakery proper. The first word that came to mind every time he walked in was cozy. He didn't spend a lot of time in this area of the bakery, but when he'd decided to open the place, he'd had a precise image in mind, and he'd followed it. He loved the dark wood of the chairs and tables, the many plants, and the soft lights.

Shirley was serving a woman who was pointing at the pastries behind the glass of the counter. Several people were seated in the room, sipping coffee and eating the pastries they'd bought. Dennis hadn't been sure when Shirley had suggested adding a corner with coffee and tea, but she'd promised she would take care of it by herself, and it had brought more customers in.

Liam and Gal stood behind the woman. Dennis waved at them to step to the side. He hadn't been sure about Gal when he'd first arrived in Green Hill, but thanks to him, the pride was flourishing.

"What do you want?" Dennis asked, gesturing to the counter.

"Can I get a doughnut? They look delicious," Liam said.

Dennis grinned. "Whatever you want."

Liam's eyes sparkled. "I'd like two, then. One chocolate, and what's that pink and green one?"

"Watermelon."

Liam wrinkled his nose. "That sounds weird. I think I'll stay safe and get a salted caramel one."

Dennis nodded and grabbed one of the paper boxes they used for the pastries. He picked the best-looking doughnuts for his alpha mate, then turned to his alpha. "Gal?"

"I think I'll try the watermelon one."

It was a seasonal doughnut that Dennis had wanted to try, and he was glad he had. The weather was warm, and people wanted things that tasted fresh. Well, except Liam, who was happy with chocolate and salted caramel.

Dennis added a watermelon doughnut to the box. Gal moved toward Shirley to pay, but Dennis shook his head. "On the house."

"You can't keep offering us free things every time we come around," Gal pointed out.

"I can certainly try. This place wouldn't be open if it weren't for you, so as far as I'm concerned, you can have all the free doughnuts you want."

"I'm not going to say no to that," Liam said.

Dennis could hear the humor in his voice. More than that, he knew Liam, so he knew the alpha mate would never take advantage of his position, not even to get free doughnuts. He was happy to go with it when Dennis insisted, but if Dennis didn't say anything, he'd be in line with Gal to pay for the pastries.

Liam winked, grabbed the box, and then moved toward one of the tables. Gal stayed behind, so Dennis waited. He was used to this. Gal checked in on the businesses he'd helped open as often as he could.

"Everything all right with the bakery?" Gal asked.

He was talking to Dennis, but his gaze followed his mate through the bakery. There were no dangers here except the scalding coffee, but Gal was always like that. It made Dennis wonder if he would be the same with his mate.

He was fine on his own. He didn't need a mate when he had everything else he could ever want—the house that finally felt like a home, a pride that supported him through every problem, and a job he loved. He'd hated his life before, but not anymore. Not since Gal had arrived.

Dennis was working hard to repay the alpha and the pride, even though it wasn't necessary. Gal had been clear when he'd offered Dennis his help. The pride had helped buy the bakery, and while Gal was fine with Dennis repaying him, there was no rush. This would never have happened if Alpha Carter had still been the leader. Dennis owed his new life to Gal, and that wasn't something he would ever forget. He would be loyal to his alpha, whatever happened.

* * * *

"I can't believe he kicked you out," Kyle's grandfather said.

Kyle could believe it easily. He'd known this was coming, and he suspected his grandfather had, too. He hadn't said anything, but their entire family was aware of how Alpha Davis felt when it came to Kyle.

Kyle had ruined Alpha Davis's future with his mother. He'd taken his mother away from the alpha, and now, Alpha Davis would take Kyle's home away from him. He could use the excuse that Kyle didn't belong and that, as a tiger, he shouldn't live with wolves, but it was bullshit. Alpha Davis resented Kyle's existence. He hated that because of Kyle, Kyle's mother hadn't married him.

There was also the fact that Kyle's father was an alpha. He wasn't the alpha of their pack, but he had a pride. Kyle had no say in how the pack was led, but as an alpha's son, he might get it into his mind that he should take over the pack. Alpha Davis had several children, including an heir, but he was still afraid of Kyle.

