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

27. Preston

The sun dipped low in the sky as we drove back to MoonLit Oasis, the golden light casting long shadows on the winding road. I sat in the passenger seat, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Today was monumental; we were bringing our adopted son, Ajax, home from the infirmary.

"Everything will be alright, love," Ryker said, his voice steady and reassuring as he pulled up to the pack infirmary. His grip on the steering wheel was firm, but I could sense the tension radiating from him. He had called ahead to inform Dr. Decker that we would be stopping by to pick Ajax up today. I had hoped we could take him to meet my parents and siblings, but Decker insisted it was best to keep Ajax at home until he had built a healthier immune system. He had been left out in the cold for too long, and we wanted to ensure his safety.

"We will come meet him once you tell us that it's okay," Mama had said, her voice filled with warmth and understanding as she and Papa walked us to the door after our talk. "And we will also be discussing your mating ritual and wedding."

I nodded, a smile creeping onto my face at the thought of finally uniting with Ryker in front of our families. After exchanging hugs with them and my siblings, we drove back home to our pack, anticipation bubbling within me.

As we entered the infirmary, the familiar scent of antiseptic and warmth enveloped us. "Alphas," Dr. Decker greeted with a warm smile, his demeanor instantly calming my nerves. "He's doing well. We've monitored him closely, and I believe he's ready to go home."

"Thank you, Decker," I replied, my heart swelling with gratitude. "We can't wait to bring him home."

Decker led us to a small room where Ajax lay in a crib, swaddled in soft blankets. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. He was so small, so fragile, yet there was an undeniable strength in his presence. I approached the crib, my heart racing as I gazed down at our son. His little face was peaceful, and I felt a rush of love wash over me.

"He's beautiful," Ryker murmured, standing beside me. I could feel his warmth radiating, a solid presence that anchored me amidst my swirling emotions.

"Are you ready to take him home?" Decker asked, his voice gentle.

"Yes," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "More than anything."

As Decker carefully lifted Ajax from the crib, I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me. This was our son, and I would do anything to keep him safe.

Once we had Ajax bundled securely in my arms, we made our way back to the pack house. The drive felt surreal, a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I knew that our return would not be met with universal acceptance. The whispers of doubt and ridicule had already begun to circulate among the pack, and I braced myself for the reactions we would face.

As we arrived at the pack house, I could see members of the pack gathered outside, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their gazes upon us.

"Stay strong," Ryker whispered, his hand resting on my back, a silent show of support.

"Everyone!" Ryker called out, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "We have something important to share."

I stepped forward, cradling Ajax close to my chest. "This is our son, Ajax. We found him abandoned in the woods, and we've decided to adopt him."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. I could see the mixed reactions on their faces—some were supportive, while others wore expressions of disbelief and disdain.

"He's different," one wolf spoke up, his tone dripping with contempt. "Having a child like that will only make us a target. We'll be seen as weak."

I felt my heart sink at the words, but Ryker stood tall, his presence unwavering. "He is not weak. He is our son, and we will raise him with love and strength. If anyone here cannot accept that, then you are welcome to leave. But know this: you will not be welcomed back."

The tension in the air thickened, and I could feel the eyes of the pack on me, waiting for my response. I stepped forward, my voice steady despite the fear swirling inside me. "Ajax deserves a chance at a loving home, just like any other child. He may have been born different, but that does not define his worth. We will not cower to the opinions of those who cannot see beyond their own ignorance."

>They don't understand us, Preston. They see only weakness, not the strength that comes from love,< Gunnar, my wolf, growled in my mind.

>I know, Gunnar. But we'll show them. We'll prove that our family is strong, no matter what anyone says,< I replied, feeling a surge of determination.

>Let them talk. They're afraid of what they don't understand. But we know the truth. Our son will be a beacon of light, a reminder that love knows no boundaries,< Gunnar continued, his tone softening.

I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of his words wrap around me like a protective shield.

>And if they choose to leave, it's their loss. We will build a family that thrives on acceptance and love, and anyone who can't see that doesn't deserve to be part of it,< I affirmed, my heart swelling with conviction.

Ryker's voice broke through my thoughts. "We will not allow fear to dictate our choices. We are a pack, and we stand together. If anyone here has a problem with our family, I suggest you reconsider your place in MoonLit Oasis."

The room fell silent, and I could see the uncertainty in the eyes of some pack members. It was a pivotal moment, and I felt the weight of our decision hanging in the balance.

>We can do this, Preston. We're stronger together, and our love will guide us through the darkness,< Gunnar encouraged, his presence a steadying force.

Just then, a brave wolf stepped forward, her eyes filled with compassion. "I support you, Ryker and Preston. Love is what makes a family, not the circumstances of a child's birth."

A ripple of agreement spread through the crowd, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Thank you," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "Together, we can show the world that love is our greatest strength."

As the pack began to rally around us, I felt a sense of belonging wash over me. We were creating a family that would defy the odds, one filled with love and acceptance.

With Ryker by my side and Ajax in my arms, I knew that we were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. MoonLit Oasis would become a sanctuary for our little family, and together, we would rise above the doubts and fears that threatened to tear us apart.

In that moment, I realized that love was the most powerful force of all, and it would guide us through the darkness, lighting the way to a brighter future.