It had been three weeks since I got the news about my mom. My family was leaving this afternoon and I was beyond excited. I was a little worried about them driving through the night, but I knew they would be okay. Nara was nearing a month and I was excited to watch as my little girl grew. Already with time her hair became more fuller and her eyes more vibrant.

Alex gave birth to a baby boy a few days ago. She named him Felix, after her father. We were all happy about the new edition to our pack. I checked on her a few times, but she was still recovering in the hospital.

I had been out of the house a couple of times, but today was the first day I started doing pack duties and I was thrilled. I loved Nara will all my heart, but I needed a break. Between her and Kohl, I was going insane.

Today Maci and I had planned on going to the grocery store to get food for the pack. Maci had invited Paisley to join. I was a little skeptical about at first but she seemed to be okay. She didn't talk much, which was fine with me.

After Maci parked the car, we got out and walked towards the store. "I heard Alpha was going to start the she wolves on a training program?" Maci asked as the two of them eyed me.

Titus and I had talked about it a while ago and I thought it was a good idea. I knew the traditional wolves wouldn't agree, but it was for the best.

I nodded, confirming her question. "Yeah, with these recent attacks its best for us to know how to defend ourselves and our pups. I just wish my dad would get on board." My Dad had refused to put the she wolves on a training schedule, and I didn't understand. I knew my dad was very traditional, but this was absurd.

Paisley shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe your dad is right. I don't know how I feel about this whole training thing. It's violent, and I don't condone it." Maci and I both shared a look, then rolled our eyes. "We live in a violent world Paisley. You have to be able to defend yourself." I explained.

She shook her head defiantly. I had to hold my wolf back from putting her in her place. "You might not see the good in it, but you'll thank us later down the road. Think of it as...an extracurricular activity." She sighed then nodded.

Maci grabbed one of the carts before we continued down the aisles of the grocery store. We could have split the list between the three of us to kill time, but I wanted to enjoy the company of wolves other than my family. My thoughts drifted Kohl and Nara...my pups. Rachel was thrilled when I asked her to watch Nara for the day. Both of my pups would definitely grow up loved. That's all I could ever want for them.

"Oh I meant to ask you Paisley, How are you and the other wolves settling in?"

"Pretty well. Thanks for asking Luna." I nodded, then continued checking things off the list. We spent about an hour in the store, leaving with 3 carts piled high. Some of the groceries had to go in the back with Paisley, due to the amount of things we bought.

We rode back to the pack house listening to and singing to music. We actually got serious Paisley to crack a smile. Pulling up to the pack house we got out and began to bring the groceries inside. Al walked up to Maci and placed a kiss on her temple as we both sat the groceries down. He turned to face me with a smile, "Alpha wants to see you in his office." He said.

I thanked him then headed for Titus's office. Titus's scent wrapped around me like a warm blanket as I entered his office. He looked up from his computer and smiled. "Hey love." He greeted.

I walked to to one of the empty chairs in front of his desk and sat. "What's up?"

"Some of the wolves are starting the construction on the new houses and I have to go review the plans." I rose my eyebrows, confused on where I came in with this scenario.

"Can you take care of few things around the office while I'm gone?"

"Sure." I said eagerly. He nodded then gestured for me to come close. I walked towards him then sat on his lap as he wrapped his left arm around my waist. "Okay it's nothing too tedious, but I need you to go through these files and put them in order of importance by the dates." He said as he placed a stack of folders in front of me.

"Sounds easy enough." He chuckled at my statement then opened one of the folders. "I'm going to head out. If you have any questions just call me or my dad." I nodded as he lifted me up. Sitting into the desk chair, I opened the folders and scanned through them.

Titus stood by the doorway staring at me intently. Moving my hair behind my ear I stared up at him with a smile. "What?"

He shook his head, a huge smile forming on his face. "Nothing, you just look beautiful." I rolled my eyes. "Get out of here." I said playfully. He glanced my way one last time before he left.

After throwing my hair into a ponytail, I placed my headphones in then got lost in my work as the music filled my ears.

I finally finished two hours later. The job was easy but it was definitely time consuming. I glanced at the clock and realized Kohl got out of school in thirty minutes. I sent Titus a quick text letting him know I would be picking up Kohl and Ellie then left.

The drive to Kohl's school was about a 15 minute drive. I was a little too close to the pack boarder for my liking. The pack's guards put my stress to ease a little but I knew I would still worry.

