adjective ~ becoming active or popular again

PHOENIX

The newborn haze was a real thing. The days after a new arrival, everything seemed...magical. Like looking through rose-tinted glasses, I couldn't feel prouder and happier than I was now.

The twins took to their new sibling remarkably better than I expected. Belle, however, was adamant that the baby couldn't have any milk. Her jealousy was almost humorous, but it got to the point Nova had to feed her in a separate room, or distract the toddler so heavily she didn't even notice.

Even with the challenges, the days blended into a symphony of tender moments and joy. The house was filled with the soft coos of Aelia, the playful shrieks of the twins, and the gentle hum of daily life. Every corner of our home seemed to echo with the vibrant energy.

Amidst the multitudes of feedings, diaper changes, and stolen moments of rest, we found a new rhythm. Nova's presence was a comforting anchor, grounding me in the midst of the whirlwind. Her strength and resilience shone through, even when she was exhausted. We took turns tending to the baby, each of us cherishing the quiet intimacy of one-to-one time.

Family and close friends visited, their faces alight with joy and curiosity. Each new visitor brought a fresh wave of excitement and congratulations, further enveloping us in the warm, glowing bubble of our expanding family. It was a time of celebration, of shared happiness, and of deepening bonds.

Yet, there were times when the weight of responsibility felt almost too heavy to bear. The sleepless nights, the endless cycle of care, and the occasional moments of doubt all took their toll. And then the shadows taunted us.

I knew Nova lay awake at night thinking about the people who aren't here but should be. I knew she cried for her brother and worried about Charlie and Calida. It was her nature to worry, but she was incredible to put on such a brave face in all the chaos. Time after a new baby was odd, and it was so easy to slip into an unwanted slump. But Nova powered through, constantly distracting herself. It was a coping mechanism I chastised her for, but she always brushed it off.

Who would've thought that I'd be the one trying to get her to open up her emotions?

The tables have turned.

But through it all, we found solace in each other. We laughed off the challenges, celebrated the minor victories, and held on to the belief that we were in this together.

As the days turned into weeks, we began to emerge from the newborn haze. The magic of those early days gave way to a steady, enduring love. And today, I had to go back to work.

I didn't want to.

I did not truthfully fulfil my time away. Sean and Leo managed most of the work, but some things still needed my regard. Signatures, phone calls, bossy alphas... Despite being 'on holiday' to care for my new family, some of them didn't care. A lot of them were nuisance callers that think their matters should come to me rather than the King.

But with a begrudging huff and smack on the ass from Nova, I left the house for what felt like the first time. Gone was the smell of baby vomit, breast milk and poop, my lungs breathing clean air.

Damn, what a privilege.

How lucky was I to have a mate that stays home so I can go bore myself with pack politics?

I hoped I wasn't rusty.

Who was I kidding? I'm never rusty.

Wolves excitedly greeted me as they went for their morning leisure stroll or jog. I bowed my head at them in greeting, the entire pack buzzing with a faint energy. In just two weeks, they'd all get to meet Aelia for the first time. The little wolf already had so much family and friends waiting for her. I could only imagine the chaos she was going to get into growing up.

"Phoenix!" somebody hollered.

Raising an eyebrow at the title drop, I turned to face Sean. My sterner expression dropped as he approached. He grinned, knocking his knuckles against my shoulder.

"I came by to walk with you, and Nova screamed at me to get out." He breathed, laughing.

I snickered. "She wants alone time."

"With three babies?"

"She claims she needs to learn how to care for them on her own." I mused. "I was going to be on standby, but she wants my confidence in her, so she has it."

"Ah, so she's still bossy Nova."

I rolled my eyes, approaching the front door of the pack house. "She's intransigent and overworking herself, but she won't listen to me."

"Still hung up on Charlie?" Sean wondered.

I nodded, frowning as we entered the hallway. "She keeps having nightmares."

"Visions?"

"A couple." I sighed.

Walking into my office was like greeting an old friend. I inhaled the scent of wood and fresh flowers, noticing a vase full of various varieties. Sean noticed my inspection and said that it was Rose's idea. I rather liked the colour of nature, bringing the drab room to life.

"They'll come back, eventually." He stated, gesturing to Charlie's wall of crap.

"She's just beside herself because she can't do anything."

"Well, she's popped the baby out now. Maybe her gift will change."

"Maybe." I muttered an agreement.

Silence enveloped the room as I busied myself with setting up for the day. Sean sat opposite me, a large file in his hand that, whilst scowling, dived into. I read through my various emails and notes, replying to the ones necessary for now.

Others could wait.

"It's rather silent without Charlie, isn't it?" He muttered.

I glanced at him from over my computer screen, raising an eyebrow. "It's always quiet without Charlie."

"I remember the days we'd beg for time away from him." He chuckled sadly.

"That's because he doesn't know when to shut up."

Sean paused, glancing out of the window toward the woods. "Do you think we'd know if he died?"

I flinched, not wanting to think of it. "I'm certain Nova would know if something was wrong. She has seen him in her dreams already."

"And he was okay?"