It was ridiculous. Kyle didn't want to be an alpha. He'd never wanted to be, and he doubted that would change. The problem was that there was only one other place where he could go, and he didn't know how his father would react.

"He can't do this," Christopher said, anger clear in his voice. "You were born here. You grew up here. This is your home as much as ours, and no one cares that you're a tiger shifter."

That wasn't true. Christopher didn't care, and neither did the rest of their family, but other people did. Kyle had always been in an odd position. He was a pack member, yet at the same time, people didn't fully view him as one. It might have been different if he'd been a wolf shifter like his mother, but instead, he'd taken his father's form.

Kyle had heard about packs and prides who welcomed everyone and didn't care what animal they shifted into, but that wasn't how things went here. Everyone in the pack was a wolf shifter.

Except Kyle.

He forced himself to smile. He didn't want his family to worry about him. He might not be a pack member anymore, but that didn't mean he'd walk out of their lives entirely. Maybe he'd move to the closest town so he could stay close. "I promise I'll let you know where I end up."

"What are you talking about?" Kyle's grandfather asked.

"Exactly what I said. I'll let you know what happens. I'm not sure where I'll go, but I'll find something. I just need a job, right?"

"You're not really going to leave, are you?" Christopher asked.

"What other choice do I have? Alpha Davis asked me to leave, which means I'm officially kicked out of the pack. If I try to stay, he'll have his guards step in, and I don't want that." No matter how strong Kyle was, he couldn't hold his own against all the guards in the pack.

"I know you can't stay, but it doesn't mean we'll be separated. If you're not welcome here, then I'm not staying," Jennifer said.

Kyle shook his head. "You have to. This is your home."

"It was yours, but the alpha kicked you out without a good reason. If you're leaving, so am I," Jennifer said, crossing her arms over her chest and setting her jaw.

Kyle could see she wouldn't change her mind, so he turned to his grandfather for help. Unfortunately, it looked like his grandfather felt the same as Jennifer.

"We're coming with you," he declared.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Kyle should have expected it, but he'd thought his family would realize that their place was here while his wasn't. He might be leaving, but that didn't mean they'd never see each other again. Kyle wasn't sure he'd be welcome for visits, but that wouldn't stop him from trying. If he wasn't allowed in, they could see each other in the closest town or wherever he ended up. They could use phones, video calls, and things like that.

"I don't even know where I'm going," he explained.

"What about your father?" Jennifer asked. "You think he'd take us in?"

"I don't know. I've never heard anything good about him, so I doubt it."

"But you could start there. Even if he doesn't want you in his pride, he'll have to accept you, right? You're his son and, technically, the future alpha of that pride."

Kyle grimaced. He didn't want to be the future alpha of anything, let alone of a pride he didn't know. He couldn't even remember what his father looked like. He knew he'd met him a few times when he was little more than a toddler, but that was thirty years ago. He'd looked into the man when he turned eighteen and had been curious, and he hadn't liked what he'd found. He'd decided to stay away, and while he'd checked again a few years back, it had been to find out that his father was still an asshole.

"I don't think becoming a pride member is a possibility," he said.

"But you said he's not a good person," Christopher said. "Maybe you could take his place. You could become the alpha."

"I don't want to fight with him, especially not for a pride I don't know."

"I agree that you shouldn't go there ready for a fight, but it's worth a try," Kyle's grandfather said. "We can't stay here. That means we need to find another place to call home, and Green Hill is as good as any."

This would be much easier if Kyle were on his own, but he could tell that his family wouldn't let this go. Where he went, they went.

That terrified him. He didn't know what he'd do if their lives were ruined because they'd insisted on following him, but part of him was glad he wouldn't be alone. He didn't really care about the pack. He certainly didn't care about Alpha Davis. The only people who mattered to him were in this room, and if they left with him, he'd be fine. He disliked the thought of leaving his mother behind, but she was gone and wouldn't come back. Kyle needed to take care of what remained of his family, and since they were coming with him, that meant finding a new home.

