Time flowed beautifully after that. One year later, Alex Jr. and Elara stood on the same family beach at sunset, the sky painted in soft pinks, oranges, and deep purples. Elara’s belly was softly rounded with their first pup, her hand resting protectively over it. Alex Jr. stood behind her, arms wrapped around her waist, one large hand covering hers on her stomach. The mate bond between them glowed steady and strong, full of love, excitement, and deep contentment.
Xander and Claire watched from a short distance away, arms around each other, proud smiles lighting their faces. The pack celebrated nearby with laughter, music, and the smell of food drifting on the evening breeze.
“You did it, son,” Xander called warmly. “Better than we could have ever hoped. You’ve both made the legacy stron
