“Where are we going?” Ridge asked for the third time since leaving the house.

I laughed, shaking my head that I wasn’t going to tell him so he could just stop asking. He grumbled under his breath.

Excitement built up when I had heard the knock on the door earlier and Ridge went to open it but no one was there. That’s how I knew it had been his mom. I’d dragged the alpha out of the house and urged him to follow me after we’d cleaned ourselves up and redressed again.

I could now see the small garden area that was lit up unlike before. Upon entering the garden, my eyes widened, smiling at the set up Mrs. Beaumont and my mother made up for us. There was a large black blanket spread out on the middle part of the grassy area and the electric candles set up from where we were leading up to the blanket. There were a few pillows and an extra blanket with a whole basket full of goodies. It was sitting dead center of the blanket.

I grinned, looking at Ridge whose eyes took in the set up. He frowned, looking at me and I giggled, reminding him that I wanted for this night to be memorable and I thought that I’d be the one to be romantic to him since he spent a whole week once being a total Romantic to me.

“That’s true,” Ridge agreed, nodding to the side with a shrug of his shoulder.

I reeled in my lips, lightly smacking his chest. He just laughed.

The alpha looked upward and I did too. There were strings of fairy lights hanging across the garden in various directions. I squinted, asking Ridge if those had always been there. If not, Mrs. Beaumont was a speed-demon or had some people working super fast.

“Yeah,” Ridge confirmed. “Those are new actually. Made it easier to see in the garden for when its enjoyed at night.” He glanced at me with a raised brow. “Like now.”

I grinned, reaching up to kiss him but the alpha cried, “Dibs on the Pringles!” and booked it to the blanket.

I stumbled a little and whined, “Ridge!”

That damn alpha just laughed at me again, throwing himself onto the blanket and had scarfed down a handful of Pringle chips already.

Crossing my arms, I tilted my head and raised a brow. I pointed out that he wasn’t making this very romantic. Ridge begged to differ, his mouth muffled out that this was our kind of romantic and I best get used to it. He patted the spot next to him.

“Come on, Quail Wolf. Let’s snuggle.”

I laughed, going over to sit beside him. He offered a Pringle and I leaned forward to open my mouth and take a bite. Ridge moved it away and ate it.

“Damn you, Ridge Beaumont!” I scoffed, climbing over to steal the Pringle container. He held it out of reach and I growled, demanding he share.

“There’s a whole fucking basket of ‘em!” Ridge complained, putting a hand to my face and pushing me back to keep me at bay. I bared my teeth, growling at him but the alpha just chuckled, little effort needed.

I did eventually get the Pringle container after Ridge let up and bargained a kiss for a Pringle each. I bartered that I’d give him one kiss and ear nibbles if I got three. Ridge closed an eye, tilting his head as he looked upward and hummed, “Mmmm… Deal!”

Needless to say, I got more than three Pringle chips thanks to my ear nibbles that turned into neck nibbles and chest nibbles. Boy, was I insatiable tonight.

I’m not sure how late it was that we were still out in the garden. We’d eaten almost all the snacks in the basket and wrestled for the rest of them. Ridge won those, by the way.

Now we were laying back on the blanket, side by side and stared up at the twinkling lights. From our perspective, they looked like stars against the pitch black night sky. It was pretty perfect.

Ridge squinted, still looking up and asked if I was scared or excited about tomorrow.

I frowned, reeling in my lips as I thought this over. I’d not really been on my own aside from the banishment but then I ran into Iota, Vicky and Emory. I met new people who were kind and loving. Though I knew I wouldn’t meet people like that all the time, I told him, I was more nervous about leaving tomorrow.

My head turned to face Ridge’s and he turned to do the same to me. His gaze looked me over after I whispered with tears in my eyes that I was scared of not being with Ridge. My lip trembled and I swallowed hard.

Ridge lifted his hand, using a finger to wipe away the tear that slipped down my face. His own eyes were glassy but the alpha’s brows furrowed, softly reminding me that I’d never be without Ridge. That I’d always have a part of him. That he’d always have a part of me.

“You’re the love of my life, Quail Wolf…” Ridge grinned, rolling onto his side. I did the same, tucking my hands under my head and sniffled while his finger caressed my cheek.

“It’s okay to cry, Gianna,” the alpha whispered. He leaned over, kissing away my tears before lying back down. “It just reminds us both that as an alpha and a Quail Wolf, we are still human… but soulmates.”

I nodded, crawling closer so Ridge could pull me against him. He rested on his back and I snuggled into his side. We looked up at the twinkling lights, and for a moment it was quiet. We took in the silence and I almost drifted off to sleep before Ridge said my name.

