The five of them stood on top of a tall cliff.
Akela couldn't stop her grin as she looked down at the lake and forest in front of her. A small clearing held the houses she knew so well, the lawns lush and green between the homes, the dog kennels and the moonstone firepit. A large dark-haired person burst out from the trees, Ameer after his run, and two small humans bounced out of a house to greet him. Ezekiel was on backup duty if the big red van parked on the large drive was any indication.

In sheer exuberance, Akela threw off the backpack and shifted. She shook off her clothes and let out a loud howl of pure joy.

From the kennel, a responding howl rung out which alerted Ameer.

"Kyron!" Akela thought.

"Kyron?" Kira asked suspiciously.

"Akela's dog," Abel grinned at his mate's surprised expression.

Suddenly a series of howls rung up towards them. Akela saw at least six large wolves, as well as Rocky and Kyron, set out through the woods. Quickly she shifted, got dressed and shouldered the backpack, ready for the last leg of their journey.

"You have a dog?" Felix asked.

"Technically, he's Ezekiel's rescue dog... but yeah," Akela grinned.

"Dn actual dog-dog?" Kira frowned and shook her head at Akela's happy nod.

Akela started walking, but Zion held her back for a moment before looking down into the woods below.

"Just one thing..." he smiled before pointing his nose skywards, giving out an imperfect but entirely recognisable lycan howl.

Akela laughed at the proud look on his face.

"Whoa... You can howl???" Abel asked.

"I didn't know if I could, so I had to try," Zion grinned and grabbed Akela's hand.

"Ready to go home?" he asked.

In his eyes, Akela saw the questions swirling.

She lay her arm around his waist, nodding up at him before letting her hand lift to point at the tall mountain rising slightly to the west of the lake.

"We're not quite home yet..." she grinned.

"But school? and Zeke, and your pack?" Zion asked.

"I can do school online, and I can visit my uncle whenever I like. If you're a mountain wolf, so am I," she smiled and watched him nod carefully. His eyes, followed her in awe until Abel nudged him with a telling grin and suddenly Zion practically ran to catch up with Akela.

They descended the hill until they hit the first scent marker of the border.

"Welcome home," Akela told her sister and brother before practically running over and sprinting along the territory path towards the houses. By the lake, a mix of wolves, humans and dogs were gathered to meet them.

Abel and Zion both stood back to watch as Kira and Felix tried to come to terms with the chaos.

"Grandpa! Granny!" Akela laughed as she was lifted into the air by an older man with wild curly hair. Next, to him, a shorter woman was stood wiping tears from the corner of her eyes.

Akela was set down only to be tackled by a black labrador dog.

"Kyron!" she ewwed as the dog's tongue wiped at her face.

Slowly people approached Kira and Felix, guiding them along the path towards the houses.

Kira's hand clutched Abel's so hard he thought she would break it, but from the overwhelmed look on her face, he chose not to mention it. Felix was on highly trained alert, ready to flee if these strangers turned out to be hostile.

"Guys! Let them breathe!" a familiar voice called out, and Ezekiel appeared from his wolf shape. He dressed and approached Akela first with a wide grin.

"Welcome home!" he winked before laying a reassuring hand on Felix's shoulder.

Felix relaxed a fraction as the alpha offered his support.

"Valley pack! These two newbies are Felix and Kira. They will need our support," the Alpha announced.

Akela walked over to her sister and smiled at her before taking Felix's hand.

"Kira, Felix this is the valley pack. Over by Zion, you have Beta Ameer with his wife, Emily. Their two boys are the two loonies in the water with Sam. Sam's mate Saleha and daughters Aimee and Naomi are over by the bench, waiting politely. Alpha Zeke, his Luna Allie, their three children, Hunter, Finn and Blossom should be fairly obvious, and then there is Granny Grange and Gramps Hunter," Akela listed, trying to introduce people by pointing in their direction and in a sensible order.

Felix relaxed gradually as each pack member gave him a welcoming nod.

Kira cautiously nodded.

Abel lay a reassuring arm around her shoulder before noticing the suddenly awake and curious bundle on her back.

"And this little dude is Helios," Abel grinned and lifted the child out of the carry-strap. in seconds they were surrounded by curious people who all chuckled at the way Helios rubbed his face into Abel's shirt when it all got too much.

