Chapter 4

" A ri, please come in. Take a seat," Alpha Mortlock greets me as he gestures for me to enter the room. It's still early, but I needed to see him, and he instantly agreed when I called this morning. After a night of tossing and turning, I knew that we needed to have this conversation. Dreams had plagued me all night—demons taunting me as they stole my family, of Tori calling to me, begging for my help as I ran after her…but she was always just out of my reach.

I step into the house, and Alex, Killian, and Seb follow me, their large bodies filling the space and making the room feel small. I'd wanted Eric to come as well, but he declined, saying he had no place in the private wolf meeting about pack business. Garett was still with his own pack, but we spoke on the phone this morning. He'd sounded exhausted. The twins had a difficult night and tried to leave the compound to search for Tori. They couldn't seem to accept that she was dead and were starting to go feral. The situation with his brothers is wearing him down, and he feels torn between helping them and being with me. Thankfully, he's coming back to the compound tonight, so I'll be able to rest a bit easier since I'm constantly on edge when he's away from us.

Walking into the living room of the main house, I smile as I see Lena walk in with a tray of coffee, enough mugs for all of us. Seeing my gaze, she smiles and shrugs her shoulders.

"I brought enough for all of your men. I wasn't sure who would be coming, but I knew you wouldn't be coming alone." She busies herself setting the mugs down, pouring coffee from the cafetière into each cup. I shouldn't be surprised at how accepting the pack is of me and my unorthodox relationships. They've been nothing but welcoming since I first met them, but it still takes me by surprise.

Alex shakes hands with the alpha and walks past me to help Lena. He places his hand on her shoulder, insisting that she sit down, before he serves us coffee. The beta serving us… This pack continually blows my expectations out of the water.

"Thank you, Alex, love." Lena places a motherly kiss on his cheek before walking over to the sofa where the alpha is watching us with bright eyes, taking his mate's hand in his own as she takes a seat.

I sit on the opposite sofa in the middle, with Killian on my left, while Seb chooses to sit at my feet, leaning back against my legs. There are plenty of other seats in the room and I want to protest, but he just smiles up at me as if he knows what I'm thinking. Returning his smile, I can't help but compare this to the first time I was in this room. The whole time I was here, I was searching for an exit, not trusting the alpha not to attack me, and I'd only sit on the arm of the couch, whereas now, I sit here comfortably.

Alex hands me a coffee, and I gratefully take it from him, breathing in the heady aroma. Once everyone has a mug, Alex takes the space to my right, nursing his own coffee as his spare hand comes to rest on my knee.

"How can we help you this morning, Ari?" the alpha inquires kindly, and I take a deep breath, reminding myself why I'm here.

"I have two things I need to speak with you about," I begin, dropping my gaze to my lap as the now familiar pain of grief wraps itself around my throat, making my voice tight. "I know I've been ignoring it, but I need to know what's been going on since the attack."

Feeling my distress, the guys start to comfort me. Seb shifts closer and wraps his arm around my leg. Alex reaches out and squeezes my hand where it rests on my leg, and Killian slides his arm around me, rubbing my shoulder.

I've been avoiding any meetings involving the other packs and news of ASP, focusing only on my training and my new family. But I know I can't continue to do that. Shadow Pack isn't going to go away, and with other supernaturals disappearing, things are only getting worse.

Alpha Mortlock sighs but nods in my direction, acknowledging how difficult this is for me, for us. "We didn't want to disturb you while you're grieving, but the situation is deteriorating, and we could use your help."

"What's been happening?" I ask with a frown, leaning forward as the alpha explains.

"As you know, ASP has now stepped in since other supernaturals have started to disappear. They have stayed suspiciously quiet about their attack on us, stating that they were carrying out routine investigations against conspirators against their organisation." Seb snorts at my feet, at which the alpha makes a noise of agreement.

"The agent I killed said that he had taken out ‘target number four,' which means they were hunting her, and she wasn't the only one. Why was Tori a target?" My voice breaks on her name, but I hold the alpha's gaze.

"We don't know." His jaw clenches, and his eyes light with fire. "ASP is currently refusing to answer any of our questions, but we'll find out. I promise you this, Ari." His voice is strong and full of determination, and I find myself nodding in agreement. Whoever was behind Tori's death will pay for what they did.

"You said that things were getting worse. What do you mean? The disappearances?" Killian queries, also leaning forward, tension running through his body .

Mortlock sighs and rubs his hands over his face as Lena leans over and rubs his shoulders to help ease his tension. "There have been some killings recently, the bodies being left behind."

"Shadow Pack?"

"This isn't their usual pattern. Usually, they take someone and then leave their body, marked with their symbol. These bodies have been completely torn apart, missing limbs. So much so, it's been difficult to identify the corpses. They also don't seem to have been moved. It's like the killer stumbled across them and killed them on the spot." His words are troubling, and I don't hide the shudder that passes through me at the idea of more killers being on the streets.

