After leaving the villa, Alaric drove straight back to the Stone house without stopping anywhere else. The tension from the discussion about the Fang Pack still lingered heavily in his mind, along with the thoughts of Sebastian that refused to leave him alone. Even though he remained composed throughout the meeting, the memories had stirred something restless inside him.
The only thing he wanted now was to see Anya.
The house was quiet when he returned. Most of the lights downstairs had already been dimmed, leaving only the soft glow from the hallway lamps. He moved quietly through the house before making his way upstairs toward her room almost instinctively.
When he opened the door carefully, he found Anya already asleep.
She was curled beneath the blanket, her hair spread softly across the pillow, her breathing slow and peaceful. The sight of her immediately eased something inside his chest.
For a moment, Alaric simply stood there watching her quietly. She's alive, safe and still with him. The weight he carried from the meeting loosened slightly just looking at her.
Without making much noise, he closed the door gently behind him and walked toward the bed. He slipped under the blanket beside her before pulling her naturally into his arms from behind, holding her close against his chest.
The familiar warmth of her body settled against him immediately.
Alaric buried his face lightly near her neck, breathing in her scent slowly. The soft fragrance that belonged only to her wrapped around his senses and calmed the restless wolf beneath his skin almost instantly.
He felt a deep sense of peace and calm, something she had always brought into his life. Even after the darkest thoughts, even after memories that still haunted him, she somehow steadied him without even trying.
Anya stirred softly in her sleep from the movement before slowly waking. The moment she realized who was holding her, she relaxed completely and turned around within his arms until she faced him directly.
Her sleepy eyes softened immediately when she saw him.
"You're back," she murmured softly, her voice still thick with sleep as she instinctively moved closer and wrapped her arms around him tighter.
Alaric smiled faintly at the sight of her clinging to him so naturally.
"Did you miss me?" he asked gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
Anya nodded lazily against his chest without hesitation. "Of course," she whispered softly. "All the time."
The simple honesty in her sleepy voice hit him harder than she realized.
Alaric's gaze softened immediately as his hand moved beneath her chin, tilting her face upward carefully. He leaned down and kissed her slowly.
The kiss started gentle, lingering and warm, but the moment Anya responded and kissed him back, something deeper stirred inside him. Her lips were soft against his, and the way she moved closer instinctively only made the ache in his chest stronger.
One of his hands slid slowly along her waist beneath the blanket before slipping beneath the thin fabric of her shirt. His palm rested carefully against the bare skin of her waist and lower back, the direct warmth of her skin against his hand sending a sharp tension through him instantly.
Anya gasped softly into the kiss.
Her body reacted immediately to the sudden skin contact, warmth rushing into her cheeks as she felt the intensity beneath his restraint. Even half asleep, she could sense something heavier in him tonight. It was neither anger nor danger, but tension.
Emotional exhaustion mixed with the instinctive pull of the bond.
Alaric deepened the kiss slightly, his breathing slower but heavier now as his hand remained against her bare skin, holding her close as though grounding himself through her warmth.
Anya could feel how tightly he was controlling himself.
Slowly, gently, she lifted one hand to his face while continuing to kiss him. Her fingertips brushed softly along his cheek and jawline in a soothing motion, the gesture tender and reassuring.
The touch affected him immediately.
Alaric's eyes closed briefly as he leaned into her hand for a moment, his forehead resting lightly against hers after the kiss finally broke.
"You calm me too easily," he murmured quietly.
Anya looked at him softly, still caressing his face. "Something happened at the meeting?"
Alaric hesitated briefly before answering honestly. "One of the Packs is officially dispersing. Tomorrow we are heading to Dunwell to take in some new pack members from them."
Anya blinked slightly, now more awake.
"That sounds serious," she whispered.
"It is."
His hand tightened slightly against her waist before relaxing again.
Anya studied him carefully. "You're worried."
Alaric lowered his gaze briefly before looking back at her. "I just…" He exhaled slowly. "I don't like uncertainty."
Anya moved closer until their foreheads touched again. "Then stay here for tonight," she whispered softly. "Don't think about anything else."
The gentleness in her voice made something ache painfully in his chest.