"Now, leave them to sette in! Are you hungry? we could set up a lunch here or go back to the houses?" Allie asked.

"Luna..." Kira started with a look at her child.

"Call me Allie," Allie smiled, welcoming the new arrivals with a human handshake.

"Oooh... I need a shower..." Akela sighed and grabbed her sister's hand dragging her along the well worn path through the forest. Not asking permission, Akela went into Hunter and Grange's lodge, with Kira in tow, towards what she knew as "her" room where she shut the door, stripped off and opened the door to the small ensuite bathroom.

"There are fresh clothes in the wardrobe, but I'm calling firsts on the shower!" Akela grinned and watched her sister wearily sit down on the pretty floral comforter, sinking into the soft bed while staring at Akela with widening eyes.

"It's all mine. well, ours... I need to pack the clothes up anyway, so why not just start by getting showered?" Akela laughed and stepped into the warm water.

Kira looked around the comfortable room, noticing a pile of small clothes on top of a table, all seemingly fit for Helios and overwhelmed tears filled her eyes. These strangers had set everything up for them, and Akela's energy was relaxed and relieved. There was no doubt that her sister felt at home here. Akela was happy with these people, but would they accept Kira and her son?

Half an hour later, the sisters were all showered and dressed in fresh clothes. Helios was bathed and covered in a soft baby grow. In the garden, they found Felix, Zion and Abel, equally fresh and clean in front of the most tempting picnic table Kira had ever seen, laden with food. There was even a bowl of mashed up stuff for Helios.

Feeling a bit shy, Kira carefully sat down and waited until Ezekiel gave her a fatherly nod before she allowed herself to dig in. Before long, Helios was passed around and giggling loudly at everybody. Abel's arm was reassuringly rested around her waist, and Akela was feeding Zion finger food.

Across the table, Grange, the older woman Akela insisted on being their Granny, smiled warmly at them.

"Well. Twins for brothers. It could not have turned out any better," She smiled, and Zion nodded happily, giving Akela a slow, playful lick along the side of her face.

"Ewww!" Akela laughed and deliberately wiped her face on his shirt.

As the afternoon drew to a close and conversation died down, Abel looked at his uncle and nodded. The various pack members had helped clear the table and had drifted off to their own homes.

"I'll walk you up," the Alpha said.

In Akela's room, she found a large backpack. She turned to see Grange clutching her handkerchief with tears in her eyes.

"It will always be your room, Akela! Thank you for bringing life into an old woman's heart!" Grange sniffed into their hug.

Akela released her gran, not knowing what to say before they both, in silence put all Akela's clothes into the pack.

"I'll come to visit," Akela finally mumbled through her tight throat.

"I'm sure you will. Just take care of that handsome mate of yours. He deserves happiness now," Grange smiled.

"I know!" Akela smiled, her heartwarming at the idea that she had a mate, and she could finally settle down to enjoy life with him.

Together they walked up the forest in human shape: Abel and Felix at the front, Akela and Zion flanking Kira and Helios and Ezekiel at the rear.

They were about to cross the territory border when Abel stopped Kira with a gentle hand on her arm.

"Are you ready to go home?" He asked.

Kira studied him carefully.

"It's your home isn't it?" She asked.

Further along, Felix was looking slightly stressed out at the scent of the pack.

"If you want to live in the valley with uncle Zeke, I will go with you. I just need to tell my family," Abel whispered.

To Kira's astonishment, Abel's eyes were fixed on her with total devotion.

"This is where I grew up. But my home is with you," he said quietly.

Kira's face slipped into disbelief.

"I know I promised not to rush this... but... you're my home Kira. I will go wherever you want to. Even if it's a rogue life...," Abel repeated, looking unusually nervous.

Slowly a wide smile spread across her face.

"It's only been a few weeks, but..." Abel muttered.

Kira lifted her hand to his cheek, staring at him in awe.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

Abel nodded as Kira pulled his face to hers.

"Take me home!" She smiled just as their lips met.

Akela felt the spike in her sister's emotions as the connection with Abel finally solidified. Next, to her, Zion chuckled softly.

"And I thought it was you," Akela grinned at him.

"Yeah... You're all mine," Zion smiled and licked the tip of her nose.