“Hm…?”

Ridge took a moment, mindlessly playing with my hair and I felt his chest vibrate when he spoke. I could hear him grin, “There’s one more container of Pringles.”

Raising a brow, I looked upward at him then frowned before moving my head to really look at him. Ridge looked at me, squinting his eyes and they shimmered gold when he asked if he gave them to me could he kiss me one more time.

“Ridge…” I rose up a bit, leaning my head on my shoulder of the arm holding me up. I raised a brow and grinned, “You give me the Pringles and I’ll let you kiss me all you want.”

The alpha smirked and I laughed until he sat up, taking hold of my face and cut my laughter short with another of his knee-buckling kisses. One of many the rest of the night.

.დ.❧.

“You have everything?”

“Yes.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Even—”

“Oh, my fucking God, Iota! Yes!”

Vicky curled her lip, eyes wide as she huffed at her sister that the younger was more than capable of packing for a long-term trip. Iota lowered a brow, crossing her arms and reminded Vicky to mind her manners when traveling. Vicky just grumbled under breath, staring at her hands as she cracked her knuckles.

I grinned from where I was standing nearby and Iota stared at Vicky a moment before hugging her. Vicky stiffened, eyes wide as her arms were stuck under her sister’s. The younger she-wolf sneered that Iota was hugging her too tight. Iota didn’t seem to hear her.

Looking away from the two siblings, I turned to my own helping in packing the back of the truck provided to us as transportation.

Though I wasn’t there, Nigel had spoken to my family about our plans of leaving to find the other Quail Wolves. My family obviously hated the idea of my leaving again when I had just gotten back so soon. But after much discussion, everything was set. It had been decided that Dad would arrange to have one of the spare trucks the pack members bought out to provide to us. And Mom had stayed up all night to pack a week’s worth of meals and snacks, and some extra sweets for Emory.

As for who would be leaving Carmel with me, Nigel and Emory were obvious choices but then Vicky volunteered to come along as our Caretaker. Though we were surprised at this, Vicky shrugged that since she had no mate nor was she seeking one, it was best for Vicky to keep busy with keeping charge of me and the other Quails down the line.

Iota reminded her of the responsibility of their Caretaker title and Vicky rolled her eyes that she’d been doing a good job of caring for two as of late.

“What’s three or so more?” Vicky shrugged, sarcastically. Then scowled at Nigel and I that if there was more than eight she was calling it quits.

Nigel narrowed his eyes at her, glancing at me and I held up a hand, shaking my head to just let it go.

As for Iota, she would be staying behind in Carmel. Being my brother’s mate who was next to take over for Dad as the Head Warrior, they discussed the pros and cons to her decision before finally deciding that Iota would stay. She still was concerned for Emory, but I assured Iota that I would be there. That I wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

“He’s going to be alright, Iota,” I promised.

The woman sighed, nodding that I was right. She smiled grimly that it was just her being so used to having the little boy around. She had spent the whole night before with Emory in Wade’s room. She had to explain to Emory that he would be leaving, and though Iota would not be seeing him for quite some time, that I would be right there with him.

“He cried a little,” Iota sighed, then nodded that he was excited because I was his to protect anyway. That apparently made Emory feel a little better about leaving.

My parents and I had a long talk this morning about the areas in the U.S. that would most likely be safe to start a pack ground for us Quails. Dad felt that though I was stronger than the other Quails, we’d be vulnerable until properly trained.

He gave an expectant look at Nigel that with the man’s fighting skills, Dad suggested the blond be the one to help maintain the training for the Quails.

My mom approached me with a sad smile. She was brushing my hair out of my face and sighed that it was so hard to let her baby girl leave home.

“It just hurts more,” she sniffled, “Because I might not ever see you again.”

Frowning, I hugged my mom. Shutting my eyes, I enjoyed our hug; feeling her arms around me.

“Don’t cry, Mom. I’ll be back. Whether it’s a week from now or months, when you really need me… I’ll be there.”

I pulled back to see her nod before I turned to Dad.

He’d always been pretty open with his children when it came to showing emotion. For pack business was the only time I’d seen him always so serious. But right now, Dad’s eyes watered and he swallowed hard as he reached over and rested his hand on my head.

Dad leaned down to my eye level and he chuckled, “It’s never easy seeing your little girl grow up, you know?”

I grinned a bit, nodding without pulling from his hand.

My dad’s brows furrowed, removing his hand to tap my nose as he said, “I’m going to miss you so much, Button.”

“I’m going to miss you too, Dad.”

