Page 49 of Ruthless Reign

I can see everyone looking between the three alphas nervously, trying to figure out what is going on. I can't bring myself to face them, so I instead turn to the one person who can probably calm me at this moment. When Luna Grace locks eyes with me, her face softens, an amused smile appearing.

"We have a lot to discuss," she murmurs warmly.

The two kids whip past me, running straight to their father, who picks them up at the same time—one in each arm. Alpha Daxton carries them over to Luna Grace, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

"I just need to debrief everyone then we can head home."

She nods, stroking Leon's arm. The future alpha has his head resting on his father's shoulder, and for a moment, I envy him—to be young and innocent again, free from the knowledge of all the evil in the world. For now, at least.

Alpha Daxton's voice appears in my head as he mind links the entire pack, requesting they make their way to the field.

There's a small chill to the air, and even though we got changed just before we exited the woods, I can't help but shiver in my summer clothing. Given the number of us, it was quicker to shift in the woods, rather than the change rooms inside the facility.

"Here," Cade says, the feeling of something warm being draped over my shoulders.

"Thank you," I mutter sincerely, wrapping myself in the material as I thread my arms through the sleeves.

Lex leans down to my ear, giving me a soft kiss on my jawline. "I just need to speak to Knox before your pack arrives. I'll be back in a moment."

"Okay," I answer, smiling. "I'll be here."

I watch him and Knox break away from the group, heading toward the facility. Turning back to my parents, I'm stunned to find them in deep conversation with Cade, the two of them laughing at one of his ridiculous jokes. Maverick has moved away and is now speaking to his own members, so I awkwardly stand to the side, feeling like a fourth wheel.

"Nyx, join us," Cade says warmly, holding his hand out to me.

When I place my hand in his palm, I instantly feel a calming presence wash over me. I wait for him to let go, but instead, hethreads our fingers, holding my hand as he continues chatting to my parents.

"Yes, it was a surprise to me as well," I hear him tell Mom and Dad. "But we had a feeling she was the one. Though, I do feel a little guilty for whisking her away without notice."

My eyebrows shoot up, as do Dad's. I can't believe he's admitting to them what he did, or the fact that my dad isn't punching him in the face. It's the tone—the lunatic has a way of providing information in a chilled way. I see Mom glance over at me, watching me carefully. I avoid looking at her for too long, too stunned to say anything.

Before long, the sound of footsteps and chatter grows louder as people make their way to the field. As I stare at the forming crowd, my heart beats excitedly as I spot Reese and Sarah holding hands. When he spots me, he gives a big wave, his grin matching hers.

"Apparently, they have been going at it like rabbits," Lena mentions quietly, pushing into my arm. "Sarah had to call out of work a few times."

"You're kidding," I laugh. "Our Reesey?"

She grins. "My money is on Sarah falling pregnant first."

"I'll take that bet," I mumble, my eyes lighting up as I tell her about Marie's medicine. I wonder if the witch would give me some for my own personal supply. Lena would love it.

When the rest of my pack arrives, Alpha Daxton stands at the front, updating them on recent events—including the fact that Maverick and Cade are also my mates. He also makes a point of telling the pack that we know who attacked Tyler, and when I glance around, I find his parents easily. They watch on quietly with watery eyes, but as Alpha Daxton promises them that they will get their retribution, they nod, cheeks glistening with fallen tears.

I feel eyes on me constantly, but no one says anything thankfully. I stick close to my parents, linking arms with Mom, as Dad stands protectively on my other side. The other alphas are at the front with Alpha Daxton, and when the pack is excused, I make my way over.

Alpha Wyatt smiles at me as I approach, giving me a pleasant nod. "Hopefully, I'll see you again shortly," he says.

"Are you leaving?" I ask, bewildered. It's dark now, so I would have assumed that they would stay the night.

"Yes, I need to get back to Eve," he answers. "I don't like leaving her alone, especially since Orson knows about our news."

I nod, understanding completely. "Give her our congratulations. I'm sure we'll see you soon."

"Goodbye, little Nyx," he grins, ruffling up my hair, much to my annoyance. "Keep these assholes on their toes."

Chapter Twenty

Nyx

---