Page 19 of Alpha Hunt
“What the fuck…?” He looks around wildly.
Gage beams over at him, a child pressed against his chest. “Savannah…” His voice chokes. I can see his eyes welling with tears as he looks back at his mate. “Savannah just gave us the most perfect little babies.”
Jagger looks stupefied for a moment, then turns attention to me. “And you? You were here for it?”
I nod.
“Holy shit.” He runs a hand through his hair.
“Law…” I begin.
“I turn my back for one moment, and look what happens,” Jagger goes on. A smile is making its way across his face as he looks down at the strange little grouping on the mats in the gym.
“Law!” I say more firmly.
“What, Stone?” he says sharply as he shoots a look at me.
I rise to my feet, pull my shoulders back, and draw in a breath to steady myself for what I’m about to say. “I want to invoke the rite of the mate hunt.”
Jagger’s mouth drops open.
Chapter 8
Edirn
I sit alone in the canteen, lost in thought, as I absently stir my coffee. The events of yesterday still replay vividly in my mind – Savannah’s sudden labor, the frantic rush to deliver the twins safely. It was instinct that drove me, a deep-seated need to protect and assist. I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
The scrape of chairs across the floor breaks me from my reverie. I glance up to see Gage and Jagger approaching, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and elation. They settle across from me, Gage leaning forward with his elbows on the table.
“How are the twins?” I ask.
His smile is tired but radiant. “They’re good. Better than good…amazing,” he begins, his voice heavy with sincerity. “I wanted to thank you for yesterday. For being there for Savannah when I couldn’t be. The Doc gave them the all-clear; twins often come early. But she said that if it hadn’t been for you, your quick thinking and actions… I don’t know what we would have done without you.”
I hold his gaze steadily, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment. “I did what anyone would have done in that situation. I’m just glad Savannah and the babies are alright.”
Jagger chimes in, his usually gruff demeanor softened. “It was more than that, Edirn. You knew exactly what to do, how to guide her through it. You made all the difference.”
I shrug, uncomfortable with the praise. “I’ve had some experience with births before. It’s not something you forget.” I’ve traveled through enough packs to have seen a little of everything and learned what to do in those situations. Childbirth was something that stuck in my mind. The miracle of it…
Gage reaches across the table, clasping my shoulder firmly. “Well, we’re grateful for that experience. And for you being here, being part of this pack. I know it hasn’t been easy, given the circumstances, but you’ve proven yourself time and again.”
I meet his eyes, seeing the genuine warmth and acceptance there. It’s a foreign feeling, this sense of belonging. After years of being an outsider, of being shunned and mistreated, it’s hard to let my guard down. But at this moment, with Gage’s hand on my shoulder and Jagger’s approving nod, I feel a flicker of something I haven’t felt in a long time.
Hope.
That hope flares brighter as Gage goes on. “I was speaking to Savannah and she asked me to tell you that we want you at the naming ceremony to stand as a guardian.”
I blink in surprise. “Guardian?”
“It’s a tradition among our pack,” he goes on. “We choose someone who we believe portrays all the qualities we would want our pups to be surrounded by as they grow. We think you hold all those qualities, Edirn.”
I stay silent, speechless for a moment. “I would be honored,” I finally say, not pointing out that this kind of guardian would need to be around for the long term. Is that what they’re saying?
“Good.” He nods. “Then it’s done. She’s going to be really pleased.”
Jagger breaks in, “Speaking of Savannah. We showed her and Sierra that torn shirt you brought back from Sweetwaters.”
“Did they pick anything up from it?” I ask, almost grateful for the change in subject. I’m not used to feeling such a flood of emotion.