To say she was on edge was an understatement. Avayla hadn't been able to relax from the movement she was shown what her supposed new home was.

The fact that the house was much nicer and about twice the size of their cabin back home didn't help...

She and Theo had spent the first fifteen minutes scouring every inch of the place. Once deemed safe, they grabbed their daughters and sat down in their new kitchen, then she scrunched her nose and fought a growl. None of this makes sense.

Why are they doing this, Mama? Maria asked, wiggling in her seat a little.

The alpha wasn't sure how to answer that. She looked at her mate for help, but he was looking down at the table and fiddling with his fingers. I'm not really sure, Sweetheart. I don't fully understand myself.

But they want you...?

Avayla ran her fingers through her daughter's luscious, brown hair to try and comfort her. It appears so, but don't worry. Nothing is going to happen to me. I'm going to be here to take care of all of you, but I may need you to help me with you sister. Can you do that for me?

Maria nodded without hesitation, sitting up a little straighter.

Thank you. Avayla gave her a soft smile. Can you go put her down for a nap for me please?

Again Maria nodded, then took her sister into the room that had conveniently been set up as a nursery.

And it was the kind of nursery that every parent wants for their child. The furniture was all sturdy and handmade, soft linens and toys were waiting to be used, a cozy rocking chair sat in the corner, the walls painted with shades of pastel pinks and purples with baby wolfs stenciled on in white... it was perfect.

Once Maria disappeared around the corner, Avayla turned to her mate and cupped his cheeks. Are you ok? She asked slowly in a private link.

Now that they were away from this new pack, she had felt Theo's stress building more and more as each minute passed. Now it was to the point where he couldn't even focus on Avayla. His eyes were fogged over and quivering slightly.

T? The alpha moved a hand to hold his chin so she could force him to look at her. T, talk to me.

He started to shake his head, matching the rate his body was trembling. I don't...

It's ok. Avayla could immediately sense his thoughts traveling back to the other alphas and how angry they were when he didn't submit to them. They aren't going to hurt you again. I'm going to protect you.

Ava... Theo whimpered and leaned forward to shove his nose into her neck.

I know. I know. She wrapped her arms around her mate's shoulders, her wolf purring at the contact and with pride.

It surprised her that even in this kind of situation she still felt proud to call Theo hers. She knew her wolf would do everything to protect its mate, just like she would move mountains for her amazing, adorable, playful, loving beta.

She allowed these emotions to flow openly through their connection, wanting Theo to be reassured that she was going to take care of him.

Especially when a wave of self doubt flowed from him.

T...

I know... I can't help it. He whimpered and pressed his nose further into his alpha's elk. His doubt grew even more when the first hot tear fell from his eyes ad rolled down Avayla's shoulder. I don't... I...

Avayla knew exactly what he was going to say. They'd had this same conversation countless times, and it was always the same thing.

Yet this time was different. This time... she knew Theo needed to get out everything on his mind. It was bubbling inside of him, and she feared that if he didn't, he would lock himself away. He'd come close to that once, and she would never let it get that far again.

I hate that I'm different. Theo's voice was soft in her mind, like the gentlest brush of fingers dancing across skin. I am such a liability. I put you in danger. I can't protect you or the girls properly. I know it's a constant headache for you to always speak to me for others. I'm just something for the alphas here to use against you...

For a long moment, Avayla let his words hand in the air, spinning between them. She lifted one hand up to tease the baby hairs at the base of his neck. Alright. You said your piece. Now it's time to let it go.

But...

Theo, listen to me. I. Love. You. You are my chosen mate. We grew up together and I have never cared that you're 'different'. If anything, you not being able to hear makes you special. The skills you bring to hunting are second to none. And I know you don't see it, but you are more in tune with the pack then you think you are. As soon as someone's mood shifts, you know and you are right there to help them through it.

She could practically feel Theo absorbing her words. He fidgeted in place, much like a little kid did while trying to process something they didn't quite understand.

Then, as if to prove the point Avayla had been trying to make, Theo lifted his head up and stared in the direction of the front door. It took her another twenty seconds before she could smell the approaching alphas. During that time, she watched at Theo shrunk into himself and started looking around like he was wanting to hide.

T it's ok, I won't let them hurt you. Avayla moved to stand in front of him, shielding him from the door.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise when a soft knock greeted them. She had half expected them to fling the door open and walk right in.

When no one answered, they knocked again. From their scents, Avayla knew Siyeon was there, and she thought she remembered Yoohyeon and Gahyeon as well.

"Avayla?" Siyeon called out. She sounded nervous. "We know you're in there."

With an annoyed huff, Avayla approached the door and cracked it open. She didn't say anything, just glared at the three women in front of her.

"Hi!" Gahyeon said with an admittedly cute little wave.

"How do you like the place?" Yoohyeon asked. "Are the girls alright?" The care and concern was evident, which made Avayla's lip curl in a snarl.

"What do you want?" She snapped.

