Page 61 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

Breathe, Lila. You've got this,I tell myself as the cool night air hits my face, the full moon's glow washing over my skin. My wolf stirs within me, eager to be set free. I close my eyes, letting the transformation take hold. Bones shift, fur sprouts, and in an instant, I'm on four paws, my senses heightened and alive.

Around me, the pack is shifting too. Axel emerges as a massive brown wolf, his presence commanding and reassuring. Elena, Ethan, and Finn join us, their forms sleek and powerful under the moonlight.

Follow me,Axel's voice resonates through the pack bond, a sensation I'm still getting used to. He takes off into the forest, and we fall into formation behind him, our paws thrumming against the earth in perfect synchronicity.

As we run, my wolf revels in the freedom, the wind whipping through our fur and the scents of the forest flooding our nose.But I keep a part of my human mind present, focused on proving myself to the pack.

The senior members take turns leading us through challenges - leaping over fallen logs, navigating treacherous ravines, and even tracking down hidden scent markers. Each task tests my control and strength, pushing me to my limits.

But with Axel's guidance and my own determination, I meet each challenge head-on. I feel my wolf and I working in harmony, our movements fluid and precise. Axel runs beside me, his pride and approval pulsing through our bond.

As the night wears on and the challenges intensify, I find myself growing more confident in my abilities. The pack dynamic starts to shift, with the senior members beginning to view me not just as Axel's mate, but as a capable wolf in my own right.

By the time we circle back to our starting point, my wolf is howling with joy, and I feel a deep sense of belonging settle over me. The pack surrounds me, their acceptance and welcome palpable in the air.

As the pack disperses, heading back to their respective homes, Axel and I linger in the forest. After retrieving our clothes he leads me to a quiet spot, a small clearing bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the trees. We sit together on a fallen log, our shoulders touching, the warmth of his body comforting against the cool night air.

I take a deep breath, the scents of the forest mingling with Axel's familiar scent. My wolf hums contentedly within me, satisfied with our successful run and the acceptance of the pack.

"You were incredible tonight," Axel murmurs, his eyes shining with pride. "You've come so far in such a short time."

I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder. "It's been a whirlwind," I confess, my voice soft. "Sometimes I still can't believe this is real. That I'm a werewolf, that I'm part of this pack."

Axel wraps an arm around me, pulling me closer. "It's a lot to adjust to," he acknowledges, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my arm. "But you're handling it with such grace and strength."

I smile, warmth blooming in my chest at his words. "I couldn't have done it without you," I tell him, turning to meet his gaze. "You've been my rock through all of this."

His eyes soften, and he leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. "I'll always be here for you, Lila. No matter what."

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hoots of an owl. I feel a tug in my chest, a deep sense of connection to the forest, to the pack, and to Axel.

"I've changed so much," I whisper, giving voice to the thoughts swirling in my mind. "Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. It's like I'm seeing the world through new eyes."

Axel nods, understanding etched on his features. "The wolf changes you," he agrees, his voice gentle. "It heightens everything - your senses, your instincts, your emotions. But at your core, you're still you, Lila. The wolf is just another part of you now."

I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, moved by his words and the depth of his understanding. My wolf stirs within me, drawn to Axel's wolf, the bond between us stronger than ever. Unable to help myself, I turn to him, cupping his face in my hands and capturing his lips in a tender kiss.

“Just wait there is so much more for you to see and learn about. We are not the only supernatural beings on the planet.”

Chapter 21

Set Backs

Axel

My eyes roam over the lively scene unfolding in The Night Owl, my chest swelling with fierce pride at the sight of my packmates pitching in to breathe new life into the joint. A cacophony of banging, buzzing saws, and mirthful voices rings out, the music of my pack moving as one. Deep in my core, I feel my wolf rumbling his approval, content to witness our crew in action.

I roll up my sleeves and join in, hauling lumber and drywall alongside my Beta, Ethan. As we work, I keep an eye on the progress, ensuring that everything is running smoothly.

"Looking good, boss," Ethan grins, wiping the sweat from his brow. "This place is really starting to take shape."

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "It is. And it's all thanks to the hard work of our pack."

As I step back to assess the progress, I notice my grandmother, Mabel, deep in conversation with Lila. They're poring over a set of blueprints, discussing the placement of tables and the flow of the kitchen. Mabel's eyes sparkle with wisdom and enthusiasm as she shares her insights with Lila, who listens intently, her own excitement palpable.

Warmth blooms in my chest as I watch the two of them, the connection between them growing stronger with each passing day. Lila has become such an integral part of our pack, and seeing her bond with my grandmother fills me with a sense of rightness.

The renovation of the bar & grill has been progressing steadily, until today. I'm discussing the placement of the bar with the contractor when he informs me that the original plumbing is not up to code and will need to be replaced entirely. I feel a headache coming on as I mentally calculate the additional time and expense this will incur.