I hugged him tightly, feeling him return the hug and he kissed my head, muttering against it that he loved me so much. I told him that I loved him so much more.

Dad stepped back to let my siblings come forward.

It was still crazy that our family of six quickly turned into twelve (including Emory and Nigel) in such a short time. I think that’s why it wasn’t as painful to leave my family behind when they would all still be together here. And with the new additions of Sawyer, Nikko and Iota, I was sure down the line they’d start their own families to fill the emptiness after a while.

Wade frowned as he stepped up, shaking his head and tried again for the fourth time that morning to suggest he and Iota go with us. That we could have three Caretakers instead of just one to protect the Quails better. Wade promised that he didn’t mind following Iota anywhere.

I smiled, tilting my head and sighed that as much as I appreciated the offer, Wade couldn’t do that. I told him how not all of us Werewolves get the opportunity to meet our True Mates and those who did should be able to enjoy that experience as much as they could. I added that because Quail Wolves didn’t have mates, Wade and Iota would be total show-offs.

I tried to make him laugh but all I got was a small grin. I’d take it.

Wade sighed, pulling me to him. He held me tight and I shut my eyes, snuggling up against my big brother.

“I love you, Wade,” I muttered.

“And I love you, baby sister. Don’t forget how much.”

“I won’t,” I promised before turning to Nikko and Cody.

I told the older to take care of my baby brother. Cody grumbled that he wasn’t a baby while Nikko nodded to me that he would do as asked. He glanced at my brother who blushed and nudged him to stop looking at him like that. Nikko chuckled before hugging me.

Cody and I shared a small hug, and he whispered that he was going to miss me so much. I nodded that I’d miss him just the same.

“Don’t get into so much trouble though, Cody, okay?”

My brother smirked, “No promises.” and I rolled my eyes as he stepped back beside Nikko who wrapped an arm around his neck.

Cece and Sawyer were next and they both hugged me at the same time—awkwardly with their slinged arm and crutches—and thanked me for everything. They said without me, they wouldn’t have ever found each other.

My sister looked up at her mate grinning at her and she sighed that bringing happiness to others just came so naturally to me. Even when I didn’t realize it.

I frowned at her and Cece shrugged a shoulder, nodding to the others behind me.

“I’m serious, Gigi. Our brothers and I wouldn’t have found our mates without you. You are the reason we are so happy. And for that… we can’t thank you enough.”

She hugged me again then sobbed out that she’d miss me so much. I hugged her back, whispering for her to always be happy, and that I will always love her.

Then there was Eden.

She stood there tearfully, shaking her head that it wasn’t fair that she was losing her best friend again. She frowned, crossing her arms and complained life would be so boring now with me in her life. I grinned, shaking my head that I was sure she’d find other people to get into trouble with.

Eden’s bottom lip pouted before leaping over to hug me. I held her tight, crying when Eden sobbed that she was going to miss me so much! That I was her best friend and she didn’t ever want me to forget her.

“You’ll always be my best friend, Eden. Always,” I promised, hugging her extra tight.

“Miss Gianna.”

Nigel emerged from my house, nodding at the packed truck with newly purchased clothing for both him, Emory, and Vicky. My stuff was in the pink duffle beside the black, green and blue one.

“We need to head out now,” my companion pointed out, glancing at Eden who blushed at this.

Eden told me in secret how handsome she thought Nigel was but knew he’d never see her in a romantic way because of what he was. And Eden figured their age gap would be an issue for him, too.

When Nigel gave her a polite nod, Eden blushed more and did this awkward curtsy thing before stammering she’d give me room to speak with Nigel. She scampered backward, Nigel raising a brow at her awkwardness before slowly facing me.

Nigel reminded me again that it was time to go and I nodded, letting out a long breath and headed over to the truck.

“Gianna!”

Nigel rolled his eyes before I turned around. I smiled widely, seeing Ridge jogging over and stopped in front of me. The alpha panted that he didn’t want to miss my leave. As alpha, he had the responsibility of seeing his pack members off.

“You’re only making it harder on yourself, Ridge,” I told him. “On… On both of us.”

Ridge tilted his head, shrugging that after last night, it was always going to be difficult. I sighed, looking away but he gently turned my face to his.

“Will you smile for me, Quail Wolf?” the alpha asked, grinning at me.

As difficult as it was, with the heartache I felt, I did smile at him. He brushed his thumb against my cheek, muttering that he could stand there all day to look at me if he could. A warm blush heated my face and Ridge grinned until someone grumbled that I didn’t have all day to sit and look pretty for the alpha.

