Page 78 of Alpha Awakening

Mayra immediately pulled her into a hug. “Not yet, sweetheart. We haven’t even had dinner yet.”

“I just can’t help it. I’m already missing all of this.”

“If you start crying, I’ll start crying,” Layla said, trying to hide her own sadness.

“I might be the only one not crying tonight,” Ann giggled, getting everyone else to join her.

They’d decided to make it less formal, having a simple buffet with everyone sitting wherever they wanted. Ann and Kareem were, of course, more cheerful than everyone else. Lyliann was trying to tame Darron, who was excited with all the people around while Seth did everything opposite of his mate. Niev sat close to Layla and Michael, wanting to hold Aaron as much as she could and soak in every last bit of baby cuddles. Tristan and Blake were outside with Bear joking around while Mayra chatted with Olivia, who was slowly warming up to the big group of people. Tanner and Bill sat in a corner, watching over the crowd.

As the sun slowly started to set, Blake came and sat by her side. He kissed her cheek and laid his hand on her thigh, gently caressing her with his thumb.

“Is it time?” she asked, trying to fight back her sadness again.

He nodded, giving her an apologetic smile.

She inhaled deeply and stood up with Aaron still in her arms. Walking over to Michael, she gave Aaron another squeeze before handing him back to his father.

Everyone started to gather, and hugs and goodbyes were exchanged. Niev knew this wasn’t a farewell forever. She would return, and they would come visit. Still, it was hard.

After everyone had given her at least two hugs, Mayra squeezed in a few more, and she and Blake walked to the loaded trucks with Kareem and Ann by her side.

“You’ll see them all again,” Ann tried to soothe her.

“I was just telling myself that. I think it’s just Aruna and Emlyn that are making me all emotional.”

Blake helped her into the truck, where she watched him and Kareem make arrangements for their drive. As soon as everything was sorted out, Blake joined her and settled in the driver's seat.

“They’ll follow us, but will let us know when they need a break.”

“Okay.”

Blake took her hand and kissed the backs of her fingers as he started the engine. With Kareem and Ann following them, they drove off. She watched as the small village passed by them and the main house grew smaller. She remembered how she’d become a member of the pack right there on the porch, the warm feeling of coming home wrapping around her one last time.

“Shouldn’t Tanner have freed us from the pack bond?” she asked, scolding herself for not having thought about it sooner.

“No.” Blake shook his head, and she could feel slight regret coming from his bond. “If he would’ve let us go now, we would’ve been rogue and my wolf without a pack. If someone leaves their home pack like we are right now, they stay with their pack until their new alpha welcomes them. It’s easier for the wolves and a less painful transition.”

“So, we’ll automatically lose our old pack bond as soon as Raymond welcomes us?”

“Yes. I didn’t think of explaining this to you. It slipped my mind that you couldn’t have known.”

“Oh, it’s okay. I didn’t think of it either until now.”

She watched as the trees of the Timber Territory flew by and slowly faded. Here and there Ann texted to check on them and Blake encouraged Niev to rest up as much as she could. She dozed off occasionally but was too anxious to fall into a deep sleep.

This time they took more breaks mostly because Niev had to pee so much. Ann and Kareem didn’t mind, and Ann even welcomed the breaks. She didn’t seem to be a huge fan of driving. Though Niev offered to drive for a few hours, Blake didn’t accept.

Finally, a few hours past sunrise, they arrived at the bottom of the mountain road that would lead them to their new home.

Fallon was already waiting for them, greeting them with a bright smile. As he and Blake exchanged a few words Niev took the opportunity to stretch her legs.Ann was deep asleep, so Kareem waited in the truck for them to drive off again.

“How are you, Fallon?” she asked, unable to suppress a yawn.

“I’m good. Shall we get you home?”

“Yes, please.”

Fallon was just as good at maneuvering the rocky terrain as Kareem and just like last time when she’d driven through the dark tunnel for the first time, she couldn’t help but smile when she laid eyes on the little mountain village.