Without another word, Alaric kissed her again, slower this time, his hand remaining warm against her back while her fingers continued brushing softly through his hair and along his face.
The tension inside him gradually eased beneath her touch. He closed his eyes, letting her presence steady him.
*****
The next morning, before sunrise had fully brightened Central City, Alaric left the Stone house together with Marcus, Evelyn, and Leo. The atmosphere inside the car was calm but serious as they headed toward Dunwell.
Before leaving, Alaric had arranged for Serena to remain in Central City.
"Stay close to Anya while I'm away," he had told her quietly before departure.
Serena had given him a dry look afterward. "You say that as if I'd let anyone touch her while you're gone."
Alaric knew she meant it.
The drive to Dunwell took several hours. As they moved farther away from Central City, the surroundings gradually changed. Dunwell was colder and rougher compared to the polished modern atmosphere of Central City. The buildings were older, the streets narrower, and the forests surrounding the city stretched wider and denser.
The Fang Pack territory itself sat near the edge of the mountains, surrounded by thick woodland that carried the fading scent of an old pack losing its structure.
The moment they arrived at the Fang estate, several wolves were already waiting near the entrance.
Eric Fang stood at the front.
He looked older than Alaric remembered from his previous life. Not physically weak, but exhausted in a way that weighed heavily in his eyes. The pressure surrounding him still carried the authority of an Alpha, though there was a deep weariness beneath it now.
"Marcus," Eric greeted as they approached.
Marcus stepped forward and clasped forearms with him briefly in greeting. "Eric."
Eric's gaze then shifted toward Evelyn, Leo, and finally Alaric.
His eyes lingered slightly longer on Alaric than expected.
"So this is your son," Eric observed quietly.
Marcus nodded once. "Alaric."
Alaric gave a respectful nod. "Alpha Fang."
Something unreadable crossed Eric's expression briefly before he gestured for them to enter.
Eric immediately sensed how unusually powerful Alaric was for his age. He was not an ordinary future Alpha, especially after hearing rumors that Alaric had shifted at sixteen. At the same time, Alaric stood calm, disciplined, and controlled. On the other hand, Sebastian had become consumed by ambition and instability. Seeing the difference so clearly deepened Eric's disappointment and guilt regarding his own son.
*****
Inside the large estate hall, the atmosphere felt tense but controlled. Several Fang wolves moved quietly through the building, their expressions uncertain about the future awaiting them.
Eric exhaled slowly before speaking. "Thank you for coming personally," he said to Marcus. "And thank you for agreeing to take some of my pack members."
Marcus shook his head slightly. "Your decision shocked many people," he admitted honestly. "But most of us understand why you made it."
There was no judgment in his tone.
"In truth," Marcus continued, "I think it was a wise decision."
Eric gave a faint, tired smile that carried little relief.
"Perhaps," he said quietly. "Or perhaps I simply failed too early as an Alpha."
"You prevented further damage," Evelyn said calmly beside Marcus. "That matters."
Eric fell silent briefly before his expression hardened slightly again.
"If Sebastian appears," he said suddenly, his voice colder now, "you have my permission to eliminate him if necessary."
The room grew still immediately. Even Leo's expression sharpened slightly at the directness of the statement.
Eric's gaze lowered briefly before returning to Marcus.
"I will not interfere," he continued. "And I will not protect him if he crosses the line."
Alaric remained silent, though inwardly the words settled heavily inside him. He heard that previously Eric would still defend Sebastian despite everything. Hearing him abandon that loyalty now told Alaric how far things must have deteriorated.
"He's no longer acting as part of this pack," Eric said quietly. "Whatever choices he makes from this point onward belong to him alone."
Marcus nodded once in understanding. "Understood."
Not long afterward, Eric led them toward the rear courtyard where the wolves selected for relocation had already gathered.
Ten wolves stood waiting quietly. Some looked nervous, some looked ashamed and some simply looked lost. Eric stopped in front of them before introducing them one by one.
"The first are Damon and Clara Reeves," Eric said, gesturing toward the middle-aged couple standing near the front. "Damon works in logistics management for a transportation company, while Clara is an accountant at a private finance firm."
