My Mate....The Alpha (new version)

23. Preston

**Chapter: A New Beginning**

The sun was beginning to set as we drove back to Moonlit Oasis, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. In the car seat beside me lay our new baby, a tiny miracle we had adopted, born with Down syndrome. I couldn't wait to introduce him to the pack, but I knew the reception might not be as warm as I hoped.

"Are you ready for this?" Ryker asked, glancing over at me, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white with tension.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. "We have to be. This is our family now." I squeezed his hand, grounding myself in the warmth of his touch.

As we pulled into the driveway, I could feel the eyes of the pack on us. Some members greeted us with warm smiles, but others looked on with skepticism. I took another deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. I knew there would be whispers, doubts, and judgments about our decision to adopt a child who was different.

"Look, it's the alpha and his mate," someone muttered from the sidelines, their tone dripping with disdain. "What kind of alpha adopts a pup like that?"

I felt Ryker tense beside me, his wolf stirring restlessly within him. **They don't understand. They don't know what love is.**

**Calm down, Ryker,** I thought back, trying to keep my own emotions in check. **We'll show them.**

As we approached the pack house, I could feel the atmosphere shift. The pack members gathered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and judgment. I knew we had to address their concerns head-on.

"Everyone," Ryker called out, his voice steady despite the anger radiating from him. "I know there are concerns about our decision to adopt this child. I understand that some of you may not agree with it, but I want you to know that this pup is our family now. We will protect him with everything we have."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. I could see the skepticism in their eyes, the doubts etched on their faces. But he pressed on, his voice rising with conviction. "This child was born different, yes. But that doesn't make him any less deserving of love and a home. If you cannot accept that, then perhaps you should reconsider your place in this pack."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. I squeezed Ryker's hand, letting him know I was on his side and I supported him and his decision.

"Those who wish to leave are free to do so," he added, his tone firm and unyielding. "But know this: if you choose to walk away, you will not be welcomed back. We are building a family here, and we will protect it at all costs."

The tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of unity. I could see some pack members exchanging glances, their expressions softening.

"Look, I may have my doubts," one of the older warriors finally spoke up, his voice steady. "But if you believe this is what's best for our future, then I will support you. We are family, after all."

Others began to echo his sentiments, and I felt a swell of pride. This was our pack, our family, and we would stand together.

As the evening wore on, we gathered around the fireplace, the warmth of the flames reflecting the newfound acceptance in the room. I held our baby close, feeling the love radiating from Ryker as he sat beside me, his hand resting protectively on our child.

"See? They're starting to understand," I said, my voice low and soothing.

He smiled, looking at me with a mix of pride and determination. "I knew they would come around. Love is powerful."