Page 26 of Alpha Awakening
“And I assume you also bury your dead there?”
“Yes, though some still wish to be buried by the tree within the mountains.”
Niev’s eyes widened. “You have two trees?”
“Our pack used to only have one, but with our first tree being far away from our settlement we decided to grow one here many generations ago.”
“How far is it?”
“A good hour’s hike.” He curiously eyed Niev before realization settled. “Are you asking because you would like to visit it?”
“Only if it is allowed.”
Beta Fallon’s eyes now rested on Blake. “It is quite a steep hike. The terrain has become rough over the years.”
Blake grinned and looked down to Niev, whose eagerness flowed through the bond. “I don’t think that would bother you, would it?”
“I’m sure you’re more than willing to carry me if it gets too hard.”
Blake couldn’t hold back a laugh. “As if you would let me do that. You’re far too proud not to make that hike yourself.” He turned back to Beta Fallon. “I think it is settled.”
Beta Fallon slightly bowed his head, which made his wolf hum in pride. “I would suggest leaving early in the morning. The sun can be quite burning around this time.”
“So, you will take us there?” Niev’s tone was similar to an excited child.
“It would be my pleasure.”
He directed them to a house a little isolated from the rest. An elderly woman with long grey hair was standing by the porch. As she laid eyes on the three walking closer, her face warmed up.
Beta Fallon introduced them, leading them onto the porch “Luna Charlotte, may I present Blake and Niev Timber.”
Luna Charlotte stretched her hand out, first to Blake, then to Niev. “It is an honor to have you here.” She turned to the door. “Raymond, they are here.”
Alpha Raymond was a man a little older than Blake’s father, with gray hair and beard. His hands felt rough as he reached for Blake and firmly squeezed his hand.
“Finally, I meet Alpha Tanner’s second son.” He turned to Niev and took her hand in his, much gentler than he had Blake’s. “Niev, I’ve heard many things about you. Come in so I may hear all of them directly from you.”
Niev’s heart sped up a notch and fear trickled from her soul. She’d never liked being put in the spotlight and having to retell all her adventures wasn’t something she was looking forward to. Taking her hand in his, he gently ran his thumb over her knuckles.
They followed Alpha Raymond to a formal dining room. The table was nicely set, and steamy dishes were already placed in the midst of it.
“Sit, sit. I’m sure you must be hungry.”
Blake sat opposite Alpha Raymond on the long side of the table with Niev by his side, while Luna Charlotte and Beta Fallon sat to either side of their alpha.
Luna Charlotte smiled at Niev a little apologetic. “I hope that the dishes are alright with you. I know pregnancy and eating doesn’t always go along well.”
Niev’s cheeks tinged pink. “It’s been easy so far. I don’t even experience morning sickness.”
“How wonderful!”
“I have heard you already know the gender too. Is that true?” Beta Fallon handed over the mashed potatoes, and Blake started to add them to their plates while Niev explained.
“We do. Our midwife helped us by having my blood analyzed and could tell us the gender. It’s actually quite common in modern medicine.”
Alpha Raymond studied Niev with warm eyes. “Our way of life must be very different from what you were used to.”
“It is. I’m still trying to get used to all of it.”