Chapter 30 - Hunter
The community hall is louder than it has been in months as laughter rolls through the space, blending with conversation and warmth that finally feels like I’ve made something both of this pack and of myself.
The scent of food hangs in the air, rich and familiar, while dozens of pack members mingle beneath the warm glow of the overhead lights.
For the first time in a long time, the atmosphere feels easier and more peaceful than it had. While it isn’t perfect, since nothing ever is, it’s enough.
I sit at the far end of the room with Tessa tucked against my side, my arm draped casually over the back of her chair.
She leans into me naturally, her fingers threaded through mine, and every time I glance down at her, my chest tightens with the same overwhelming certainty that has followed me since the moment she became my mate. My home.
The gathering had been my idea initially, but after I suggested it, Tessa threw herself into helping organize everything.
We both knew the pack needed this after everything that happened with Hayes and several months of uncertainty.
We all needed a reason to come together that wasn’t centered around fear.
Looking out across the room, I recognize every face, and knowing they’re all here settles something deeply ingrained in me.
My mother sits and chats with Cole and Mary, looking more than content to be spending some time with them. The former alpha catches my eye and lifts his drink in acknowledgment, and for all of his usual sternness, it seems I’ve managed to prove myself to him after all.
I return the gesture, silently acknowledging how two generations of leadership have come together. My way of doing things looks different from Cole’s, but now, it feels less tumultuous and more like I’m moving down the right path.
Nearby, Caleb has one arm draped around Lila’s shoulders while Luke and Sera argue good-naturedly about something likely entirely insignificant. Zane and Naia stand close together near the back, speaking quietly, while Dominic is surrounded by numerous plates and showing no signs of stopping.
I snort.
Tessa follows my gaze, and she smiles to herself. “He’s still eating.”
“He’s been eating for forty-five minutes.”
“Maybe he’s hungry.”
“He had three plates before anyone else got one,” I mumble, amused by how he always seems to be well acquainted with whatever food is being served. “If you ask me, I think he needs a girlfriend.”
A laugh escapes her, and I find myself leaning in just to hear more of it. I love that sound more than anything.
There had been a time when seeing her smile felt impossible, and now, I get to witness it every day. It’s something I can’t bring myself to take for granted.
Eventually, I give Tessa a knowing look. “I guess we should get to the main event.”
Immediately, I feel her subtle nerves through our bond, but it doesn’t feel like she’s bracing herself to flee. Instead, she takes a breath and looks over at me.
“You ready?”
“Of course,” I hum, gently squeezing her hand. “Are you?”
She smiles, and more confidence surrounds her. “With you? Always.”
That answer warms me deeply, and I give her a small, private grin before I push my chair back and guide her up.
The room gradually quiets as people realize we’re standing. Conversations taper off, eyes turn toward us, and a ripple of anticipation spreads through the gathering.
Even if Tessa is still getting used to the attention, she holds herself well by my side.
“I wanted to thank you all for coming,” I begin, turning toward the pack now.
“We’ve been through a lot in the last few months…
more than any pack should have to endure.
We faced enemies who wanted to topple what we have, but we survived because we stood together. Because this pack refused to break.”
Several wolves nod, and I catch pride shining in their eyes. It’s the same pride I’ve been carrying in my chest for some time now, and one I hope will last for as long as possible.
My gaze shifts toward Tessa. To the woman many of them once doubted, and the one some still struggle to fully understand. Yet she’s standing here now as their luna, stronger than anyone ever gave her credit for.
The majority of the pack has accepted her completely, but there are still a handful holding onto old assumptions and old prejudices; they’re becoming fewer every day, at least. Watching that change happen has been one of the greatest reliefs of my life, and even if I want them all to come around, I can’t push it.
For the most part, they finally see what I’ve always seen. They see her, the strength she possesses, and all the reasons I have to keep her in my life.
Tessa squeezes my hand in quiet encouragement, and that alone spurs me on.
“There’s another reason we called everyone together,” I add, well aware of both the anticipation welling in my chest and the bond that stays warm and content between us.
Immediately, the room becomes even quieter, and even Dominic finally stops eating.
I sense Tessa’s amusement at the fact, but she keeps it in well enough.