"From what she said, yes."

I'd leave out the part of his wild-eyes, drained expression and less-than impressive coat.

"Enough sad talk." I shook my head, moving away from the computer. "Now, tell me what I've missed."

Sean nodded, picking up his notes as he droned on through the few weekly pack reports, before detailing all pack training. He seemed concerned about a few new individuals, and I made a note to scope them out at this afternoon's session. After all the pack formalities were over with, he set down his notepad and turned his worried smile to me.

"What are we going to do about Pollux?"

I feared we wouldn't get much work done. We made it a point to not talk of work in my home, and it was all coming out now.

"You asked around?" I wondered.

He nodded. "No pack has had anything unusual or disturbing happen. It's almost like a ghost took him."

"Well, it wasn't a ghost. Maybe we should retrace our steps, go back to the city, and investigate the forest again."

"Again?" Sean frowned. "It's been weeks. The tracks will be gone."

"The snow is melting." I stated. "Damp soil could reveal something we've missed. A hair, a scent, a piece of lint..."

"Lint?" Sean grunted. "Are you okay?"

I sighed. "Look, I just want to find him. He is Nova's twin brother; he is my family."

Sean's expression softened. "No, I get it. I... Are you sure you want to arrange another trip so soon?"

I chewed my lower lip in thought. Did I want to be far away from Nova and the children? No. Did I have the best nose in this pack? Yes, minus Charlie.

"My nose isn't that strong, Phoenix." Sean admitted. "I could easily miss something."

"Then we need a nose that couldn't." I stated, deep in thought.

Who could we get to help? It had to be someone that wouldn't harm us; someone that would not see the lack of unity as an opportunity to attack. Someone who knew Pollux, knew Nova...

"I know who." I grunted.

Sean's nose wrinkled, but he nodded in return. The phone rang for a few moments before it connected. There was a pause before a feminine voice answered.

"Hello? Phoenix?"

"Avani." I greeted her warming. "How'd you know it was me?"

She laughed. "Caller ID. We have a new office phone."

"I see." I mused. "How are you?"

"I'm doing great. But I know you, Phoenix, and I know this is a business call."

"It is." I admitted. "I was hoping to speak to your son."

"Aldren?" Her toned piqued with interest. "He's in the garden. I will call him in for you."

"Thank you." I murmured.

The line dropped, falling quiet. I could hear rustling before she clicked a button and muted her microphone. I couldn't help but smirk, knowing that she was no doubt speaking with him, so I couldn't hear.

Moments passed, Sean waiting expectantly, before the phone sprung to life. With a shuffle and a sigh, Aldren's smooth voice floated through the device.

"Phoenix." He greeted. "What can I help you with?"

"Aldren." I glanced out of the window, watching the leaves sway with a gentle breeze. "I need your help to find somebody."

"Me?" I could hear his frown. "Why me?"

"You have certain skills that would be beneficial." I stated. "But also, he is rather a recluse."

Aldren paused before humming. There was a rustle before he crunched something between his teeth and began to chew. I grimaced at the sound, knowing he was toying with me.

Nova may like him, but he was arrogant. Knowing he had a man of my bloodline, asking for a favour must be his idea of a dream.

"Why do you want me to find him?"

"I just need to speak with him."

"He's hard to find." He grunted.

"I know he's nearer your land than mine. And I'd ask Nova, but she's... busy."

"How's Aelia?" He wondered through pieces of food. "Are they bonding?"

"They are." I mused. "She's a little devil."

"Good to hear you are being kept on your toes." He snorted a laugh, swallowing. "Is Nova's gift doing okay?"

"She hasn't mentioned anything about it." I sighed. "Celimene is no longer dormant, but she... they're very much in a bubble."

"I see." He murmured.

Silence, before he chomped something between his teeth. I visibly twitched, and Sean quirked an eyebrow at my expression, amused.

It sounded like celery.

"I can see what I can do."

"Please." I sighed. "My pack... my family's health relies on this."

"It's that big of a deal?"

"He could be the make or break of it." I nodded, despite how he couldn't see me.

"So no pressure then."

"You have skills that technology cannot use." I stated. "It's all we have. We have searched everywhere for clues, and there's still no sight of Pollux. We fear he is being held hostage, and Nova claims the bond has almost vanished."

"Yes. I've been struggling to find him, too." He murmured, pausing. "Okay, I will see what I can do."

"As fast as you can."

He grunted. "Sure."

I thanked him just as the line fell dead. Putting down my receiver, I made eye contact with Sean.

"You really think he will find a person in wolf form with no pack or blood link?"

"You forget that Aldren's mother is Nova's aunt. They are cousins, and share the same grandparents." I shook my head. "He will find him."

Sean didn't seem so sure, but I felt it in my gut that this was probably the best thing to try. Although very much a wolf, and very much disowned by his family, Cors was our best bet at tracking down Pollux, or even Charlie. He lived in the forests for decades, gained masses of experience and skills, and has experience with these kinds of things.

Cors was my last hope of getting anywhere with this. Pollux's life depended on it.