Chapter 17
The entire pack stood in anticipation, their eyes locked on the chopper.
A heavy silence filled the air, only broken by the steady hum of the blades slowing to a stop.
Every wolf present was expecting one person, Alpha Zayron.
Kayla felt her heart pounding in her chest. Her hands clenched into fists as she waited.
He was home.
After all this time, he was finally home.
The chopper door slowly opened, and every wolf held their breath.
But instead of Zayron, a familiar figure stepped out.
Ana.
She took one step forward, her eyes widening in shock at the sheer number of wolves gathered in the courtyard. Clearly, she hadn't expected this kind of welcome.
The moment the pack realized it wasn’t their Alpha, murmurs of disappointment spread through the crowd.
Some wolves exchanged glances, while others sighed and turned away.
Ana started walking down the steps, her expression unreadable.
The crowd, once so full of excitement, began to disperse. Wolves shook their heads, grumbling as they returned to their duties.
Kayla felt a pang of disappointment in her chest.
She had been so sure Zayron would step out of that chopper. She had felt it in her bones.
But at the same time, seeing Ana again brought a sense of comfort.
When everyone else had left, only Kayla and Ana remained in the courtyard.
Ana stood still, her sharp gaze fixed on Kayla, as if trying to read her thoughts.
It was as if she was searching for something, waiting to see if Kayla had figured out the truth.
Kayla swallowed hard.
Her lips parted, and she muttered under her breath.
“Moon weaver fabric.”
Ana’s lips curled into a smirk.
Then, she threw back her head and let out a laugh.
“So, Alpha Denzel called you?”
Kayla said nothing.
Instead, she turned and started walking back toward the kitchen.
She didn’t have time for this.
Ana, however, wasn’t done talking.
She fell into step behind Kayla, following her inside.
“You know,” Ana continued, amusement in her voice, “Alpha Denzel is so easy to deceive. Where did he think I would find the Moon Weaver fabric?”
Kayla remained silent, but her expression hardened.
Ana chuckled.
“I only said that to buy time. I knew once Zayron returned, he wouldn’t allow Alpha Denzel to take me, not even if I failed to provide the fabric.”
Inside the kitchen, Kayla couldn’t hide her happiness.
Seeing Ana alive and unharmed filled her with relief.
Without thinking, she turned and wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug.
Ana stiffened for a moment, caught off guard.
Kayla was rarely this open, this vulnerable.
But now, holding her close, Ana could sense it. Kayla’s instincts had already warned her.
She knew something was wrong with Zayron.
After a few seconds, Kayla pulled away and took a deep breath.
“I’m happy to see you,” she said, forcing a small smile.
Ana studied her carefully, sensing the turmoil beneath the surface.
“I see that. But something tells me that’s not the only thing on your mind.”
Kayla didn’t respond immediately.
Instead, she turned toward the counter and reached for the ingredients she had set aside earlier.
“Let’s finish this meal first,” she said, her voice quieter than usual.
Ana didn’t press further. She simply nodded and joined her.
Together, they worked in sync, the kitchen filling with the rich aroma of the meal Kayla had been preparing for Zayron.
By the time they were done, the scent of the meal spread warmly through the air.
They wasted no time in carrying the dishes to the dining room.
With the help of a few omegas, Ana directed the decorations.
Soft golden lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the long table, which was adorned with fresh flowers and fine silverware.
Everything was set to welcome their Alpha home in the best way possible.
As soon as the final details were in place, Kayla hurried back to Zayron’s chamber.
She wanted to freshen up before seeing him.
Standing in front of the mirror, she chose a flowing midnight-blue dress that draped elegantly over her frame. It was comfortable yet regal, the fabric soft against her skin.
As she adjusted it, her fingers brushed over her baby bump, and she let her palm rest there for a moment.
Ana leaned against the doorframe, watching her with a smirk.
“You look beautiful,” she said.
Kayla turned, meeting Ana’s gaze in the mirror.
“Do I?”
Ana nodded.
“Zayron won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
Before Kayla could respond, the deep, rumbling sound of an approaching aircraft filled the air.
She turned sharply toward the window, her heartbeat accelerating.
As the helicopter descended into the courtyard, the emblem of the Great Southern Council gleamed on its side.
She didn’t need anyone to tell her that Alpha Zayron was back.
Her heart beat harder as she stepped away from the mirror, her hands trembling slightly.
Ana straightened, her teasing expression replaced with something more serious.
“Let’s go,” she said.
Kayla didn’t hesitate.
She rushed out of the room, Ana close behind her.
Outside, the energy was different from before.
The first time the crowd had gathered, expecting to see their Alpha, they had been met with Ana instead.
Now, many of them had chosen to stay inside, unwilling to face another disappointment.
But those who remained, Helena, the elders, and a handful of loyal pack members, stood waiting in anticipation.
Kayla’s gaze swept over the scene.
Then, her eyes landed on Beta Axel’s car.
The vehicle was positioned near the gate, its engine running.
She frowned.
“Why is the Beta at the gate?”
Helena followed her line of sight and let out a displeased huff.
“Isn’t the Beta supposed to be here, welcoming his Alpha home?”
Kayla nodded in agreement.
Something about the situation felt wrong.
Without another thought, she snapped her fingers, calling a nearby warrior.
“Go get Beta Axel,” she ordered. “Now.”
The warrior obeyed without hesitation, making his way toward the car.
As soon as he left, the aircraft door swung open.
A hush fell over the small crowd.
Kayla barely breathed as she watched the figure at the entrance.
The moment she saw Alpha Zayron, her chest tightened.
Ana’s heart beat wildly.
Only she and a few elders knew something was wrong with Alpha Zayron.
She wondered if the Alpha would act strangely or manage to hide it, keeping up the illusion of normalcy.