"I think it''s time we go talk to Ryker," she says firmly, not waiting for my response. Without hesitation, she grabs my hand and starts pulling me along. Despite the urgency in her grip, I hesitate for a moment, feeling a pang of reluctance as I nce back at the four kids who have been relying on us over the past few days. They''re safe inside the Alpha''s house, tucked away in a secure corner where nothing and no one can harm them. Still, it''s hard to leave them behind so abruptly. But Greta doesn''t give me a chance to second-guess; she leads me down the stairs with purpose.


    When we reach the kitchen, we find Ryker standing there, staring into the distance with a ss of water in his hand. His posture is rxed but there''s a tiredness in his eyes that speaks volumes.


    "You alright there, boss man?” Greta''s voice breaks the silence, causing him to startle slightly before turning his full attention to us.


    He lets out a weary sigh. “I know babies are a lot of work, and Kennedy has been a trooper through all of this, but if I don''t get a full night''s sleep soon, I''m afraid I''ll lose my mind." There''s no frustration in his tone, just pure exhaustion etched across his face. I feel a quiet relief that he''sfortable enough to show this vulnerability around me. After blinking a few times, he focuses intently on us. "Looks like we''re going to have to make you a full-time pack member after all, since Greta took that decision out of my hands."


    Gretaughs, a light, teasing sound, and I wince inwardly. It really was the quickest way to keep us both safe and sane during a conflict that threatened to tear us apart.


    "Well, I finally got my head out of my ass," she retorts with a smirk. "Took me slightly less time than you!" I''m amazed at how easily she can banter with her alpha without him batting an eye or scolding her. The more time I spend here, the more I want to be part of this dynamic.


    "We have something important to discuss with you, Alpha. Do you have a moment?" Greta''s tone shifts-she rarely calls him ''Alpha'' without formalpany, which signals the seriousness of what''s toe.


    Ryker straightens up, clearly registering the change in address. "Of course. I always have time for you. What''s on your mind, Greta?”


    She takes a deep breath, nces at me, then back at him, squeezing my hand for reassurance before speaking. “Have you found any information about the kids'' pack yet? Because if nothing''s changed, we''d like to keep them. Is that something possible?"


    Ryker studies us thoughtfully, the silence stretching out, making my heart pound with anxiety. The longer he takes, the more I tense, fearing his answer might be no.


    "I was actually about to ask you both the same question," he finally says. "The experiences you''ve had as children make you uniquely qualified to care for these kids like no one else could. We''re still searching, and it will take more time, but the longer we look, the less hopeful I am about finding any survivors. We did trace the cause of the fire, and it was truly an ident—not foul y. Our trackers are following leads and expect to find someone with answers in the next few days. I hope to learn if any of the kids'' parents survived. Of course, we''ll offer aid to any survivors we find, but the children are our priority. If the adults want to leave but the children wish to stay, I will allow that as well. Would you both be interested in helping me with a project?"


    His serious gaze shifts between us, and I struggle to keep up with the rapid change in topics. I nod eagerly, and Greta replies with a firm, "Of course.”


    "I''m painfully aware of the hardships that have affected Greta, then you, Finn, and now these kids," Ryker continues. "Unfortunately, war is inevitable, and casualties are a harsh reality. But many forget the innocence left behind. We have apartments for our traveling warriors and teenagers training with us, which work fairly well for those refugees. However, there are far too many young children left homeless, and I don''t believe the apartments at the warrior camp are suitable for them. What these kids need is a home-a ce with guidance and stability. I want to provide that for any young pups who might need our help.” He pauses, looking at us expectantly.


    "What exactly are you asking?" I finally manage to ask.


    "I know about Greta''s infertility—probably the only person besides you who does. You two are a newly mated couple, and the one thing most newly mated couples want is something that you can''t have in the traditional way." I feel Greta tense beside me, so I pull her close, hoping to offer somefort. Ryker''s eyes soften, the same way they do when he looks at his daughter.


    "I believe you can have children of your own, just in an unconventional way. Would you be interested?"


    I don''t even need to nce at Greta to know her answer. "Yes!" we say in unison.


    Miss L Author


    Thank you so much for reading. All constructivements and gems are appreciated. I can''t interact here, but if you''d like to join the conversation, you can find me on socials at Miss.L.Writes.