As we stepped out of the car and made our way toward the entrance of Ashley's home in Silver Peak, my heart was pounding with anticipation and joy. The journey from Winter Lake had been both thrilling and nerve-wracking, knowing that Ashley's time was drawing near and we had two small pups who did not like sitting for long.

 Now, the moment had finally arrived.

I knocked on the door, and a few seconds later, it swung open, revealing Alastair with a beaming smile on his face. His eyes gleamed with happiness and relief as he saw us. "I'm so glad you're here," he said warmly, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Hi! Wow, you're in a good mood." I replied, my voice filled with genuine excitement.

Alastair guided me inside, and the atmosphere was brimming with joy and excitement. The house was adorned with colorful flowers and decorations, and the scent of a freshly baked cake filled the air. There were murmurs of laughter and chatter coming from the living room, where the pack had gathered to celebrate the arrival of their newest member.

As we made our way through the familiar hallways, Alastair updated me on the events leading up to Elanor's birth. "Ashley's labor was intense," he said, a mix of pride and concern in his voice. "But she handled it like the brave and strong wolf she is. Our little pup is healthy and beautiful."

I couldn't help but smile, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness for my dear friend and her husband. "I'm so glad everything turned out well," I said, squeezing Alastair's arm reassuringly. "You both must be over the moon."

Alastair nodded, his eyes shining with adoration. "We are. It's an incredible feeling, becoming parents." He paused for a moment before adding, "I couldn't have asked for a better partner in this journey than Ashley. She's a natural."

And then, there she was—Ashley, sitting on a comfortable couch with the baby nestled in her arms. She looked tired but radiant, a new glow on her face that only motherhood could bring. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and she motioned for me to come closer.

"Come meet your the newest member of the Silver Peak pack, baby Elanor," she said, her voice filled with affection.

"Wh-what's her name?" My eyes instantly teared up.

"Elanor, or baby El."

I clasped my hand over my mouth and approached with a mix of awe and tenderness, gazing at the tiny, wriggling bundle in her arms. Baby El had absolutely no hair except for one little tuft at the top of jet black strands. Her little eyes fluttered open, revealing a pair of bright blue .

"She's perfect," I whispered, my heart swelling with love.

Ashley smiled and carefully passed little Elanor into my arms. As I held the precious pup, I felt an indescribable connection, a bond that instantly formed between us. "Welcome to the world, mini me," I said softly, unable to contain my emotions.

The room filled with laughter and happiness as the pack celebrated the newest member of their family. Over the following days, I stayed with Ashley and Alastair, helping them adjust to their new roles as parents. 

Freddy and Vicky popped their heads in and looked around. 

"Is the baby here?" Vicky asked, he tiny voice seemed so much softer.

"She is. Do you want to see her?" Ashley asked.

Both of the pups nodded their heads and tip toed across the room.

"She's so little," Freddy said.

"She is," I said, holding back a sob. "You were this little at one time."

"No way!" Freddy exclaimed.

"Yes, way," I said in a sing song voice as little Elanor started to fuss a bit.

"I remember when you two were born. You were the squirmiest little pups," Ashley said with a laugh. 

"I don't know what to say, Ashley," I held tight to the baby while reaching for her hand.

"You don't have to say anything. You're my best friend and if it weren't for you who knows what would have happened to all of us. I love you."

"I love you too," I cried.

"Oh Goddess," Edmond said, rolling his eyes.

"Ed, my good man, would you like a cigar on the balcony to celebrate?"

"Absolutely, Alastair."

The two men quickly retreated to the balcony just beyond the room while Freddy and Vicky ran off to find Anna and Adam. It didn't take them long. Within just a few minutes we heard the giggle and squeals of the four pups as they went tearing through the Beta's estate to their play area in the backyard.

"How is everything?" I asked.

"Oh, you know. Not the same as it was," Ashley said.

"What do you mean? Are you okay?"

"Oh! Yeah, I'm great," she laughed. "It's just weird, isn't it? We're mated off, have our own pups, fighting life and death battles."

"Right. Yeah, it's definitely weird."

"You're going to be queen."

"Not any time soon. I don't think King Orsand and Queen Amelia are going anywhere anytime soon. Which is fine by me. I have so much more to learn from the queen."

"You're going to be such a good ruler some day, El."

"Thanks, Ash."

"How's Alastair?"

"You know him."

"Right, perpetually busy and stoic?"

Ashley laughed and nodded her head as she took baby El back.

"I can't believe that I'm a mom again," she murmured. "I can't believe I'm a mom at all. Me. A mom."

I sat on the edge of the bed and let the baby hold onto one of my fingers as she sucked her pacifier while falling asleep. "There is nobody in this world more suited to be a mom than you."

"I dunno. What is I mess up or something?" she asked.

"You haven't so far."

"That's true."

Ashely stood and put the baby in her crib as we both slowly crept to the balcony to join Edmond and Alastair. They were just sitting and staring out over the forest beyond Alastair and Ashley's estate.

"Rousing conversation?" I asked. 

"We're just enjoying the peace," Edmond said.

"It's nice. Isn't it?" 

Alastair nodded his head. "Indeed."

"So what are your plans?" Ashley asked.

"We're heading to Moon Mist."

"To deal with Alex?" Alastair inquired.

"Partly," Edmond mumbled.

"He is a problem."

"He's a huge problem," I said, sitting on the arm of the chair Edmond was in. "I can't let him and Harmony stay together."

"There's nothing that can be done about that though," Ashley mentioned.

"But there is. There's a potion, drink thing, and a spell of sorts that's supposed to be able to break the mate bond without killing the wolves."

"That's a thing?" Alastair asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm not sure. There are records of it working but it's only been used a few times. I guess usually when we mate we kind of love each other and don't go all psychotic like Alex has."

"Is Harmony on board for trying this?"

"I don't know yet, but I'll find out when we get to Moon Mist."

As I gazed out over the serene landscape, my mind raced with thoughts of the challenging journey ahead. Moon Mist, the territory of the Moonlight Pack, was known for its mystical atmosphere and ancient knowledge. It was there we hoped to find answers and a possible solution to deal with Alex, Harmony's psychotic and dangerous mate. The thought of breaking the mate bond without harming anyone sounded almost too good to be true, but it was our only hope of protecting Harmony from further harm.

A mix of determination and worry filled my heart as I turned back to Ashley, Alastair, and Edmond. "We'll leave for Moon Mist tomorrow," I announced, my voice steady. "I'll talk to Harmony about the potion and the spell. We need to do everything we can to keep her safe."

"How about you stay here for a few days and we can all go?" Ashely suggested, looking at Alastair. "I haven't seen my parents in a while."

"They were here two days ago."

"That's a while," Ashley pouted.

Alastair shook his head but he wasn't the kind of wolf to deny his mate anything. "We'll go."

Ashely smiled and stood gingerly. "Good. I'll have the nanny start packing up Anna and Adam's things."