"So, either Shadow Pack has changed their methods, or we have someone else killing supernaturals?" I muse, looking at my hands as I ponder the situation, wondering if ASP could be involved in any way. Although, it doesn't make sense for them to leave the bodies for anyone to find.

"There is something else different about these killings. Everyone who's been killed so far has worked for ASP or been associated with them in some way." My eyes dart up to the alpha's, and I know the guys are just as shocked as I am.

Silence fills the room until Alex clears his throat. "So it could be revenge killings over the attack?"

Mortlock nods at his question, worry lining his handsome face. "It would make sense why the bodies have been left out in the open—a statement to ASP."

"What do the other packs think?" Killian asks, his face severe.

"They're reluctant to meet again in a big group after what happened last time, but I've been in touch with a couple of the alphas. Everyone is worried this is going to end in war."

I have to agree with the alpha. War with ASP is the last thing we need when the Shadow Pack is still killing and abducting supernaturals.

"I need to go back to the Shadow Realm, speak with Em. It's about time I hear him out." I can feel Killian wanting to protest, to tell me it's not safe, to demand that I stay. I turn to look at him, gripping his hand in mine. "I'll be safe. I know how to protect myself," I assure him softly, pushing a little feeling of love down the bond, declaring I'll be safe, and I can feel him beginning to relent.

Alpha Mortlock nods, his face grave. "I hate to ask this of you, Ari, but I think you're right. We need answers, and I think only you can get those for us." Taking a sip of his coffee, he gives me a little smile. "What is the other matter you wished to speak of?"

My heart starts to pound in my chest, and I feel the guys around me sit up, looking for a threat when they hear my heart race and sense my apprehension. A small, nervous smile crosses my lips as I look at them before meeting the alpha's eyes.

"If it's still available, I would like to officially take my place within the pack."

I feel the shock of everyone in the room, but I keep my eyes locked on the alpha as a large grin fills his face.

"Well, it's about damn time."

"Why now?"

I stir from my place in Garett's arms and look up at his handsome face. After my conversation with the alpha, I'd called Garett to explain, and he immediately came over.

Now, sitting with all five of my guys, I soak up their company, enjoying the moment of peace before the ceremony tonight. Apparently, being accepted as an official member is a big deal, so the whole pack has been called together. Our allies have been invited as well, including Garett and Eric.

Sitting in Garett's lap, I shrug, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around me. I've missed him, and I'm making the most of this moment, knowing he'll probably have to go back to his pack after the ceremony.

"It felt right," I reply, struggling to find the words to explain the complex mass of feelings that's been sitting in my chest. "This place has felt like home for a while, and with everything that's going on, I don't want to die being the wolf that didn't belong."

"No talk of dying," Killian growls out from the other side of the room, his gaze locked on me as he combs out his long hair. "But even if you weren't welcome here, you would always have a home with us, even if we had to start our own pack." His comment surprises me. Not that Killian wouldn't leave Moon River, he's never fully felt like he belonged here, but the fact he would accept the others in a pack of our own is a big deal. He's mentioned it before, but I hadn't realized he was serious.

Having more than one alpha in a pack doesn't tend to work, as there is a constant power struggle for who's in control. But when Killian's pack was killed, Alpha Mortlock allowed him to stay if he agreed not try to take control of Moon River Pack. Because of this, he's always felt like an outsider. Not fully belonging, an alpha with no pack.

Frowning, I look around at the others. Surely they didn't feel the same? "I couldn't do that to you guys though. Alex is pack beta, it would kill him to leave the pack behind. And what about Seb? He wouldn't want to leave Jessica."

"I would though," Alex states, surprising me. "I'd leave if they didn't accept you. For you, I would give up being a beta, even if it meant I had to call this bastard ‘Alpha,'" he jokes with a gesture at Killian, who in return, flips him off.

I shake my head at their antics, but I can tell they are telling the truth. They would leave everything behind for me. Thankfully, they don't have to, but it warms something inside me that they would do that for me.

"I also wanted everyone to have a home," I explain quietly, "in case anything happens to me." I know none of them want to think about that, but now that I'm pack, Garett and Eric will be offered a place with them if I die. Losing Tori has made me think more about what will happen to those I leave behind .

Feeling them all crowd around me, I savour this time we spend together, their scents filling my nose and making me feel safe. Need starts to build up in me as their hands touch my skin, all seeking to get closer to me. I see the moment they sense my arousal from the dilation of pupils and the hitch in their breathing, making me want them all the more.

