Page 81 of The Night Wolf
Sean held up a hand and ticked off with each finger. “Stronger. Faster. Bigger. Longer life. More resilient. And your wolf will be the largest anyone has ever seen. Think the size of a rhino. She did that so you would always prevail in a fight. Anyone who tries to take you on will find themselves regretting that choice very quickly.”
“I love how you know all this.”
He shrugged. “I was her vessel”—he reached up and rubbed a hand over his shoulder—“and a part of her is always going to be with me. I can answer specific questions, but beyond that, we’re going to have to find our own path. That’s what she wants. You to remake wolf society in your image.”
“So no pressure, right?”
“You did it with Lydon. You made it a place anyone would be happy to be a member. Now you need to do it with all the packs under your care.”
The task was daunting, but Gareth wouldn’t buckle under. He could—would—do this. And as long as Sean and the kids were at his side, he would come out better for it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
THREE DAYSlater, Sean and Gareth were packed and ready to go. Everyone had helped them get things together in the new jet-black armored Escalade Lyram had gotten from somewhere. The fact that it wasn’t there when they went to bed and it sat in the drive the next morning proved they were doing the right thing by leaving the pack in Lyram’s hands.
Dani leaned over and stroked a hand over their son’s face as she cooed. She turned her attention to Sean. “Are you sure you have everything? Diapers, formula, their binkies?”
Sean had confided in Gareth about how he loved the way Dani fussed. She wanted everything perfect, and he appreciated that.
“You packed it, so I know we’re good.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m going to miss you. You are what every child should have for a mother—kind, sweet, and patient to a fault.” He paused a breath, likely trying to come up with the right way to say what he had to. “Give Caleb time. What Kristopher did to him was traumatic. He’s got a lot to process.”
She sneered. “That’s all those bastards did: hurt, maim, kill. Every time I think about Caleb, I see what Mother did to Kristopher, and I don’t feel the least bit bad for him.” She sighed. “Lyram’s been spending a lot of time with Caleb.” She placed a kiss on their daughter’s cheek. “Are you ever going to give them names? I hate calling them Boy and Girl Blackthorn.”
Sean looked to Gareth, who gave a nod.
“After Lyram finally finished our wedding, we went back to the room and talked about names. We’ve decided on Ethan Caleb and Adira Daniella.”
Dani froze, her eyes misty. “I’m sorry, what?”
“The names we gave them mean ‘strength,’ which they’re both going to need in the future as Omegas. They’re going to have to step up and show the world what it means. Everyone seems to have forgotten, so we’ll have to show them. Their middle names are for the two people who mean the most in the world to me. The ones who gave me a home and reminded me that family wasn’t a dirty word.” Sean leaned in close. “Is that okay?”
Her eyes crinkled in the corner a moment before she burst into tears and threw herself into Sean’s arms.
“It’s perfectly fine. I’ve come to love you like you were my son. I’m proud of you in so many ways.” She sniffled. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Hey, it’s not like we’re not coming back.” Gareth rubbed her back. “You’re still our family, remember? We’ll be here whenever you need us.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just emotional.” She straightened. “Before you go, I do need one more thing from you both. Grab the babies and come with me.”
“And you couldn’t tell us this before we were all packed and ready?” Sean kidded.
Dani scowled. “I’m sorry if my mind isn’t working all that well. There are so many changes happening, I’m….” She sighed. “I’m having trouble keeping up with everything.”
“Hey.” Sean leaned in and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “We’re teasing. Come on, we’ll follow you.”
Sean picked up Adira and Gareth lifted Ethan from her car seat. “Ready.”
She led them to the house, and Gareth sensed what was coming. It was hard to surprise a wolf. She pushed open the door, and the room erupted in “Surprise” calls from everyone inside. They stepped over the threshold and were absorbed into the throng of guests, who slapped them on the back or wished them well or just wanted to adore the kids.
Dani came over to Gareth and took Ethan. “Lyram wants to have a word with you. He’s in the office.”
Before he could reply, Dani snuggled Ethan to her and went into the kitchen. Gareth nodded to Sean, who smiled at him, then walked down the corridor to what used to be his office. He was about to open the door when he realized it was no longer his. He knocked.
“Come in.”
He pushed the door, and it opened on Lyram sitting on the sofa with Caleb.
“You wanted to see me, Alpha?”