Kyle didn't want to go to Green Hill, but it looked like he wouldn't have a choice. It was the only place he had a right to call home, even though he'd never been there. He didn't want to take the pride from his father, but he might have to if it meant finding his family a new home.

What the fuck was he supposed to do with a pride?

Having a pride would be the easiest way to keep his family safe, though. It didn't even matter that they would be wolves amongst tigers. They didn't care that Kyle was a tiger, and he hoped the pride wouldn't care that they were wolves. He'd have no way to know until he got to Green Hill, though. Last he'd heard, the pride wasn't doing so well, but maybe things had changed. He didn't see why they should have, but the way things looked, it was clear he and his family were going to Green Hill.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. He'd known this would be complicated, but he'd thought he'd be leaving alone. Instead, they would have to pack things up for four people and empty the house. They couldn't leave anything behind for Alpha Davis to destroy.

"Fine. You can come with me," he said. "But we can't take everything. We'll have to sell the furniture and anything that's not important."

His grandfather nodded. "We will. You won't have to worry about anything, Kyle. As long as we stay together, our family will be fine."

He might be right, but Kyle couldn't help but wonder. This was the house in which he'd been born and where he'd grown up. The same went for his brother and sister. Because of him, they were forced to leave it behind.

They were forced to leave their mother behind.

But she was gone, and Kyle wasn't. He was very much here, and if his siblings wanted to stay with him, he wouldn't stop them from doing so.

He didn't think he could even if he tried.

* * * *

By early afternoon, Dennis was exhausted. He woke up early in the morning to get to the bakery and start getting things ready, so he was relieved to be able to go home early, too. It was one of the reasons he'd hired Shirley. She'd stay several more hours and sell what remained of the things Dennis had baked, and then she'd close the bakery. She lived close by, and Dennis knew she enjoyed the responsibility of being on her own at the bakery. Gordon would stay for a couple more hours before going home, too.

But Dennis was done for today. He had a few errands to run in town, but he'd be quick.

The mansion where the pride lived really was home now. For a long time, it had been a prison. The pride members hadn't been allowed to leave or have a job, and even in the house, Dennis had felt like there was always someone watching him. It wasn't just their old alpha, but also the people who enabled him. Thankfully, now that Carter was gone and Gal was in charge, things had changed for the better. They were still changing, but only in good ways, like when Gal had kicked out Anne. She'd been a bully to everyone, including her son, and the pride was better off without her.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Dennis called out as he grabbed his backpack.

Gordon stepped into the back room. "Is there anything I can prep so that you get an easier start tomorrow morning?"

Dennis hesitated. He knew Gordon wanted more responsibilities, but he wasn't sure he was ready for them. Still, he'd have to start somewhere. Dennis could give him something to do that wouldn't be vital for tomorrow morning's prep. "I need more strawberry jam. I was going to make it tomorrow, but if you could do it this afternoon, it would be helpful."

Gordon had to be aware it wasn't urgent, but his eyes still lit up, and he beamed. "I'll get right on that, and I'll clean up the kitchen again once I'm done."

"All right. Call me if you need anything, and please, don't make my kitchen explode."

Gordon snickered. "I'm not making any promises."

He'd ruined food a few times, but that was normal. When Dennis had hired him as an apprentice, he'd expected it to happen. He was sure that Gordon could make the jelly without his help. It wasn't hard, but he'd need to be focused.

Dennis said goodbye to Shirley, then left the bakery through the back door after grabbing the boxes he'd left on one of the tables. Once he was outside, he tilted his face toward the sky. The world around him felt like an oven after leaving the air-conditioned bakery, but he didn't mind. It reminded him of the ovens that were always on when he worked. Maybe that was why he loved summer.

Since he was bringing leftovers home, he had to be quick. Thankfully, his errands weren't long. He just wanted a few things from the grocery store to keep in his room at the mansion, and he needed a new pair of shorts after he'd ruined his last good pair the other day. He didn't mind the heat in the bakery, but in July, he'd rather work in shorts than in jeans.

