AIDA

Life was still, calm, for two whole days now. Unnatural in its ease and simplicity. None of us were fooled, though. Joined by the two groups of allied pack members and warriors, we are many and we are uneasy.

We train, we rest, we plan, and we repeat.

The tension rules now, unyielding and terrifying, creeping into every joyful moment like a predator in the shadows. It's biding its time, waiting to steal away every laugh, every smile, and every happy moment we all share. We just don't know when.

The pause in time is killing me slowly, and it's almost worse than the attack. Almost. The painful ticking time bomb, devastating me with oblivious yet inevitable harm.

And my nerves cannot take another second.

My mind shuts off once more, and my attentions filter back to the dimly lit room we're all congregating in once more. It's become a nightly routine. Warmed by a lit fireplace and the whiskey in our hands, we sit close together on the couches and scattered cushions, celebrating our shared wonder in this life for as long as we may hold it.

The fact that we all found each other, despite the madness and the lies, is a comforting, short-term bliss.

I found Argent and James. James found Jemma. I found this family I never knew I needed. And tonight, when Amalie was well enough to join us all in the lounge for the first time since she woke, she found Deacon, her mate.

It came as a shock to everyone but none more than Deacon, who yelled "Fuck yeah!" and fist pumped the air as he was caught in Amalie's wide-eyed gaze, much to all of our amusement.

Argos maybe not so much.

As we all sit now, letting the glow of their newfound joy soak over us, it's something I could truly get used to. This interweaving of love and lives has now well and truly connected us all. Three packs are forever united as one family unit for whatever time we have left. We're one.

Kane stands to make a toast, slightly unsteady on his feet as he lifts his glass.

"To the family I choose forever, my blood and my brotherhood, I salute you all. May the goddess be with us." He raises his glass high into the air and then shifts it to his lips, tipping the swirling brown liquid down his throat, mirroring our group who return the gesture and salutation.

Argos gets to his feet, slapping a hand on Kane's shoulder as he moves to give Argos the floor. He surveys the room, his children and their mates, his chosen son and his mate, his friends and comrades.

"I know we all face an uncertain future, but I for one could not wish to face my fate with any other wolves. You are my family, my friends, and my loved ones all, and you know I never give away this much! So, drink and be merry tonight, for tomorrow we get ready to meet our goddess, heads held high and hearts in our hands." Argos salutes the sky with his drink, and we all do the same.

If we continue this way all night, I'll be in a heap on the floor, drunk as a skunk and absolutely no use to anyone. But the love I feel in the room tonight is palpable. The warmth I'm living, not only from the blazing flames but from the bonds that unite us, is something I will treasure for as long as I may live.

I just hope that it's more than mere hours.

As the pairs begin to rise and pay their respects to the Alphas, with a nod or a hug to each pair, Argos and Kane prepare to turn in.

Kane raises to his feet with his hands around his daughter and moves to stand next to his Alpha and son in law. "You two make me so proud," he says warmly, pulling James into the group hug as well.

"Let me in on this!" I shout before flinging myself at them. James laughs and pulls me in to his side just as Arge grabs us all around the outside and squeezes.

"Okay, let me out, kids! I'm suffocating!" Kane gasps with a smile. He shakes hands with all three Alphas and leaves for the night.

"Alright you kids, don't be up too late, we train again tomorrow," Argos orders, giving us all a stern look and a quick flash of a grin as he starts making his way to follow Kane. Before we have a chance to relax, he stops at the door and turns to face us once more. "Argent, Aida, I want you both to know that if we all make it through this fight ahead, I will be stepping down as leader of this magnificent pack and will be handing the reigns to you both."

He smiles warmly at us and then leaves without another word as Argent and I stare at each other in disbelief.

Deacon stands and pours us all one more round. "To the future Alpha and Luna!" he shouts, placing his right hand over his heart.

James stands and repeats the action. Jemma and Amalie get up and embrace me and Arge, and we all raise our glasses together.

"To the Alpha and Luna!" They cheer in unison. We clink glasses and drink, and I turn to face Arge.

"Are you ready for this?" I ask, meaning tonight at first, but he knows I also mean the fight we know is coming.

He stares at me, his warm eyes boring deep into my very soul. The way he makes me feel, just by purely looking at me, is something I will take with me wherever I may go and for as long as I may live.

The love I feel from him is magnificent. Pure joy. And I will treasure it forever.

"As long as I have you, my everything, forever, we can do anything," he says, kissing me hard and pulling me close.

We hear a few grunts and gags behind us, but it doesn't stop us from cherishing the moment. We sit back down, three complete couples now, and stare silently into the fire. The flames crackle and dance in front of our eyes as our minds think one collective thought:

The end, however it will be decided, is near.