CHAPTER 81: GOOD OLD HOOTING & CLAPPING
CHAPTER 81: GOOD OLD HOOTING & CLAPPING
Alana’s POV
During lunch with Axel when we were bickering about the name and sex of our baby, we also discussed announcing to the pack that we were with child.
It was pretty early, but we felt that it would be good for the pack to at least receive the good news of a life being added to the pack right when we lost so many.
Also, only a handful of our friends had known about it, and knowing how cold and grumpy Axel usually was around the pack members and sharing news, he would have wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.
For me, I had already worked my way past what happened with the pack when they thought I would be unable to carry Axel’s pups because I didn’t have a wolf. I did feel that I owed them a bit of an explanation since it was their pack as well and it had something to do with the heir to their pack.
I wasn’t doing it for their validation, because I didn’t need it, but I was doing it for myself, and my pack. There was a huge difference. Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.
So when we were done with the purpose of the pack being called together and Britney had been taken away, Axel dipped his head to my ear, asking me if now was a good time to tell the pack since they were already gathered.
“We’ll only do it if you’re ready,” he said. “We can gather again at another time if you want it to just still be the two of us and the others that already know.”
I shook my head. “No. It’s fine. Let’s do it now. The pack could use some good news. They'll appreciate it.”
A newborn was one of the most celebrated things in a werewolf pack from what I had come to know. This was because it was somewhat rare to have that type of thing happening as most werewolves would only want to have children with their mates rather than just anybody, and up until now, —which was another rare occurrence— werewolves only had the chance of getting pregnant during their heat periods.
The Moon Goddess blessing Axel and me, and the pack with a new life was too much news to keep to ourselves.
“Alright. You have the floor,” Axel said as he planted a kiss on my temple. I inhaled deeply to fill my lungs with his scent and I breathed out slowly.
He guided me with his hand on the small of my back to take the spot he occupied when he spoke to the pack only a few minutes ago.
Chattering could be heard here and there and some packmates were about to leave the arena. It was now or never.
I felt Axel’s hand gently massage my back through my dress and I found myself calming down.
“May I have your attention, packmates?” My voice came out firmer than I had thought I would. No squeaks, no breaks. The pack fell silent upon hearing my voice. I didn’t know what it was or why, but a surge of excitement flooded me. I suddenly found the courage to address them. To address my pack.
My lips curved into a smile when I saw Kennedy through the crowd, waving at me. Lexi, who was now standing by Tyler’s side, gave me a wide smile and a thumbs up, mouthing a “You’ve got this.”
“Thank you again, for coming out, and thank you for staying this long. Before we all leave,” I squeezed Axel’s hand for support, “Axel and I would like to share something with you.”
I was now the focus of the pack. Only earlier this year, I used to hide in a corner somewhere at the back of the crowd whenever we gathered for anything. I barely even stayed. My job was to make sure that the bullies in the pack had their shit wiped off their asses. If someone told me that I would be addressing the pack like this only after months, I would’ve said that they were crazy.
At that moment, thoughts of the other omegas flashed through my mind. Were there others who were now doing what I used to do all those months? Were there omegas hiding in the corners, scared of being seen?
I was now in the position to do something different, and I was going to. There was so much to do and so little time to do it.
Axel tugged on my hand to let me know that I had zoned out for a bit and I had to clear my throat to continue.
“The last few days have been hard for us as a pack. We lost friends, loved ones, and family members, due to the attack. But one thing that should bring us comfort is that we defeated the enemy and they will never be able to show their faces again. We came out on top even if it didn't seem like it, and we have more good news to share than bad.”
I glanced over at Axel with gratitude in my heart and my eyes. I saw a reflection of what I felt in his
eyes, certain that he did too.
I turned back to the pack and raised our joined hands for them to see. “We’re glad to announce that the Moon Goddess has blessed us and Crescent Moon pack with a new life.”
Axel’s free hand found my stomach through my back and I’m sure that the pack got the memo even before I completed my line.
The crowd broke into hoots and claps. The wolves that were once lying casually on the ground, licking their furs, now stood on all fours, howling at the sky.
For the next minute or two, the only thing I could hear was deafening hoots, shouts, howls, and applauses.
My excitement was on a different level. My heart suddenly felt full. Full to the brim. Axel who would be frowning at this type of behavior was chuckling and even hooted once or twice. Tears of joy slipped from the corners of my eyes but I caught them with the back of my palm before they could drop to my cheeks.
This was more than I could ever ask for. This was the family I needed. I got it, and I was grateful.
Axel turned me to face him and he planted a soft kiss on my parted lips. When he looked into my eyes, I could feel the joy that radiated from him.
“You, Alana, are the most phenomenal woman I have ever met.”
And you, Axel, are the most amazing father that there will ever be, and I love you. I didn't say it out
loud. Instead, I gave him the biggest smile I could.