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

25. Preston

As I walked through the halls of the pack house, the air felt heavy with unspoken judgments and whispered doubts. The faint murmurs of a few pack members drifted to my ears as I passed, their voices low yet piercing. They spoke of mine and Ryker's decision to take in the orphaned pup left in the woods—abandoning him was simply not an option. The chill in their words cut deeper than I cared to admit, asserting that we were foolish for raising a rogue's child, that it would bring danger to our pack and jeopardize everything we had worked for. I clenched my teeth, steeling myself against the disapproving whispers.

The pup had been with us since Ryker returned from the forest, carrying the tiny creature in his arms as if he were the most precious treasure in the world. It was a decision I stood firmly beside, and I refused to let the doubts of others waver my resolve. As I continued my path to the infirmary, I thought of the little one, snug in the nurse's arms, oblivious to the harsh realities surrounding him.

When I finally reached the infirmary, I spotted Morgan and Ryker just outside. Their expressions reflected a mix of concern and hope, as they engaged in a serious discussion with Doctor Decker. As I approached, they all turned their gaze toward me.

"Evening, Alpha Preston," Doctor Decker greeted me warmly, his voice steady—something I found comforting amidst the uncertainty surrounding our situation.

"Evening, Doctor," I replied with a small smile. "How is our pup?"

Morgan stepped forward, her brow slightly furrowed. "He's stable, thank the Moon Goddess. But there are still things we need to keep an eye on."

Ryker's gaze, usually so steady, betrayed a flicker of worry. "What do you mean?"

Doctor Decker took a moment to gather his thoughts, choosing his words with care. "As you know, the pup has Down syndrome. Fortunately, he has no visible health complications at this point, and after his initial check-ups, there were no marks or indicators of distress. Still, as a precaution, I suggest keeping him here in the infirmary for a few days. We want to ensure he's monitored closely."

I absorbed the information, my heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and anxiety. "Is he in any pain? Is he scared?"

"No," Doctor Decker replied. "He's tranquil. Slightly bewildered, perhaps, but he has a strong spirit. We're keeping him in a safe environment where we can observe his responses. He might need a few more tests to ensure his development is on track, but everything looks promising."

I nodded, my heart aching slightly for the little pup, who at this moment was alone and surrounded by people he didn't know. I wanted to reach out to him, to hold him close and promise him that he was safe, that we would love him unconditionally.

"Can we see him?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ryker squeezed my hand, offering silent support. "Of course, let's go."

As I entered the infirmary, the sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the warmth from the bright lights overhead. There, nestled in the warmth of a soft blanket, lay the tiny pup. His eyes were wide and bright, curiosity etched across his small face. He looked so innocent, so fragile. I felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness wash over me.

I approached the bassinet slowly, bending over to get a closer look. Trailing my fingers gently across the edges of the blanket, I marveled at how he squirmed slightly, the blanket rustling as he explored his new surroundings. It was in that moment I understood why the whispers of doubt had no power over me. This little life—this innocent being—deserved our love and protection, no matter the uncertainties that loomed over us.

Morgan came up beside me, her eyes reflecting the same mixture of determination and warmth I felt. "He's perfect, isn't he?" she whispered, her voice barely breaking the silence.

The pup cooed, a soft sound that caught my heart. "He is," I replied, my voice filled with emotion. "And he will be safe with us."

As we gathered around him, I could feel a small sense of peace envelop us. No matter what anyone said, we were bound by a love that transcended our circumstances. Whatever challenges lay ahead—whether they were from the whispers of doubt among the pack or the unknowns that accompanied raising a child with special needs—we would face them together. And together, we would ensure that this pup, our pup, grew up knowing he was cherished, loved, and never alone.

As I stood there, surrounded by my family, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The bond we shared wasn't just about blood; it was about love, courage, and the unwavering belief that we could create a safe and joyful home for this little one. I leaned closer, whispering softly, "Welcome to the family, little one. We've got you."

*****

"When should we expect our engagement?" Morgan asked as we walked through the halls of the infirmary back to the main house, Ryker chuckled as he pulled me close.

"Soon," he replied with a smile pressing a kiss to my temple making me smile.

"You'll need to speak with my parents first and ask them for their blessing," I teased and he gave me wolfish smirk before planting another kiss of my temple."

"And not just the engagement either," Morgan said clearing her throat making me remember that we had company, "I can smell your scent changing and soon enough the whole pack will as well." She stared at me with those intense eyes, "I'm guessing you're waiting until you showing before you tell?"

I felt a blush creeping into my cheeks as I glanced at Ryker, his expression a mixture of affection and shared anxiety. "I didn't want to add any more worry to the mix. Given everything else that's happening, I thought it would be best to keep it to ourselves for a little while."

Morgan studied my face, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You know how special this gift is, right? It deserves to be celebrated and shared. You shouldn't hide it."

Ryker nodded in agreement, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "I think we need to tell your parents, Preston. They deserve to know about this beautiful journey we're about to embark on as a family."

The thought of informing my parents about the little one and our plans to raise him together filled me with a rush of emotions—excitement, fear, a hint of thrill. My parents had always been supportive, but I feared their reaction to the whirlwind of changes we were bringing into our lives.

"Let's not forget the fact that I'd like to ask for your hand in marriage first," Ryker said, his voice playful, but with an underlying seriousness.

I bit my lip, the prospect of him formally asking for my parents' blessing sent butterflies dancing in my stomach. "When do you want to do that?" I questioned, both nervous and eager.

Ryker glanced at Morgan and then back at me, his eyes brightened with anticipation. "How about tonight? I believe it's time your parents hear the truth about our pup and the future we want to build together."

With steady determination, we made our way back to the main pack house. The atmosphere shifted as we walked through the door; the hushed tones of gossiping pack members resurfaced, but this time, I tuned them out. All I could think about was what lay ahead—the love that encompassed us and the family we were ready to create.