39. Chapter 39
Rys
The trail crunched softly beneath our boots as we walked through the pines, the air fresh and crisp as my pack took in the quiet beauty of the forest. I took the lead, guiding us toward my cabin, each step taking us further away from everything artificial, and closer to something that was real.
Cassie was behind me, her hair tucked into a loose braid.
She was radiating the kind of peace that only came from feeling settled and safe.
Leo was carrying our gear with ease, his usual restless energy quieted by the mountain air.
Ash and Jace were behind them, having a conversation sprinkled with laughter.
This was our reset, our last vacation before the next beginning.
We had been offered all kinds of opportunities after the show - sponsorship deals, a book deal, a spinoff.
Streaming networks practically fought over us the second we announced we were stepping into producing our own show.
But none of us were interested in having another show full of lies and drama onscreen.
If we were doing this, it had to be ethical.
No fake bonds or staged betrayals. We wanted people to have a real chance at love, making lasting bonds, and the messy, beautiful truth of what it means to be a pack in a world that still didn’t know what to do with people like us.
“Alright,” I said as we reached the cabin.
“This is it.” The pack let out a few murmurs as they took in the large, rustic cabin where we would be staying.
We planned on bonding here, making our connection official and permanent somewhere far away from any cameras.
Here, we would be free, and our time private and special.
Cassie stepped up, her eyes big as she took my hand.
“Are you excited?” She asked, and I could feel her heart beat faster with just the slightest physical connection.
“I’m just happy more than anything.” I replied. It was true - after all this time, I finally found a pack. And I wasn’t going to ever let them slip away. I felt someone take my other hand, and turned to see Ash by my side. I knew that he would be the most nervous of all, even if he never showed it.
“All right everyone. Breathe in,” I said, raising my arms slightly, guiding them like I would a group of trainees in meditation. “Let it go. All of it. The stress, the anxiety, anything you’re holding onto.”
They followed without hesitation.
“Breathe out,” I continued, my voice low.
“This is our time. And we can take all of it that we need.” I smiled as I felt the two omegas release their stress, then stepped up to the door as Jace and Leo followed us.
I gave them a wink as we entered the cabin.
I was looking forward to having these two at my side. They were honorable, good alphas.
Leo set the bags down, then stretched out in the large entry room.
“Ready everyone? Tonight changes everything!” He’d been instrumental in helping us navigate the post-show media and offers.
Being a semi-celebrity, he already had experience navigating the waters of public relations, agents, and contracts.
After all the work he had put in for us, I wanted him to be able to have a vacation as well.
Jace looked around, smiling at the size of the cabin. He’d left his job after the show, and was now learning all he could about TV production, his creative side unlocked after our shared experience. I was glad that he had a newfound direction. Every day I learned more about him, and I loved it.
Ash started exploring the rooms, with Cassie quick to follow.
He’d opened up tremendously in the last few months, and had grown so confident and open.
After the show, he had a few family members that came to him with their hands out asking for money.
But Ash was great at setting boundaries with them, his self-worth now through the roof. I loved watching his growth.
Once we were all settled, I began preparing dinner, wanting something warm and comforting to bring us together.
We’d need the energy - not just for the night ahead, but for everything that was quietly shifting between us.
After tonight, we’d be bonded, for life.
It was a second chance for me. I'd royally screwed up once before, and I did the work to make sure I'd never take anyone for granted again.
Now, as I looked at my pack, the ones who'd randomly been paired with me, who also ended up choosing me - I couldn't be more grateful.