Glorious relief washed over Alex as she crossed the boundary into Black Mountain. The dead weight of the last few weeks lifted instantly and a feeling of joy erupted from her. It had broken her heart when Aidan had let her walk away after mentioning that he might need to consider rejecting her. The seconds that had passed after she had spoken were torturous and finally, she had just climbed into her jeep and sped away, without a word from her mate.

It was late as she pulled into her old driveway, but the house was alive with light. As she turned off the engine and hopped out of the car, the front door opened and a gang of people shouted their hellos and ran to embrace her. Her father, brothers, Nolan and Pete hugged and kissed her in greeting, pushing each other out of the way for their turn. She couldn't help but laugh, the happiness literally spilling from her at the sight of them all.They grabbed her suitcase and other baggage between them and all headed into the house. The kitchen counter was teaming with an array of delicious looking food, ready to be consumed. Plates were handed around and they all loaded up, grabbing drinks on the way outside to the patio. Some of the time-honoured jokes and banter erupted around the table before questions started being directed at Alex.'So how are things at Lunar Ridge,' Ronan asked, taking a swig of his beer.Alex exchanged a quick look with Nolan. He alone knew how difficult things had become for her at her new pack. But she knew she could be vague with the truth for a little longer. She didn't need to divulge too much of her troubles before Ronan's big day.'Well I started up a school programme for the junior school and high school this week. The kids are great. I don't have the backing of all the parents but I think after a few weeks, I'll get them convinced,' Alex smiled what she hoped was a confident smile, though she felt less so. Granted, there were children coming to her training sessions but the majority of parents were still not convinced that this was appropriate or necessary. At least she had Laura to help keep her going through the doubts and to run things in her absence.'I knew you could do it,' her father looked at her proudly. 'You'll show them the way sweetheart and they'll look back and wonder how they ever lived before you got to Lunar Ridge.''And what about the womenfolk?' Cain asked. 'Are they allowed to be away from their mates to train with you?'Alex hesitated. The training for female pack members had been slow to take off. Marcus had brought his mother, sisters and some of their friends along to all the sessions. There were 12 in all and they had been fantastic to train. All willing to learn and happy to take her lead. Marcus had hung around to show his support for the training, stepping in as the attacker when Alex wanted to show different combat methods and their effectiveness against bigger targets. He was a great sport and added a level of fun to the proceedings. She had hoped everyday to see Aidan; to have him take part or even just watch the training taking place and show that he backed her, his Luna. But he had never shown his face.'Numbers are low right now,' Alex said truthfully, 'but I don't expect to change things overnight.' She left it there, afraid that if she said any more, she would have to admit to everyone that things were not working; that maybe they would never work; that her mate may be considering rejecting her and she would be moving back here to Black Mountain. Nolan noticed her brief response and immediately moved the conversation along, asking Ronan about the mating ceremony set to take place in two days time. The smile almost exploded from his face. He looked around, almost shivering with glee.'Alice is pregnant,' he said, his face glowing.Tumultuous cheering broke out from those at the table. Alex completely forgot her worries as she jumped on Ronan, hugging him tightly and knocking him backwards in his chair. They laughed, picking each other up while the others came over to congratulate and hug the father to be.'This deserves a toast. To Ronan and Alice,' Cain said, lifting his glass skyward, 'and to the new heir to Black Mountain'.There was more cheering and toasting as Ronan relayed details of the pregnancy and how Alice had been. Alex was overjoyed to be becoming an Aunty again. The rest of the evening passed in good spirits, until finally it was only Nolan left. Pete knew he wanted to talk to Alex and had bade them goodnight a few minutes earlier.'So tell me, how do things stand now?' Nolan asked, as he added plates and cutlery to the dishwasher.Alex relayed the conversation she had with Aidan before her departure. About how she had mentioned the possibility of them having to reject the mate bond and go their separate ways.'And right now,' Alex said sadly, leaning back on the counter, 'I honestly don't know which way I want it to go.'Nolan wrapped his arms around his friend, holding her tightly as she shook with grief.