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

30. Ryker

The soft light of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across our room in the MoonLit Oasis. I leaned against the doorframe, my heart swelling with pride and anxiety as I watched Preston. He had just put Ajax down for his nap, and the gentle smile on his face was enough to make my heart race. I loved this man more than words could express, and the thought of our family growing filled me with a mixture of excitement and dread.

"I think we should gather the pack and tell them that we're expecting our first biological child within the next few months," Preston said, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of emotion.

Those words hung in the air, heavy with significance. I pushed myself off the doorframe and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. "You really think it's time?" I asked, searching his eyes for reassurance. "With everything going on?"

Preston nodded, his determination shining through. "Yes, I do. They deserve to know. We've faced so much together, and this is a part of our journey. Plus, we need their support now more than ever."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. "You're right. They'll be thrilled. But we also need to prepare them for the challenges ahead. The rogues have been getting bolder lately, and I don't want anyone to feel threatened or scared."

He leaned into me, and I could feel his warmth seep into my skin. "I know. It's just... I want this moment to be special. We've waited so long for this, and I want our pack to celebrate with us."

I brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, my heart aching at the love I felt for him. "Then let's make it a celebration. We can set up a gathering in the clearing tonight. We'll tell them about Ajax, and then we'll share our news. Together."

As we prepared for the gathering, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my gut. The rogues had been growing bolder, their presence felt more frequently around the borders of our territory. I had received reports of skirmishes, of pack members being harassed, and the tension was palpable. But tonight was about more than just the threat of rogues; it was about our family, our future.

The clearing was alive with the sounds of the pack as we stepped outside. The familiar faces of our friends and family gathered under the ancient oak tree, their laughter and chatter filling the air. I felt a surge of gratitude for this community that had stood by us through thick and thin. They were more than just pack members; they were family.

As we approached, the energy shifted. The chatter quieted, and all eyes turned to us, expectant and curious. I could feel the weight of their gazes, the anticipation hanging thick in the air.

"Thank you all for coming," I began, my voice steady but my heart racing. "We have some important news to share with you tonight."

Preston stepped forward, his eyes shining with excitement. "As many of you know, we adopted Ajax a few months ago. He's brought so much joy into our lives, and we are grateful for the love and support you have all shown us as we navigated that journey."

The crowd murmured in agreement, and I felt a swell of pride for the little boy we had taken in. He was special—more than just our son; he was a light in our lives, a reminder of the love that could flourish even in the darkest of times.

"And now," Preston continued, his voice gaining strength, "we have even more news. We're expecting our first biological child together in just a few months!"

The clearing erupted into cheers and applause, the sound echoing through the trees. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I took in the joy on the faces of our pack. This was a moment I had dreamed of, a moment that felt almost surreal. But just as the celebration began to take hold, a shadow fell over the gathering.

The air grew tense, and the laughter faded into whispers of unease. I scanned the treeline, my instincts kicking in. The rogues had been a constant threat, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to go horribly wrong.

"Stay alert," I commanded, my voice low but firm. "We've been hearing reports of rogues in the area, and I don't want to take any chances."

Just as I finished speaking, a loud crash echoed from the edge of the clearing. My heart dropped as a group of rogues emerged from the shadows, their eyes wild and predatory. I instinctively stepped in front of Preston, my body tensing as I prepared to defend the family we had just announced to the world.

The lead rogue, a tall figure with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, his presence exuding menace. "You think you can just live in peace here? This territory belongs the Rogue King now."

Before I could respond, a low growl erupted from the trees, and the ground seemed to shake as a massive figure emerged. The familiar white wolf of Princeton, stepped into the clearing, his eyes locked onto the rogues with an intensity that sent a chill down my spine.

"Leave this place," he growled, his voice like thunder as he shifted to his human form, the rest of the Savage-King packs stood behind him, blending with be trees. "You have no claim here, and you will not harm this pack."

The rogues hesitated, their bravado faltering in the face of the former Savage-King alphas' grandson. I could feel the tension in the air, the fear and uncertainty rippling through our pack. But I also felt a surge of hope. We were not alone; we had allies and family, and we would fight for our home.

"Ryker," Preston whispered, his voice barely audible over the chaos. I turned to him, my heart aching at the fear in his eyes. "What do we do?"

"Stay close to me," I said, my voice steady. "We'll protect our family."

The rogues, sensing their advantage slipping away, began to retreat, but not before one of them lunged forward, aiming for Preston. My instincts kicked in, and I moved without thinking, intercepting the attack with a fierce growl. I felt the impact as I collided with the rogue, my body slamming into his with a force that sent him sprawling to the ground.

The clearing erupted into chaos as the pack rallied behind me, their loyalty and courage shining through. We fought together, side by side, defending our home and our family. Princeton led the charge, his powerful presence inspiring us all.

As the dust settled and the last of the rogues fled into the darkness, I turned to Preston, my heart racing. "Are you okay?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

He nodded, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and relief. "I'm fine. I was so scared..."

I pulled him into my arms, holding him tightly as the rest of the pack gathered around us, their faces a mixture of worry and determination. "We'll always protect you," I promised, my voice firm. "No matter what happens, we're in this together."

The night wore on, the celebration overshadowed by the attack, but the bond we shared only grew stronger. As we stood together, surrounded by our pack, I knew that we would face whatever challenges lay ahead. We were a family, and together, we would fight for our future.