Chapter 173
As Many As I Can Get
Thane
“We are working around the clock and will stop at nothing to bring whoever is responsible to a slow, painful death. I promise you, Logan. If I must declare war, so be it. In my eyes, it has already been declared.” I promise Logan and June the same thing I promised the other families. They all believe it. I hope I can make it happen. I would be lying if I said didn’t have my doubts. We have no other choice though. It isn’t just for Ayla or Tessa. It’s also for Monica, Oscar, Nora, and Adrian and countless others. There are no other options. We must win this fight.
I watch Ayla in awe as she manages to go through numerous photo albums of Monica. She doesn’t realize how much strength she has. She is a natural leader. A perfect Luna. Her comforting words come at the right time and when she makes her promises, you believe them.
The relief I felt when Monica’s family accepted her into their fold upon our arrival was the only thing I wanted to feel today. I don’t know how! would have reacted if they were angry with us in any way. She wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Monica’s father is quiet and full of turmoil. The only thing that will give him any sense of relief will be knowing those responsible are dead. I feel the same.
Our visit is lengthy, and I sense a bond developing between June and Ayla. One lost their only daughter, the other misses her mother. I will need to do something to further this for both of their sakes. I feel myself smiling when thinking about June and Logan holding our pup. All of us would be reliving the hurt of what we lost but grateful for what we have together.
I have to stop and get Little Wolf and pup some food on our way to some land Northeast of the maternity cabins. That stop turns into another stop, this time for ice cream, I had suggested that when we got a quick bite to eat but apparently the pup didn’t think that sounded good. Now it does. I’ll stop whenever she wants. I’m just happy that I have someone to stop for.
“This is pack land, close to the cabins but not so close that it would distress any she–wolves in labor. If you don’t want to build at the old site, this is the best option. We can do individual cabins, but you would need to figure out staffing quarters.” We walked around in the snow, looking at the forest view and I watch as Ayla tries to picture whatever is in her head p>
“I’m seeing a resort styled building in my head. Maybe two buildings and each floor could connect via a patio in case..you know…they choose to..” Her face flushes red and this shy side of her is so cute.
“You mean in case any need heat relief and they decide to have that in more of a group setting?” I smile at her as she turns bright red. Her blush is probably the equivalent of my dimples to her.
“I just think that they should have…options. They can have intake forms filled out and have preferences on file so there can be better accommodations based on their pre–chosen….interests p>
I throw my head back in laughter as Ayla tries her hardest to work around what he is thinking without saying something she deems naughty.
“So, a resort like atmosphere. Beautiful views, staff accommodations, recreational things for the alphas in between sewing their dicks back on….I can see it coming together.” I’m proud of her and how much thought she has put into this. I also feel like it is something weighing on me that I feel comfortable enough to freely hand her the reins to.
“ We can get the hole started and they can start concrete work in the spring.” I start thinking of the logistics of everything.
“ Can you even make a hole in the earth in the winter? ”
“ Cyrus can blow up anything.” I remind her and she lets out a soft laugh as she nods in agreement.
“ Will we be able to go that long? How are the mobile heat services going? I don’t even know what to call it.” Ayla walks around, planning and moving her hands around, pointing at imaginary things as she talks to herself about this building.
“ We can call it an inconvenience. Vance is on duty. There’s only been one in need so far. Four days. He didn’t complain about taking care of her. He didn’t have the desire to mark her, and he enjoyed eating all her food. He said leaving her after providing her with all that care was awkward though. ”
“So, we get contractors, architect. You run this from start to finish and when you need me for anything, I’m there. You think you can do it? ” I know she can, but I want to give her the option to pull out now if she wants to.
“I can. I had planned on … ” she pauses her words, hurt flashes in her eyes.
“I know Ayla. I know.” I pull her close and hug her tight. I know that she had planned on putting Monica on her team. She would’ve been working on it full time and from what I hear, glad to be out of the kitchens.
1/2
326 PM
As Many As I Can Get
We wrap up our wilderness exploration and head back to our own cabin. I mind–link the team and check on any new developments anywhere, but as of right now, there are none. I told Cyrus to quit for the day. He and Raven have been pushing themselves trying to track this powder and they need to work on their bond as well. They can’t do that if they are working 24/7. If that is what Raven is hoping for, she is mistaken.
“Are we planning on using the maternity cabins? ” I ask her, it will be here before we know it and we have yet to talk about any of this stuff.
“I thought that hot spring back there looked nice.” She laughs as we hold hands back to the car.
“You can have our pup in one if you want.” I suggest.
“I don’t want to boil him alive!” Little Wolf swats at me.
“Him? Hmmm….do you want a him or her?” I ask, the only thought I’ve had so far is the thought of having a little Ayla grow up and wanting to break the faces of any shifters that dare look her direction.
“I don’t know. I’d take a little Thane. I want you to have a son p>
“I don’t have a preference. I will take as may with you as I can get Ayla. ” I pull her in and hold her for a deep kiss before tucking her into the car and heading back to our cabin.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.