-Auggie's POV-

"Your pack lands have been patrolled and cleared of any threats." Alpha Marshall said out to the packs, "So I am happy to say we've been given the green light to allow you all to return home if you wish...and for those of you who may find more comfort in remaining away for a while longer please feel free to do so as Alpha Dylan and myself gladly open our lands to you all."

I nodded but stepped forward now, "Lakeside is my home, the only one I've ever known ...and as the newest Alpha of Lakeside I personally will be going back home...I ask you all to join me but understand if you don't, please don't feel like anyone will hold anything against you for staying on either Alpha Marshall's or Alpha Dylan's lands either as I understand the uncertainty of the situation still lingering in the air."

I looked out to the familiar faces of the pack members.

These were the same people I'd talk to on the streets in passing, or stood in line to grab a coffee with...the ones who I'd mingled with at the pack parties, or sat next to in the stand at various football and basketball games... The same people who let me into their homes as their children shifted and I personally took documentation of our newest pack members...helping talk them through that first shift and always assuring them they'd be alright and welcoming them to our pack as newly shifted members.

"...That being said, I want to make myself as accessible as possible to you all and will be staying at the pack house alongside our Guest Miss Grace Wylde...please, I desperately implore all of you to reach out to either of us if you need to talk, or vent, or even if you just need a shoulder to cry on...and for those of you who just simply do not wish to be alone please remember that the pack house is and always will be open to all of you."

I looked at Rosie and continued, "Now as much as we love our dear Rosie...I think it would be best if my sister in law stay here on her family's pack lands for her own health as well as the baby's...we have to remember, that her little one is the only future of our pack right now."

And it was the truth.

"So while she may be here I know if you all feel you can't speak to Miss Wylde or myself then Rosie will have no aversions to you all paying her a visit."

"Absolutely, since I'll be here just boredly laying around anyways." She said.

I knew she wouldn't be too thrilled with my sudden decision, but I really was thinking of her and the baby's best interests...and being back in her and Alfie's home...alone...it was too heartbreaking to think about.

I shook the sad thought from my head while everyone else chuckled at her lighthearted jab about laying around bored.

And with that everyone was released to go their separate ways, only a few older individuals choosing to remain in Red Marsh for the evening.

Grace hugged her father goodbye.

"Alpha Wylde you're more than welcome to stay the night...it's kind of a drive back and it's pretty late." Alpha Marshall offered.

He shook his head, "Thank you, really...but I know my wife will be expecting me back." He said before he shook his hand and turned to tell us bye now.

"Pack allies or not, I'm only one call away, so please don't be too proud to ask for help from any of us." he said to me before he actually pulled me into a fatherly sort of hug.

"Thank you." I said before he turned to tell his daughter goodbye once more.

"Sorry Rosie," I said as I pulled her into a tight hug.

"Stop." She said, "None of that right now...I know why I should stay here, and you know where to find me if you need me."

"If you need anything...-"

"I know, I know." She said as if to brush my words to the side. "...Go on, the pack needs you."

I thanked Alpha Marshall once again and then Gracie and I finally took off.

I knew the ride would be short and I wanted to soak up as much alone time with her as possible...but, for the first time since acknowledging one another, there was a thick silence that surrounded us...Uncertainty.

I reached over and took her hand into mine.

She offered me a small smile and went to look out the window.

"You know...since meeting you, all I've wanted to do was invite you over to my pack...have you spend the night with me here in Lakeside...now here you are, and it's in the worst way possible."

"I'm sorry." She finally said just as I reached the pack house.

I put the car in park and looked at her fully now, "Sorry?" I wondered.

She nodded, still looking out the window...but now I knew it wasn't her taking in the scenery or even avoiding awkward conversation...no she was avoiding looking at me.

"Gracie..."

She sniffled a little and I knew she was crying. My heart broke, "Hey..." I sounded as softly as  I could. "Gracie, please look at me baby."