Both greeted Marcus and the others respectfully, though the exhaustion from the past few weeks still lingered in their expressions.
Beside them stood their daughter, Elise Reeves, a quiet sixteen-year-old student who stayed close to her parents while carefully observing the unfamiliar environment around her.
Eric continued with the next introduction. "Nolan Pierce works in private security and risk management. He previously handled security operations for several corporate clients in Dunwell."
Nolan gave a calm nod in acknowledgment. His broad build and disciplined posture immediately reflected years of combat and physical training even outside pack responsibilities.
"The twins are Adrian and Avery Cole," Eric said, motioning toward two young men standing side by side. "Adrian works in software development while Avery is involved in digital marketing and media management."
The twins greeted the Stone Pack politely, though they still carried the restless energy of younger wolves adjusting to sudden change.
Eric then introduced the woman standing quietly nearby. "Mira Bennett is an emergency room nurse."
Mira offered a composed smile. "Thank you for accepting us into Central City."
Beside her stood Ethan Vale, who adjusted his glasses slightly before nodding respectfully toward Marcus and Alaric.
"Ethan works in cybersecurity and network systems," Eric explained. "Most of his work is remote, so the relocation will not affect his position significantly."
The final three wolves stood slightly behind the others.
"Jonas Reed is a university lecturer specializing in history and cultural studies," Eric said. "Lillian Hart works as a fitness and rehabilitation instructor, and Caleb Frost is currently interning at an architecture firm while completing his final year of studies."
Caleb straightened immediately when introduced, clearly nervous but trying to remain composed.
Marcus nodded slowly as he listened to their backgrounds. "Have arrangements been made regarding employment and relocation into Central City?"
Eric nodded once. "Most of them have already started preparing."
Damon spoke up first. "My company approved a transfer to their Central City branch."
Clara added quietly, "My firm also has an office there, so I'll be continuing my work remotely until the transfer is finalized."
Adrian rubbed the back of his neck before speaking. "Avery and I already started applying for positions in Central City last week."
Avery nodded. "And we have temporary freelance work lined up while we settle in."
Mira smiled faintly. "Marcus Stone kindly arranged interviews with one of the hospitals in Central City."
Ethan added calmly, "My employer doesn't care where I work from as long as the systems stay secure."
Even Lillian and Caleb had already begun planning their transition. Lillian intended to join a private training and rehabilitation center in Central City, while Caleb had secured approval to continue his internship remotely before transferring to a local architecture firm later.
After introductions ended, Eric turned toward the gathered wolves again.
"These are the leaders of the Stone Pack," he announced firmly.
The Fang wolves straightened immediately.
"Marcus Stone," Eric continued, "current Alpha of Central City."
Marcus stepped forward calmly, his natural authority settling over the courtyard without effort.
"And this," Eric added, his gaze shifting toward Alaric, "is Alaric Stone. Future Alpha of the Stone Pack."
The moment Alaric stepped forward, several of the wolves visibly reacted to the pressure surrounding him.
Even restrained, his wolf carried dominance stronger than most Alphas his age should possess.
The Fang wolves lowered their heads respectfully.
"Alpha Marcus," they greeted together.
Their gazes then shifted toward Alaric with a mixture of caution and curiosity.
Marcus addressed them calmly afterward.
"You are no longer members of Fang Pack," he said evenly. "But while you are under the protection of the Stone Pack, your safety becomes our responsibility."
The tension among the wolves eased slightly.
"In return," Marcus continued firmly, "you will follow our rules."
His voice remained calm but authoritative.
"No unnecessary shifting in public. No violence among pack members. No reckless exposure of our kind to humans."
The wolves listened carefully.
"The Stone Pack values discipline, loyalty, and restraint," Marcus said. "As long as you obey and work with us properly, you will be protected and taken care of."
Several wolves visibly relaxed hearing those words, especially the younger ones.
Marcus then glanced briefly toward Alaric.
"And eventually," he added calmly, "many of you will answer to him."
The Fang wolves looked toward Alaric again, and he met their gazes with steady calmness, carrying neither arrogance nor hostility, only a quiet sense of control.