“Tessa and I are expecting,” I tell them, knowing how much realer it feels now. “We’re having a baby.”
For a heartbeat, silence fills the space, then the words seem to settle in, and many faces melt into mutual excitement. Cheers erupt from various directions, and several wolves whistle loudly. Of course, the guys make most of the noise.
My mother presses a hand over her mouth, eyes softer now. Cole and Mary beam, looking just as proud.
Tessa immediately blushes softly as congratulations begin flying toward us from every corner of the hall, but she holds my hand through it all anyway.
The reaction hits me harder than I expected, since they look genuinely happy for us, and for her. Those who gradually warmed up to her aren’t just accepting Tessa anymore. Instead, they’re celebrating her, our future, and the child that I already know will be surrounded by love from day one.
The realization warms me entirely as I prepare myself for a future that once felt impossible. Now, it’s standing directly in front of me.
I already know that not everyone will be thrilled by the news, and some are still on the fence about Tessa being here, but I refuse to let that dim our excitement. As much as I value most opinions from the pack, I won’t sacrifice my happiness to mend every small complaint.
They’ll come around eventually, but for now, I’m basking in this.
Eventually, the excitement settles into smaller conversations as we break off. People approach in groups, offering congratulations and well wishes, with some asking Tessa attentive questions.
We thank them all and see as many of them as we can, completely swathed in the kind of recognition and comfort I’ve been wanting Tessa to have for some time now.
At some point, while everyone else becomes distracted, my mother slowly makes her way toward us, and the moment I see the expression on her face, I know this is about more than the baby. Tessa notices, too.
Mom stops in front of us, and for several seconds, she simply looks at us, then she exhales.
“I’ve been trying to figure out how to say this for a while now, and I think it’s time I finally spit it out,” she admits.
Tessa remains quiet, looking a little guarded, but not as much as she used to be.
The honesty in her voice immediately captures my attention, and I give her a subtle nod of encouragement.
Mom looks older than she did a year ago. Rather than physically, it all seems emotional, more like she has spent these last months trying to wrangle with something that was long buried.
“When Hunter’s father died, I needed someone to blame,” she begins, gaze on Tessa now.
“I knew from the start that you had nothing to do with Daniel’s death, but after I learned that Hunter intended to take you as his mate, the truth of it seemed more complicated.
I blamed your family for what happened without hesitation, and eventually, I started blaming you too. ”
The admission isn’t an easy one, yet one she makes anyway, regardless of how painful it seems to bring it all up again.
My wolf shifts uneasily at the more sensitive subject, but I reel it in, allowing her to continue.
“You never deserved that,” Mom continues. “It took my own son reminding me again and again that you were just a child for me to truly accept that. It wasn’t right for me to take it out on you, or your parents, for that matter.”
Tessa’s expression softens, filling with the kind of understanding that can’t be faked. “You were grieving.”
“I was, but that doesn’t excuse it. I had years to come to terms with this, and I should’ve worked harder to forgive what was out of everyone’s control.
I let myself stew in my grief, and it nearly cost me this…
seeing you two together, and building a future together,” Mom says, taking a small step forward to gently gather Tessa’s hands in her own.
I’m sorry, Tessa. For the resentment, the judgment, and I’m sorry it took me this long to tell you. ”
The sincerity in her voice is unmistakable and lacking excuses. She means it, and we all know it.
For several moments, Tessa simply studies her, then she smiles. It’s gentle and genuine, making her look all the more like a gracious luna.
“I forgive you.”
The tension leaves my mother’s shoulders so suddenly that it’s almost tangible, and tears gather in her eyes. “So easily?”
Tessa hums with gentle amusement. “I wouldn’t say easily, but sincerely. I’ve been learning how to forgive more, too.”
My mother’s laugh comes out soft and emotional, but she nods.
Before I know it, they’re hugging, and the sight knocks the air from my lungs.
Even if this seemed like a wound that would never budge, this one is healing after all, and it feels like a massive weight lifted from my shoulders.
For years, conflict existed between them, even when neither wanted it. Now it’s on the way out, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
As they separate, my mother wipes at her eyes. “Thank you.”