He relaxed as soon as he got home. He still marveled at the feeling sometimes. Before, he felt like he couldn't get far enough from the house. The fear that he'd be locked up again every time he walked into the house was fading. Dennis knew that Gal wouldn't do something like that to anyone, but especially not to the people who worked in town. He wanted the pride to thrive, and the only way to do that was to allow its members to live their lives. They contributed to the pride's accounts as they could, including Dennis.

He was doing his best to repay the money the pride had loaned him so he could open the bakery. Thankfully, one of the pride members was an accountant, so Dennis didn't have to deal with all of that himself. He didn't have a head for numbers, which was one of the reasons he'd thought he wouldn't be able to open the bakery.

But the pride wasn't just a pride anymore. It was a family, and they were working things out as one.

He headed to the kitchen to leave the boxes on the counter. There were a few people in there when he walked in, and they gathered around as if they were famished. Considering how young Jordan and his mate Nestor were, Dennis wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.

"You're not at work?" he asked Jordan.

Jordan shrugged one shoulder and answered around a mouthful of doughnut. "Robin gave me the afternoon off."

Nestor wrinkled his nose, probably at the food in his mate's mouth. He'd grabbed a cupcake, but he was much more polite as he ate it. "Miko stayed with Robin to help him, so we decided to visit."

Dennis nodded. Some of the youngest pride members had moved out. It was odd not to see them every day like before, but it felt good. They needed to start living their lives, and in some cases, it would be impossible for them to do so from the pride house. Dennis, on the other hand, was almost forty, and he didn't have to prove anything. He could have his bakery and continue to live here.

He wouldn't have it any other way.

"Well, enjoy the leftovers. I'm going upstairs to take a shower and a nap."

Dennis wasn't sure how much stuff would be left by the time those two were done, but it wasn't his problem. He'd brought the food, and if someone wanted it, they'd better hurry.

He left the kitchen and stepped back into the entrance, only to frown at the sight of Kevin disappearing through the door by the stairs. What was he doing, skulking around? Dennis was tempted to follow him, but he decided it wouldn't be worth it. Now that Anne had been kicked out, Kevin's claws had been filed. It was almost as if he was doing his best to become one with the walls around the house. Dennis hadn't heard him bully anyone since Anne had left, which was a good thing. He doubted that Kevin wanted to be kicked out, too.

Dennis couldn't help but wonder what Kevin was planning. He had a hard time believing that he'd take this lying down. He'd lost his best friend, and there was no way he was happy about that, especially since almost everyone else in the pride treated him like a pariah. Maybe Dennis should mention something to Gal or Liam the next time he sees them. They'd probably be at dinner.

And if Dennis wanted to be at dinner, too, he needed to get that nap. Otherwise, he'd fall asleep on his plate, which was never fun.

He climbed the stairs slowly and yawned. He was exhausted, but this was what his life was supposed to be like.

He crossed paths with a few people on the way, but none of them stopped him. It was a relief. He felt better once he reached his room and kicked off his shoes. His jeans were the next to go, and for a moment, Dennis stood there, eyes closed and smiling. No matter how tiring this life was, he wouldn't have it any other way.

He heard his phone vibrating in his jeans pocket and leaned down to grab it. He wasn't surprised to see that his friend Taylor was texting him. He wanted to know if Dennis would be at dinner, so Dennis confirmed he would be, then left his phone on his nightstand and went to get a shower.

By the time he was done, he had more messages, and not just from Taylor. His mother had checked in like she did every day. It had taken some time for Dennis to get used to the new pride, but it was worse for his parents. They were older, and they'd lived under Alpha Carter's rule much longer. Dennis suspected that sometimes, they were still afraid that this was too good to be true, but for the first time in decades, they'd left the pride to visit family. They would only be gone for a few weeks, but Dennis's mother had texted more often than usual since they'd left, as if she couldn't believe he'd be safe without her and his father here.

They'd get used to it, too. Everyone in the pride would. Dennis had a life he could never have imagined, with only one thing missing.

Someone to share his newfound freedom with.