We're still waiting for the alphas to return from their impromptu meeting and start the fire for the barbecue.
“I think I'm also gonna grab me some potato salad,” Rissa says, rubbing her growing belly. “Wanna join me?”
“I'm gonna hold off until the guys get back,” I tell Rissa. “I'm not that hungry yet.”
Rissa nods and saunters off toward the buffet table, leaving me to sip on my drink as I stare out into the horizon.
The snow-capped mountain peaks stand strong against the setting sun as it throws rays of warm orange and gold across Denali. The moment to myself allows me to bask in the quiet, the peace that allowed us to leave Girdwood for a much-needed break after everything we'd been dealing with.
The aftermath of the war with the demons meant cleaning up Girdwood and meeting with the other packs in the region. Meetings, lunches, and dinner parties were thrown in celebration of the victory.
It's been a busy month, and after everything was said and done, Alpha Elias suggested that we come out to the Denali Mountain Resort for a break.
With the Snehvolk pack and others safe now, we all felt comfortable enough to leave the pack for a weekend.
Elder Charles walks over toward me, grabbing a beer from the cooler.
“I wonder what's taking those boys so long,” he chuckles casually. “This was meant to be a vacation, not a work getaway.”
“Thane will be surprised to know that you don't approve of a work meeting,” I giggle, and Charles scoffs.
“Oh, sometimes I think that boy doesn't know me at all,” he says as he takes a sip of his drink. “I was only ever under pressure trying to protect the pack. But, it's in good hands now.” He tips his bottle toward me. “Especially thanks to you.”
I blush profusely, shaking my head. “Oh, Elder Charles, it was all—”
“Uh-uh,” Charles interjects. “I told you already, you can just call me Charles. And yes, it was a team effort, but you played a very big role in all of it. For that, I'm eternally grateful, Willow.”
I return his smile, clinking my glass to his bottle before he takes another sip. His green eyes twinkle as he watches the setting sun, wrinkles attesting to the long life he's lived and served the Snehvolk pack.
“I heard from Thane that you met the Moon Goddess…” he laments, and I nod slowly.
“Our creator,” I concede.
“What is she like?” he asks as if he's giving thought to meeting her, and I tell him.
“That's beautiful,” he whispers in awe when I'm done recounting my experience. “You really are special, Willow. I hope you know that. I hope my grandson knows just how lucky he is to have you.”
Charles's words mean more to me than he knows, and I smile as my chest fills with warmth. When I hear footsteps on the floorboards inside the house, I turn just in time to see the guys approaching the front door.
Thane is the last one out on the porch, finding my eyes and nodding for me to join him. He takes my hand as soon as I do, then leads me into the house.
“You don't look surprised that I'm pulling you away,” Thane says once he's slid the door closed behind us.
“I'm not. I'm actually glad you did,” I say as I press a kiss to his cheek.
“Why?” he quizzes with a skeptically raised brow as he pulls me onto the couch.
I make myself comfortable on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck with a sigh as I watch the fire crackling in the fireplace.
“Because I wanted to be alone with you. And…because I'm curious. What was the meeting about?”
“Oh, you know…same old stuff. Strategies, alliances. I feel like Elias dragged us out here just to talk shop in a different environment,” Thane sighs with a lighthearted chuckle as he nuzzles his face in my neck. “So, I just needed a moment alone with you.”
“Well, I'm glad you pulled me away, because there's something I need to talk to you about.”
Thane lifts his head instantly, brows furrowing. “Is everything okay, my angel?” he asks as he sweeps my hair from my face.
I place my hand on top of his, nodding gently.