I parked behind the line of cars as they waited for their pups to get out of school. I smiled as Kohl and Ellie walked out. They ran towards the car once they noticed me. Unlocking the door, they slid into the backseat and buckled in. "How was school you two?"

"Great!" They said in unison.

I nodded then pulled out of the school parking lot. "Can Ellie stay over tonight?"

"It's Friday so that's fine. Do you want to visit your mom and brother first?" She shook her head stubbornly. "No I saw them this morning. Felix cries too much."

I chuckled at her reply. "Well so does Nara, so you're not going to miss out on that one."

The rest of the ride I listened to them talk about their day at school. According to them, someone threw a rock at one of the teachers and got sent to the dean's office. That kid was more ruthless than I was as a kid.

The pups ran straight for Kohl's room as soon as we entered the house. I had to admit, they were fast.

Rachel had no problem handing Nara to me as soon as she saw my face. "This one has a pair of lungs on her. Titus was so quiet as a baby." Nara stared up at me as a yawn escaped her lips.

"Thanks Rachel." She placed a hand on my shoulder. "You're welcome. I'll see you later." She said before she left the house.

Ryan and Titus came by a few hours later. Ryan dropped off Ellie's clothes then kissed her a goodbye. After dinner her and Kohl played in his room for hours until I walked on and found them laid out on the floor, sound asleep. Titus helped me tuck them both into the bed, then we went to tend to Nara.

Once Nara was settled into her crib for the night. We took our showers then head off to sleep. My night was restless as I laid their anxiously waiting for my family's arrival.

***

The next morning was hectic. Titus took Ellie to Ryan as I got Kohl and Nara ready. Kohl was very cooperative, while Nara was fussy and challenging. "Kohl can you make yourself some cereal while I finish getting Nara ready." He nodded then hopped off the couch, heading out of the room.

I zipped up Nara's grey onesie then put on her matching hat and gloves. Once I got downstairs, Titus and Kohl were having a conversation while they ate their cereal. "When did you get back?" I asked as I placed Nara in her swing.

"A few minutes ago." He said through mouthfuls. I walked to the mirror in the living room and check my appearance. I wore a pair of black ripped skinny jeans and a band t-shirt. I sat in one of the couches and slid on my black converse. "You're not going to eat?" Kohl asked.

"No, I'm not hungry baby." My stomach was in knots. I didn't know why I was so nervous to see my mom. Maybe I was just...scared.

Titus growled his disapproval in my choice to skip breakfast. Rolling my eyes, I pulled a bottle out of the fridge for Nara.

After breakfast, we walked to the pack house to greet my family. My father had just pulled up once we reached the pack house's steps. Titus took Nara from my arms so I could greet them.

My brother was the first one out. "Miss me big sis." I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Of course I missed you." I mumbled into his neck.

Pulling away I ran my hand through his curly blonde hair. "Are you growing hair out?" I asked as I examined his hair that was now two inches from reaching his shoulders.

He pushed my hand away and groaned. "Yes." Before I could say anything my mom's quiet voice rang through my ears. "Brinn?" I turned around and raced towards her. We pulled each other into a tight hug as tears fell down our eyes. My momma was finally here!

She felt a lot lighter then before, but still gave me her usual warm and loving hug.

We pulled away after what felt like forever. Her once bright grey eyes were now dull and gloomy. But she was still there, my mom was still there. She was just...lost.

I hugged my dad then officially introduced my family to my pups. I was thrilled they all took toward Kohl well. I wanted to make sure Kohl felt apart of the family, just as much as Nara.

After my family got settled in, we went back to our house and spent the whole day together. Momma stayed silent, something I would never grow used to, but accepted it. Titus and my father talked casually, but you could still sense the undeniable tension. Surprisingly my brother and Kohl took a liking towards each other. They were currently on the floor playing video games while we all sat around and talked. My mom held Nara in her arms the entire day, not wanting to let my pup go.

After we ate dinner, my Mom, Dad, and brother went back to the pack house to settle down for the night. I bid them a good bye then went to join my pups and Titus.

They all laid out on the couch sound asleep. Nara was laid comfortably in Titus's lap, while Kohl was cuddled into Titus's side. I smiled down lovingly at the trio, then joined them on the couch. Titus's eyes slowly opened as he dropped his free arm over my shoulders. "I love you." He said as he placed a kiss on my lips.

"I love you too." I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes.

This was my family. And it was wild to think of how fast it had grown. Titus and I had been through a lot on these past few months. But those obstacles are what shaped us into what we are today.

We still had a lot of growing to do. But we would do it together...

With my mate.

***

😝

😁