Dawn’s POV
The morning dissolved into pure magic as Seraphina and I spent hours in the treehouse, lost in elaborate tea parties and endless giggles. Her tiny hands carefully arranged plastic cups while she chattered about everything from butterflies to her favorite cookies. I found myself completely enchanted by her innocent enthusiasm, sothing I’d never experienced growing up in that cold hunter compound.
When Nora’s voice drifted up from below calling Seraphina for lunch, we reluctantly climbed down from our fairy tale hideaway. The little girl’s warm fingers intertwined with mine as we walked toward the packhouse, her trust both heartwarming and overwhelming.
"Looks like soone’s made a devoted admirer," Asher observed with amusent as Seraphina was whisked away to the dining room, still glancing back at with sparkling eyes.
"She’s incredible. I never imagined a tea party could be so entertaining," I admitted, still grinning from our adventure.
Asher stepped closer, his eyes dancing with mischief. "That’s tragic. Every woman deserves proper tea party training." His lips brushed mine in a gentle kiss that sent familiar butterflies dancing through my stomach.
"Stop teasing," I laughed, though warmth spread through my chest. "Now I’m worried about this afternoon though. What if Seraphina won’t let spend ti with the twins? I don’t want anyone feeling left out."
Asher’s expression grew thoughtful. "She might not be willing to share you just yet."
The possibility made my stomach twist with unexpected anxiety. These children ant more to than I’d anticipated, and the thought of disappointing any of them created an uncomfortable knot in my throat.
"Speaking of family," I said, needing to shift the conversation, "when do I get to et yours?"
Sothing flickered across Asher’s features, a shadow that made instantly regret the question. "I’m not originally from this pack. Alpha Damien and Luna Elena took in when I was sixteen."
"But what about your parents? You’ve never talked about them," I pressed gently.
Asher’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Co on. Let’s take a walk."
He guided outside, his arm settling around my shoulders as we headed toward the open fields stretching beyond the packhouse. The afternoon sun felt warm against my skin, but sothing cold was creeping into the space between us.
"I’m getting the distinct feeling this conversation won’t end well," I murmured.
Asher stopped walking, his arm falling away as he turned to face . The pain in his eyes made my breath catch.
"My parents were murdered when I was fifteen. No one ever discovered who was responsible. It wasn’t rogues or so random attack. Soone executed them in cold blood, and the killer just vanished."
The words hit like physical blows. "Asher, I’m so sorry. Didn’t your Alpha investigate?"
"He tried everything. Spent months following every possible lead, but nothing materialized. Every trail went cold, every witness disappeared or had nothing useful to offer."
My heart ached watching him struggle with mories that still clearly haunted him. "Do you still have family in that pack?"
"Several relatives, but staying there beca unbearable. Every corner held mories, every familiar face reminded of what I’d lost. I had to leave or go insane."
"Have you ever considered going back? Even just to visit?"
Asher was quiet for a long mont, his gaze distant. "Actually, yes. Since you reunited with your parents, since they found you after all these years, I’ve been thinking about it more."
"Maybe it would help with closure," I suggested carefully.
"Perhaps. I know Damien and Elena will want to spend ti with you when they return today. Sixteen years apart is an eternity."
"We’ll discuss this more later though, right?" I insisted.
"Absolutely," he promised.
As we wandered through the pack territory, a woman approached us with a respectful nod. "Hello Briar."
"Hello," I responded automatically.
After she passed, Asher chuckled softly. "You’ll never escape that na. Everyone here knows you as Briar."
"Honestly, I think I prefer it to Dawn anyway," I admitted.
Asher’s smile returned, genuine and warm. "Good choice. It’s a beautiful na for a beautiful woman." He leaned down to kiss again, and I felt that familiar flutter of contentnt.
We continued our leisurely exploration until word reached us that Damien and Elena had returned. My stomach imdiately twisted with nervous energy as we headed back toward the packhouse.
Inside, the reunion was already in full swing. The younger children were practically bouncing with excitent, their happy squeals echoing through the rooms as they competed for their parents’ attention. I lingered uncertainly in the doorway, suddenly feeling like an intruder in this intimate family mont.
Elena spotted imdiately, her face lighting up as she crossed the room. Without hesitation, she pulled into a warm embrace that slled like pine trees and sothing indefinably maternal.
"I hope everyone has treated you well while we were away," she said softly.
"They’ve been wonderful. More than I could have hoped for," I assured her.
"Good. Are you comfortable in the packhouse? Do you have everything you need?"
"Yes, thank you."
Damien approached next, enveloping in another surprisingly gentle hug. His strength was obvious, but his touch remained careful, almost reverent.
Standing there surrounded by this warmth and acceptance, I couldn’t help but marvel at how wrong my upbringing had been. These werewolves weren’t the savage beasts I’d been taught to fear. They were a family, bound by love and loyalty in ways I was only beginning to understand.
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