Ridge switched his soft look to a scowl when looking over my head to Nigel standing by the truck. My companion was leaned back against it, arms crossed. Nigel raised a brow, casually grinning as the alpha stared back at him.

The alpha narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening as he threatened, “If anything happens to her, Quail Wolf, you can guarantee I’ll be coming after you. And this time… I’ll kill you.”

The blond staring back at the alpha was now pursing his lips while grinning. His blue eyes flickered with amusement then teased that what Nigel wanted to do to with me was more along the lines of sexual gratification.

Ridge’s lip curled, a growl rumbling from his chest, and I sighed, rolling my eyes. I told Nigel to knock it off already. My companion chuckled, nodding his apology to his queen.

My mate grumbled something under his breath but then simmered when Nigel mock saluted him with a promise to the alpha that as his Queen, Nigel would protect me always. For Ridge.

This seemed to settle Ridge. Not much. But a little.

“Me too!” Emory piped all of a sudden and jumping up and down before running over to wedge himself between Ridge and me.

The eight year old elbowed Ridge to give enough space—about an arm’s length between him and Emory. The boy eyed the alpha with a lowered brow and gave him that stink eye while wrapping his arms around my waist. He was resting his ear against my stomach.

I looked up at Ridge who grinned that he felt more relaxed knowing that I’d have such an amazing security team with me. I laughed, brushing Emory’s head who turned his sour look from Ridge and instead gave me a beaming one.

“He’s my little protector, aren’t you, Em?”

He nodded, giggling that it was because he loved me ‘oh so much!’

I nodded back, mumbling that it was time to get in the truck.

Emory replied, “Okay,” then scowled at Ridge to not touch me anymore. He turned back into his peppy self before running over to Nigel.

My older Quail companion eyed Emory who was lifting his arms to Nigel. He kept bouncing up and down, demanding that Nigel carry him. Vicky was laughing while Nigel growled at her that it wasn’t funny.

I turned back to Ridge staring at me. He lifted a hand, tucking my hair behind my ear and sighed, “I’m going to miss you, Quail Wolf. Every bit of you.”

“And I’m going to miss you, Alpha Beaumont.”

Ridge grinned, stepping closer to rest his forehead against mine—despite Emory shouting a muffled, “Hey! Don’t touch her!” through the closed window. He was slapping his hands on the window though Ridge paid him no mind.

The alpha reminded me in a soft voice, “This isn’t goodbye, Gianna. Not even close, okay?”

My heart swelled and I teared up again like I did the night before. My lip trembled and I sucked in a breath to keep it together.

Ridge kissed my nose, then my forehead before he whispered against it, “I love you.”

I sighed, opening my eyes and whispered, “I love you back.”

“Shorty!” Vicky shouted.

I could hear her getting agitated. Probably because of Emory doing his “La-la-la-la-la!” already.

The she-wolf clapped her hands at me, ordering, “Let’s get a move on! Get them itty bitty legs moving!”

Looking up at the love of my life one last time, I wiped my cheek as the panic filled me. My heart raced and I clutched to his hand as I whimpered, “Ridge…”

Ridge’s green eyes welled up, shaking his head and he grinned, “I’ll see you again. We will see each other again.”

I nodded, knowing he was trying to comfort me as I walked backward a few steps. I wanted to memorize him as much as I could. My chest ached and it was so hard to breathe now. Ridge seemed to be feeling the exact same way as he grinned a bit, wiping at his cheek. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to turn around, not looking back as I got all the way to the truck.

Climbing into the passenger seat, Vicky sat in the back with Emory and cried, “Well about damn time, your Majesty!”

Nigel glanced at me, asking if I was alright.

I sighed, turning to stare out the window. I watched my family gather around with Ridge. My heart hurt to know I’d be leaving them again. And as I locked eyes with my alpha mate, I slowly nodded as I replied to Nigel, “I will be.”

After he started the truck, Nigel headed down the pathway leading out of the pack grounds and to the gate. I twisted around, quickly, seeing through the back window my family waving good bye. At the very front was Ridge with his hand raised up in a silent goodbye.

I felt my eyes water again.

“Gianna?”

I blinked, looking in the backseat where Emory was staring up at me with wide eyes as he asked with worry, “We’ll be alright… won’t we?”

I was now in charge of Emory. He was dependent on me from this day forward and I realized that this was a new beginning, for not only me, but for Emory… and Nigel… and even Vicky. But we’d have each other and that’s what mattered.

And so I smiled down at the eight year old grinning at me now, and I nodded as I brushed the side of his head, “Yes, Emory. We’ll be alright. And I’ll be right there with you the whole time.”

END OF BOOK ONE