The Reluctant Path

Part 3

As the days passed, the baby's presence became a quiet but powerful source of light within the pack. Aveline, with newfound resolve, cared for the child, and in doing so, gradually regained a spark of her former self. The baby's green eyes, identical to those of Roderick's late daughter, stirred bittersweet memories within the family. Those eyes once lost with their beloved child, now seemed to have returned to this new life, serving as a poignant reminder of what had been taken from them.

For Roderick and his mate, the resemblance was both haunting and comforting-a tether to the daughter they had mourned. Each glance into the baby's eyes felt like a window to the past as if their lost child had left behind a part of herself, bringing with it sorrow and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Though Roderick was grateful for the solace the baby brought, his mind remained troubled by the mystery surrounding her abandonment. Determined to uncover the truth, he, with Aveline's unwavering support, embarked on a journey to find the answers they needed.Roderick assembled a small group of trusted pack members, including Erik, the Beta, and Lydia, the new Gamma. They gathered in the Alpha's office, a room filled with maps and documents detailing the pack's territory.

"Alright," Roderick began, his voice steady but with an undertone of urgency. "We need to find out who left this baby here and why. It's not just about the child; it's about understanding if there's a threat or reason behind this. Erik, Lydia, any insights?"

Erik, a solid presence with a thoughtful expression, nodded. "We've already sent out scouts to canvass the surrounding area. We need to check any recent activities, sightings, or strange occurrences in the vicinity. Someone had to have passed through the area recently."

Lydia, the new Gamma, leaned forward, her brows furrowed in concentration. "I've spoken to a few of the pack members who patrol the borders. They reported seeing a stranger in the vicinity of the clearing a few nights ago. It was fleeting, but it might be a lead. We should investigate further."

Roderick's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information. "We need to find this person. There must be a reason for abandoning a human child in the forest, especially one so young."

The investigation began in earnest. Scouts combed the forest, searching for any clues that might lead them to the individual who had left the baby behind. They questioned travelers and nearby villagers, trying to piece together any information about unusual events or sightings.

Meanwhile, Aveline remained dedicated to caring for the baby. Her involvement in the child's life seemed to bring her a semblance of peace, and she worked diligently to ensure the baby's well-being. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, and the pack, seeing her renewed sense of purpose, rallied around her.

As the moonlight filtered softly through the curtains, Roderick and Aveline prepared for bed in the quiet of their room. The gentle sound of the baby's breathing filled the space, her small bed nestled beside Aveline. Aveline, already lying under the covers, glanced over at the baby with a tenderness in her eyes, though her thoughts seemed far away.

Roderick, sitting on the edge of the bed, noticed the lingering heaviness in her expression. "You're thinking about Cedric, aren't you?" he asked gently, sensing her mood.

Aveline sighed, her voice soft but laced with regret. "I am... I've been thinking about him a lot lately," she admitted. "He's strong now, and I'm so proud of him, but I can't shake the feeling that I failed him."

Roderick turned to face her fully, his brows knitting together in concern. "Failed him? Aveline, you've always done everything you could for Cedric."

She shook her head, her gaze dropping to the blanket she was clutching. "No, I haven't. There were times when I was so lost in my own grief, I didn't see him struggling. I wasn't there for him the way a mother should've been. I wasn't the best mother he needed. I failed as his mother, as your mate, and as the Luna of this pack."