A knock at the door has Killian and Alex snarling at the interruption, but Seb peels himself away and opens the door. I hear quiet voices from the doorway, and I know it's time for us to leave, but everyone seems reluctant to let go. My eyes pass over them and land on Eric, who's trying to school his expression, but he isn't quick enough to hide it—a look of pure happiness and peace. It may not have been how he imagined, but he's found a home here too. I make a note to spend more time with him. As the newest member of our relationship, I worry that he feels left out, but I'm still coming to terms with how he fits with us.

Seb re-enters the room and leans against the doorway, watching us with lust filled eyes and his signature smile. "I hate to interrupt whatever is about to happen here, but you're missing your party."

This causes the guys to chuckle as they start to untangle themselves from me. Unlike some parties where you're required to dress up, these ceremonies are the opposite. After the wolf is accepted into the pack, everyone shifts and takes part in a run, which makes clothing impractical. Instead, everyone is dressed in loose clothing, which will be easy to remove when needed. Even Eric will be shifting into his demon form, which I'm equal parts nervous and excited to see. I haven't seen that side of him before. Although, he's been more relaxed around me and recently allowed me to feel some of his otherworldly power.

We all leave the house in silence, walking barefoot towards the clearing in the woods where pack runs and other important ceremonies are conducted. The atmosphere is full of nervous excitement, and as I glance around, I see small smiles on the guys' faces. Even Killian has lost his trademark scowl, and when I meet his gaze, a surge of love and something that feels like pride runs down the bond.

When we reach the clearing, we're greeted by a symphony of voices as many of the pack members call out to us with well wishes and congratulations. Even Garett is greeted by name from several of the younger male wolves he's been getting friendly with. Since he's been spending so much time here, he felt it was important to give something back to the pack and has been working with the young wolves, training them on strength and fitness. I even caught him playing a game of basketball with them the other day.

While I'd expected Garett to be welcomed, I wasn't as sure about Eric. Shifters don't tend to associate with other supernaturals, so I thought the pack would struggle to accept a demon, but it was the opposite. Sure, they'd been wary at first, since they had recently suffered from an attack, but they accepted him here for me. Once they began to work with him, and they saw him as a truly caring and talented doctor, they seemed to look past his species and accept him for the man he is.

A blur catches my attention before I'm tackled to the ground. Since I've accepted my wolf and my shadow powers, I've been able to feel and do things I never could before, so I know I'm not in danger as my wolf instincts don't react at all to protect me.

Grinning up at the little girl ‘pinning' me to the ground, I wrap my arms around her, tickling her sides until she falls off me in heaps of giggles.

"Ari! Seb tells me you're becoming pack! I didn't understand what he meant because I thought you already were. See, Seb says that pack is family, and you already are part of our family," Jessica announces, her words coming out fast as she tries to tamp down her excitement. "But then he said that you're going to stay here and help protect us."

She stares up at me, and I see the vulnerability in her eyes, even though she tries to hide it. My heart aches, and without a word, I sit up and open my arms. She immediately crawls over from where she was sitting in the grass and climbs into my lap. Wrapping my arms around her, I bury my nose into her hair, inhaling her fresh scent. As I hold her, I realise she's right—I don't have to do this ceremony to become part of their family, since I already am. But I've made up my mind. I'm doing this for the guys and for Jessica, so she doesn't have to worry about losing any more of her family, but I'm also doing this for me. I want a place to truly call home.

"You're right—we already are family. But this means I get to stay here with all of you. I won't have to leave any more," I explain, pressing a kiss to her forehead, enjoying the wide smile that beams across her face. Climbing off my lap, she tilts her head to one side as if she's contemplating something, her little face screwed up in concentration.

"So, does this mean you can marry Seb now? Then we would be sisters and you can keep us safe!" Her voice is bright and full of hope.

Whoa, what?

The question fills me with panic, and I look around, wide-eyed, at the guys for help. Killian is scowling, Eric and Garett look like they're trying to hold back their laughter, and Seb falls dramatically to the ground next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"Yeah, Ari! Are you going to marry me now?" he teases, his grin wide. The bastard is enjoying my discomfort.

"Um," I answer, completely lost for words until I look back at Jessica. Her face has fallen since she sensed my hesitation. She needs this, she needs my assurance that I'll stay in their lives. Gesturing for her to come closer, I kneel in front of her so we're face to face.

"Jessica, I will always try my best to protect you and keep you safe, whether I marry Seb later down the line or not. Family isn't made through marriage, it's made up of those who care about you." I press my forehead to hers as I've seen some wolves do with their pups in a gesture of love and trust. "I don't need a piece of paper to tell me that we're family."

Something resonates within me as I speak, like a fog has lifted, and I finally understand. Family is what we make it. Alpha Black and Shadow Pack may have sired and raised me, but they are not my family. My family is larger than I thought, not just made up of my guys, but their families too.

There is one thing I know for certain—I will do just about anything to keep the people I love around me safe, and I pity those who try to come between us.