She carefully turned to face me and I hated to see her tears."Please tell me what's upset you so much."

"I hate knowing that because of me there was so much discord between you and your family and now..."

I shook my head, "Gracie...we were family, and no matter what we loved one another... Look I may have hated the shit they did and this even predates you coming into my life...but that doesn't mean I hated them... ever... so please, please don't feel like you are the blame for anything." I said as I cleared her face of the tears that were still falling.

"Look I know we've got a rough road ahead for us, and as fucking cheesy as it sounds... as long as we're strong and know that we have one another through all of this, I know we can make it through whatever comes our way."

She nodded, and I chanced kissing her, when we pulled apart I noticed a couple of cars pulling up and I went ahead and unbuckled before making my way to the passenger side of the car and opening her door for her. I held my hand out to help her out of the car but as she noticed people approaching she dropped her hand to her side.

I sighed a little but understood.

It was Jonni, my brother Alfie's best friend and 2nd in command for the Pack Guard.

"Gio." Gracie said as he got out of Jonni's car and came right over to her, the two hugged and when they moved apart I told him hi as well.

"What're you two doing here?" I asked.

Jonni shrugged, "Oh...uh, well we were together when everyone was asked to evacuate and I figured I'd come back and take guard of the pack house...I was gonna take him home since his car's in the shop but Gio offered to stay with me ...I mean keep me company so I won't fall asleep while guarding the pack house."

"Well thanks to both of you." I said as another car pulled up, It was Mrs Jefferies the main pack house cook. "Evening Mrs J." I said as I hugged her.

"Figured I'd come by, get some stuff cooked up in case anyone pops in tonight, or stops by in the morning." She smiled her familiar warm smile.

I nodded, "You really don't have to, but I'm glad you're here anyway...Let's all go in then." I suggested.

Once in we all stood in the foyer and I knew they were all waiting on me to say something.

"Gio I know you already know Grace, But Mrs J and Jonni...this is Grace Wylde, she'll be staying with us for a while...I mean until the initial shock of everything wears off." I amended.

Mrs J smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you dear...and thank you for offering to be here for our pack."

Gracie smiled in return, "I'd do anything I could for anyone in need."

Jonni nodded his own acknowledgment...no doubt (being Alfie's best friend) he knew the truth.

I wanted to break the silence so I moved on. "Obviously we have some Pack members housed here in the pack house so to keep from stepping on anyone's toes you're all welcome to take any room on the third floor for the evening."

The third floor bedrooms were reserved for Alpha's personal family members or important guests like the council, since they have the best views of the pack's scenery and the huge lake. "I myself will take the main room on the third floor and Miss Wylde will take the room two doors down from mine, this will ensure she's able to find me easily but still ensure she has her own space."

"Thank you Alpha." She said.

It wasn't the first time I'd heard it that night but hearing it from her caused both my wolf and I to halt everything else and give her my full attention.

She gave me a soft smile and I returned it with my own smile.

"I'll leave you young folks to it then." Mrs J sounded as she left us.

We all watched as she disappeared from the foyer before Jonni cleared his throat and Gio spoke up. "You two can keep pretending all you want, but it's pretty obvious you're mates."

Jonni nodding in agreement alongside him.

Gio knew the truth because I'd told him alongside my cousin the first night I'd encountered Grace.

"I thought we were doing a pretty good job." I countered.

Gio rolled his eyes and shook his head but Jonni spoke up, "Anyone with eyes could see you two could hardly keep your eyes off each other back at the Red Marsh pack...even now, you two looking at each other...you're looking at each other like you're the only two in the room...but don't worry we'll keep the secret."

I sighed, "I mean we're not trying to hide it out of shame or anything...and when the time is right we'll let everyone know, but right now..."

"It's too soon after everything that happened with his family, it'd be insensitive." Grace said.

They both nodded.

"I'm going to go up and show Grace to her room then." I announced before motioning for Grace to please follow me to the stairs. "Have a good night, and call my phone if you need me."