Siyeon flinched and looked down at the ground, scrapping it with her foot. "We can to see how you are doing. We understand this is a lot to process, but-"

"Do you?" Avayla cut her off with a growl. "Do you understand? Do you understand what it's like to be taken away from your home and your family?"

"Yes, actually, we do." Gahyeon said with a small pout. "Some of us at least."

That made Avayla falter. Her words caught in her throat and her eyes flashed to Siyeon out of some instinct that had formed from the small bond they had.

Yoohyeon clasped her hands in front of her and offered a small smile. "May we come in? We'd like to give you a better explanation now that we all can be a little more comfortable."

Avayla twisted her lips to the side and looked at where Theo was watching her with a mixture of confusion and fear on his face. She hadn't been speaking to him at the same time, so he had no idea what was going on.

They want to come in and explain. She said, tuning all of her senses on her mate to gauge his reaction. Theo shrank in on himself a little. It's not the leader. It's Siyeon, the one who took care of the girls, and the youngest that met us at the border.

The smallest feeling of relief shot through their bond. It was all Avayla needed before she opened the door to allow the three alphas inside.

"Thank you." Yoohyeon bowed her head. The three of them walked into the living room at sat on the long sofa together while Avayla and Theo sat on a loveseat opposite from them. Theo leaned into Avayla, partially hiding behind her. She took one of his large hands in her own so he could squeeze it if he needed the support.

When Siyeon started to speak, Avayla made sure Theo got every word of it too. "I want to start by again how thankful I am that you helped me. I... I know I've broken your trust." She looked down at her hands, her blonde hair hanging loose around her face. "But I do hope to earn it back one day."

"We'd all like to earn it." Yoohyeon added. "I know how we handled things aren't... right. That wasn't our choice." She placed a hand on her chest as if to emphasize that she was talking about at least herself and the two next to her.

Then why did they do it? Theo asked with a small whine, drawing all three alpha's attention.

"Theo wants to know why you did this to us."

"So, he can talk?" Gahyeon's grew wider and she leaned forward a little, crossing one leg over her lap and resting her elbow on it so she could place her chin in her hand.

Avayla growled at her remark. "Of course he can."

"Please, we've never met anyone like him before." Yoohyeon held up a hand in surrender. She had a calming aura around her, giving Avayla the impression that she was the one who usually kept things under control in their little group. "We didn't mean to cause any harm by it either, I'm sorry we came off so strong before."

As much as Avayla wanted to stay mad, she couldn't because she understood why they were confused. It still didn't give them the right to gang up on Theo like they had, but she knew that she would feel bad if the roles were reversed.

SoShe asked her mate, turning her head to press her lips into his hair. A small mod answered her and she looked back at the other alphas in the room. "Theo was born without the ability to hear."

Gahyeon gasped and sat up straight. "Like, at all?"

Avayla nodded. "Physically. But we can communicate through the pack link just fine."

"Wow. I've never heard of anything like this before." Yoohyeon glanced at Siyeon, a surprise expression on both their faces. "How did he know what we are saying then?"

I'm psychic. Theo said with a sly smile tugging at his lips.

The comment made Avayla snort and she rolled her eyes. "He says he's psychic." She couldn't help but laugh a little when the three women in front of her froze, a mixture of fascination and fear making their scents spike. "He's just messing with you." She said quickly. "I relay everything that is said to him at the same time so he's included in the conversation."

"What?" Siyeon blinked several times. "You... You can do that? At the same exact time?"

For whatever reason, Avayla felt her cheeks heat up a little. "Y-Yes. When I'm speaking at least. But when you speak there's a little bit of a delay."

"Wow. You-" Siyeon sat back and exhaled. "You're amazing, Avayla. The mental stamina you must have from doing that constantly must be incredible."

When the other two alphas nodded, Avayla looked down. Her flush grew even more when Theo squeezed her hand and whispered, They are right.

"It's not that impressive." She mumbled.

"Yes it is." All four of them said at the same time.

"We've never met an alpha like you before." Yoohyeon continued. "I feel like there's so much we could learn from you, just like I know there's a lot we can teach you too."

Avayla didn't like that they felt like there was something she needed to learn. It made her wolf stir with anger and she had to work to control it.

Yoohyeon seemed to understand and smiled. "I know. But we want to be able to share our world with you. You are special, Avayla, and we want to make sure you know it in every way possible."

"We've all been introduced to it, and it's the best thing that has happened to us. This is our Utopia." Gahyeon added with a giggle. "These girls are my family. I'd do anything for them. Being here is infinitely better than where I came from."

"I'm happy for you." Avayla said, trying to keep her tone under control. "But I was happy where I was. This isn't my choice to be here. I want to go home and be with my family and my pack."

The three alphas exchanged a look. "Please, at least give us a chance. We can offer you protection and shelter for you and your family. Your girls will be raised with so many role models and be spoiled rotten. We have such a strong community here. Just give us a chance."