Page 19 of Alpha Awakening

Ann’s house wasn’t far from theirs. It was cozy with lots of flowers on the porch and a little vegetable garden to the side of it.

“Kareem headed to work but will join us for dinner.”

“Where does he work?” Niev asked, stepping into Ann’s sweet and homey living room. The kitchen, unlike what she was used to, was separated and closed off from the rest of the house.

“Stone business. They usually cut and create custom countertops, stone art, and so on.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“How are my little nieces treating you? Have you felt them kick yet?”

Niev followed Ann into the kitchen, where she’d already set up the table. “They’ve been really good. They have kept their legs still so far.”

“Enjoy the peace while you can.”

They all sat and ate while Blake caught Ann up with everything that had happened at home. Ann already knew about the Lycan attack, but wanted to hear all about it from Blake again. When Kai’s name was mentioned and the sacrifice he’d paid trying to save her, tears filled her eyes. She still felt horribly responsible for his death. Laying his hand on her thigh, Blake soothed her pain with circling motions of his thumb.

When she saw how the story affected Niev, Ann quickly got up and hugged her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I know you didn’t. I just have a hard time grasping that he is gone.”

Ann squeezed her tightly. “He was a very brave and loyal soul. We all miss him greatly.”

After a moment of silence, Blake was the first to speak again. “Niev and I were hoping we could wander about a little?”

“Of course you can. Explore as much as you like. I believe Kareem will want to take you on a run as well.”

“Seth said I should definitely take such an offer.”

“You two know where to find me.”

They helped Ann clear the table before she shooed them out of the house. The midday sun was warming up the air, the rays glimmering off the lake. Weaving her fingers with Blake’s, Niev looked at the water.

“How about a walk around the lake?”

“I was just thinking the same.”

Walking along the water, they headed toward the large tree that they thought of as Selene’s tree. The village was busy, with children running around and people curiously eyeing them.

“I didn’t mean to upset you when I talked about Kai,” Blake softly apologized.

“I know. I just still feel guilty for his death. I know I shouldn’t, but I do, and I can’t shake the feeling.”

“I know I’ve told you this, but please don’t think you’re at fault. He was a warrior through and through. It was a great honor for him to die while protecting you.”

“I know and it comforts me to know that. But at the same time, I wish I could’ve healed him.” In an attempt to change the subject, she looked at the water. “Do you think it’s cold?”

“Let’s find out.” Blake quickly kicked his shoes off and stepped into the water. “Not too cold.”

She quickly took her shoes off too and stepped closer. Holding on to his arm, she dipped her toes into the water.

“Much warmer than I would’ve expected.”

Blake picked up their shoes and they continued walking with their feet in the water. The tree seemed larger than Selene’s tree back home, but probably because it was standing all by itself. The branches spread out like a roof over the water and the roots were thick and large, running through the ground all the way to the lake’s shore.

As Niev looked up, she saw someone approach them from the corner of her eye. He was tall with broad shoulders and short, shaggy brown hair.

“I was told that the Timber Wolves also have a tree gifted from the Goddess.”