Chapter 85
Rose’s POV
The crackle of flames danced in the air, casting flickering shadows across the faces of those gathered around the fire pit. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our impromptu celebration.
Sawyer sat beside me, a wide grin stretched across his face as he basked in the warmth of the fire and the glow of his recent appointment as the new Alpha for Jacob’s pack. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and disbelief, still processing the weight of the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.
Ashton stood nearby, his expression a mix of pride and determination as he surveyed the scene before him. He had orchestrated Sawyer’s appointment with precision, recognising his friend’s unwavering loyalty and unmatched skill as a warrior.
“To Sawyer!” Ashton raised his glass, his voice ringing out above the crackling fire. “May you lead Jacob’s pack with strength and compassion, just as you have always done for ours.”
We all echoed Ashton’s sentiment, raising our glasses in a toast to Sawyer’s newfound role. Lydia beamed beside me, her hand intertwined with mine sa she shared in the excitement of the moment.
As the celebration continued, Ashton’s gaze found mine, a serious look settling over his features. I felt a sense of anticipation knotting in my stomach as he approached, his eyes searching mine for understanding.
“Rose, Lydia,” Ashton began, his voice low but firm as he sat down beside us. “I’ve been thinking about taking a trip to Jacob’s pack tomorrow. They need us to fix what Jacob destroyed.”
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of returning to the place where we had faced so much trauma. Memories of being taken during the brawl, landing myself in Seraphina’s cruel manipulation and Tarrick’s menacing presence flooding back in to my mind, sending a shiver down my spine.
Ashton must have noticed the apprehension in my expression, for his grip on my hand tightened reassuringly. “I know it won’t be easy for either of you
back there so soon,” he continued, his voice softening. “But I need to check on Jacob’s pack, and I won’t leave you behind when I do not with you being pregnant.” He confirms, as I swallow and nod,
to
I felt a rush of conflicting emotions swirling within me. On one hand, the thought of returning to that place filled me with dread and anxiety. But on the other hand, I couldn’t deny the importance of supporting Ashton and standing by his side, especially with knowing those poor children out there are in need of a safe home.
“It’s either we go as a team tomorrow, or we wait until the baby is bom before I travel there in the next few weeks… Ashton stresses the choices, as glance to Lydia to find her nodding softly as though she was reading my thoughts
We couldn’t wait until the baby was here, that would mean the pack members and children would remain unsettled for many weeks to come – thanks to my selfish decision to wait.
This wasn’t about me, it was about them!
“I understand, Ashton,” I replied, my voice steady despite the uncertainty gnawing at my insides. Tll go with you tomorrow that is more important.” 1 confirm my decision.
Lydia squeezed my hand in solidarity, her eyes reflecting the same mixture of fear and determination that I felt. Til go too!” Lydia adds, as Ashton smiles fondly at our bravery.
Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead, drawing strength from each other and the bonds of friendship that had grown between us.
Ashton nodded, a look of gratitude crossing his features. “Thank you both,” he said softly, his hand coming to rest gently of
on my stomach. “We’ll get through this together, I promise, and it won’t be anything like the first time trust me.” He provides protection, as we both believe his words.
With that, the conversation turned back to lighter topics, and we spent the rest of the evening laughing and sharing stories around the fire.
Despite the uncertainty of what tomorrow would bring, I found comfort in the warmth of the fire and the love of those gathered around me.
As the conversation turned to the logistics of setting up the orphanage at Jacob’s pack, Hunt and Sawyer were quick to offer their recommendations for who could relate to help run the facility.
“We need men who are not only physically strong but also have good morals,” I Hunt suggested, his brow furrowed in concentration. “They’ll need to act as strong security to keep the children safe.”
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Chapter 85
Sawyer nodded in agreement. “Exactly. We can’t just send anyone up there. They need to be trustworthy and reliable.”
“Well there’s Kendrick, he’s a pretty decent guy and would love a promotion… and there’s also Eddie, he’s loyal and easy going!” Hunt lists some names, as Ashton takes note of them on his phone.
“Yeah and there’s Ivan and Hunter… they come as a power duo, they would probably love a new adventure.” Sawyer hums, as Ashton nods and continues to type.
Myself and Lydia remained quiet, letting them toss names back and forth between them as they pulled together the plan.
“You know, I was actually thinking Hun
Hunt, and I think that Oliver would be pretty good with the kids? He could be an in house doctor?” Ashton suggests, as Hunts eyes widen at the mention of his younger brother.
Oliver was the best, but I couldn’t help but feel sad to think that I would barely see him – but I knew that it was for the best.
“That little shit? You want him?” Hunt mocks, in true brother fashion, as Sawyer nudges him in the side
Hunt then adds, being serious about the matter again as he waves his hand and Ashton adds
“Nah I’m only kidding, he would be good with that shit!” if Oliver to the list.
I listened intently to their suggestions, but one name kept popping into my mind over and over again. “What about Ruth?” interjected, drawing puzzled looks from the others including Ashton.
“Ruth?” Ashton echoed, his expression thoughtful. “But her whole family lives in our pack. Are you sure she would be willing to relocate? She’s not exactly the youngest either Rose. Ashton makes valid points as I sigh.
I nodded firmly, a sense of conviction settling over me. “Yes I know, but I just think she would be perfect for the job. She’s kind, compassionate, and has a way with children. Plus, she’s always asking for updates on the rescued children whenever we see her… she would probably jump at helping out!” ! explain, as the others listen.
Ruth was the first true friend that I ever made, despite her age, she was kind and supportive when I first arrived here at the pack and I trusted her with
Ashton considered my words for a moment before nodding. “Ok, you might be onto something, Bose. I’ll talk to her about it and see if she’s interested.” Ashton hums, taking the suggestion into account
- ty. And if
I couldn’t help but smile at his response, grateful that he was willing to consider my suggestion. “I think she would be thrilled at the
opportunity.. we offer her family a nice home and a good income, I’m sure they would be more than willing to relocate, her own grandkids are still young too.” I shrug, thinking that it would be an easier move for them.
“That would also bring Jonno in to the plan, if they do all decide to relocate. He’s a good guy too!” Sawyer adds,
, and I squint a little.
“Who is Jonna?” I question, curious since I had never heard the name mentioned before.
“Jonno is the Father to Ruth’s grandchildren, her daughter’s mate. Ashton fills me in, as I nod thoughtfully.
That makes sense… the more numbers for this plan, the better! Especially having Sawyer moving up there to become the Alpha of the pack, nothing could go wrong! He would ensure that each and every rule was followed and that the children were top priority.
Ashton nodded in agreement, his gaze turning to the flickering flames of the fire pit as he mulled over the details of our plan. It felt good to be actively working towards a solution with him for the first time, knowing that we were taking concrete steps to help those in need..
Ashton usually just dealt with these sort of situations on his own, but I guess that with it revolving around the futures of the children he wanted some input on how to tackle the unusual situation.
With Ruth’s potential involvement in the orphanage, I felt even more hopeful about their futures. Together, we could create a safe and loving environment for the children who had been left without parents, giving them the chance to thrive and grow despite the challenges they had faced. previously.
They just needed to be loved and cared for, it wasn’t too much to ask!
As we continued to discuss the logistics of our plan, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in our pack and the strength of our bonds. No matter what obstacles lay ahead, I knew that we would face them together, united in our determination to make a difference in the lives of those who needed it
