- A Choice of the Heart -
🐾────── 🐺 ──────🐾
The early hours of the morning arrived, bringing with them a comforting silence after the night's lively celebration. Samuel, Alex, and the Alpha were saying their goodbyes to Anne and her family, the joyful atmosphere still lingering in the air.
— What an amazing night! Thank you for joining us — said Anne, her smile reflecting the happiness of the event.
— It really was. I think this was one of the best nights of my life — added Sam, still impressed by the energy of the celebration.
— It was our pleasure. Don't forget that by dusk, we'll all leave for the new pack — reminded the Alpha, his tone serious.
— Yes, sir. We won't forget. Thank you for your concern — replied Sam, his voice filled with gratitude.
Anne then turned her gaze to Alex, who stood quietly beside Samuel — a little wolf still trying to find his place in the world.
— I was surprised when Sam told me Alex was your pup, Samuel. I thought he was an orphan. He came to me as one of my trainees, but I never had any information about his parents. I'm glad he's no longer alone — said Anne with sincerity, concern clear in her voice.
Samuel took a deep breath, his expression growing more serious.
— He's not my son by blood, but I promised his mother I would look after him. She's gone… just like the rest of his family — Samuel explained.
— Don't take this the wrong way, Samuel, but for a she-wolf to ask a human to care for her cub… she must have trusted you deeply — said Anne, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
Before Samuel could respond, the Alpha spoke up:
— Just because he's human doesn't mean he has to be like the hunters, Anne.
— I understand… but do you really think Alex would rather be cared for by a human than by one of us wolves, Alpha? — Anne insisted, trying to grasp the delicate dynamic forming before her.
Samuel sighed, feeling the weight of the question.
— It's his choice. If he doesn't want me to care for him, I won't force him. If he wants to stay with you, that's fine. The decision is his.
Samuel's gaze softened as he looked at Alex, filled with affection and quiet protectiveness.
— No matter what he chooses, I'll never stop caring about his well-being. It's not just because of the promise I made. I consider him my son — Samuel affirmed, his voice steady.
Anne paused, reflecting on the depth of his words.
— If the choice is his, then let's allow him to decide. That would be the fairest thing, Samuel.
She knelt, meeting Alex's eyes, which showed hesitation and the fear of having to choose.
— Alex, do you want to stay with me, or with him?
The little wolf looked between them, feeling the pressure of the decision. Choosing between two who cared for him so deeply was nearly unbearable.
But then, amidst the fear, a memory surfaced — a faint echo of his mother's love and protection. Even at his young age, he knew she would've done anything for him. If she trusted this human, even without knowing him well, it was because she saw something good in him. And that thought brought clarity.
— Looks like he's made his choice — said Samuel, a wave of relief washing over him. — I'm sorry, Anne.
— It's okay — she replied with a gentle smile. — It's something I already expected. Either way, we're leaving now. And Alex, Samuel… feel free to visit us anytime. You're always welcome. Until next time.
After a brief farewell, Anne and her family departed, their absence leaving behind a quiet space that seemed to echo their presence. The Alpha, who had watched everything silently, approached Samuel with an expression of respect.
— I have to admit, I wasn't sure if he would choose you. But it seems you've truly earned his trust.
Samuel looked at Alex, now peacefully resting by his side, feeling a sense of fulfillment and tenderness.
— Let's head back. We should get some rest. From now on, Alex is staying with us.
— Sounds like a great idea — replied the Alpha with a smile.
The three made their way back to the den, where warmth and safety awaited. In just a few minutes, they arrived at the shelter that now felt like home.
— What a great night. The pack really needed this positive energy, especially after all we've been through — said the Alpha, feeling renewed.
— Thank you for being with us tonight, Samuel. I noticed the other wolves are calmer around you. Maybe, in the New Pack, things can continue that way — he added, his eyes hopeful.
Before leaving, he gave one final reminder:
— It's getting late. Go get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow will be a good day. Sleep well.
With that, the Alpha walked off to another room in the den, leaving Samuel and Alex alone. Samuel opened his bag and pulled out a cloak, laying it on the floor beside the pup.
— Lie down here. No need to sleep on the bare ground, little one — Samuel said softly.
Alex walked over to the cloak and lay down, his small body relaxing into the fabric's softness.
— Is it comfortable?
Alex nodded, confirming silently, while Samuel sat beside him, a quiet wave of protectiveness washing over him.
— Can I ask you something? — Samuel began, hesitant.
Alex nodded again.
— Why did you choose me? I didn't expect you would… not after everything that's happened with humans. I was scared in that moment, afraid I might never see you again. So why didn't you give up on me?
Samuel's voice trembled slightly, carrying more emotion than he intended. Alex noticed the weight behind the words — and then, in a soft whisper, he answered:
— Dad…
That single word cut through the silence like light through the dark. Before Samuel could even react, Alex got up and curled into his lap. In that moment, all of Samuel's fears vanished, replaced by a love so deep it rooted itself in his soul.
— You're special, Alex. To me… and to this world. Even if I'm not the best father, I'll do my best. You can believe in me. Thank you for staying with me, little one — said Samuel, stroking the pup gently, each movement filled with care and warmth.
Alex began to drift off, his eyes growing heavier with each breath. Once he had fully fallen asleep, Samuel picked him up gently and laid him back on the cloak, his touch filled with affection.
— Good night, son — Samuel whispered, his voice soft as a lullaby.
He lay down beside Alex, staring at the ceiling of the den, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. A new feeling had taken root — one of family and belonging. And as sleep slowly overcame him, he dreamed of a future where the two of them would stand together, side by side, ready to face whatever the world had in store.
🌙────── 🐾 ──────🌙