"Take me home you sexy beast," Akela replied with a smirk.

Zion gave his best impression of shock at her upfront attitude.

"Who are you and where is my modest and shy Akela?" He gasped in mock shock.

"No idea!" Akela grinned as Zion took her hand and led her over the border, closely followed by Felix.

Akela remembered crossing the same path in winter, how desperate she had been. She looked at how her hand was so caringly nestled into the larger hand of a man who loved her. His cute puppy face turned toward her and his warm eyes were smiling at her. Akela simply took a short step closer and lifted on her toes for a kiss. He grinned cheekily and gently licked her lips, the only way he knew how to kiss her. The link between them was becoming more than emotional, with Abel and Kira's bond finally unbreakable; nothing was holding them back anymore.

Behind them, Kira followed. Her hand in Abel's and they both wore a blissful smile of two people who had found their perfect match. Abel looked at her with the same emotional reverence that Akela remembered in her father's eyes. On Abel's back, Helios slept, strapped into his carry pouch.

And then there was Felix. The brother they had never known. He was stood sniffing the air with a mix of fear and longing on his face.

"It smells... like... food... but not really... like roses?" Felix muttered.

Zion and Abel smiled at him.

"It's probably your mate," Abel teased.

"My mate? My actual mate?" Felix asked.

"Maybe," Zion shrugged and led the way in towards the village.

"I can take Felix back into the valley to rest up. Tell Gerry I will bring him up in a few days," Ezekiel smiled. Akela could feel her bond with the alpha dissolve as he prepared to release her. He looked at her with a friendly wink.

"You're still welcome in the valley..." He grinned, but Akela wrapped her arms around Zion's torso.

"I'll stay here," she grinned.

Ezekiel laughed.

" I thought you might say so," he chuckled.

"Umm... Can I stay here too?" Felix asked.

Abel shrugged.

"Sure. We'll set you up in the Delta Barracks if you want..." Abel smiled.

"It's just..." Felix sniffed the air before ashamedly looking into the ground.

"It's just... I got my sisters... I haven't had a family before..." Felix said.

Zion smiled at him.

"There's room in the Bachelor barracks. A private room, shower, kitchenette... We'll give you a few days to make your mind up on joining this pack or staying with Zeke. I'm sure Diana will be happy to accept you into the Delta squad," he said.

"Diana?" Felix asked as if tasting the word.

"Yup. Delta prime Diana Eden Connor. The most badass little sister ever," Abel grinned.

Felix made a small approving nod before turning to Alpha Zeke.

"If you don't mind, I will pledge allegiance with my sisters," he said.

There was a sound of feet on the trail as Gervais and Archer came.

"You look a mess!" Gerry grinned and grabbed both his little brothers into a double hug.

"Connor-speak for: I'm so happy to see you guys, I was worried," Akela explained to her two siblings.

"Don't you get cheeky!" Archer laughed and gave her a spontaneous hug.

"Alpha Archer!" Akela smiled with a polite curtsey.

The old alpha released her with a laugh and looked at the other two.

"You must be Kira. And Abel mind linked about a Felix who would need a home," Gerry smiled.

Felix bowed his head.

"If you'll accept me, Alpha," he said submissively.

Gerry looked him over.

"Yeah... why not," he chuckled and held out a hand for Felix to shake.

As he settled his allegiance to the alpha he just met, Felix repeatedly blinked before he nearly fainted.

Akela stood to support him as he looked her straight in the eyes with a terrified look on his face.

"She's here... My mate... is here," Felix whispered in shock.

Gerry chuckled.

"Just the reaction I wanted... At least I know he'll stay loyal," he laughed and helped Felix back up on his feet.

"Let's get you into the barracks and settled. You won't have to do much for a few days, Just relax and enjoy your freedom," Abel grinned with his arm slung around Kira's shoulder.

Gerry sent him a warning look.

"Gerry. Big Bro, meet my one and only Kira. The light of my soul and fire of my..." Abel declared before being interrupted by an elbow to the gut.

"... the fire of my.. heart?" he completed with an innocent grin.

Kira rolled her eyes and turned politely to Gervais.

"Apologies for my... potentially future mate... " Kira delivered deadpan and watched Gervais' face crack into a big grin.

"Nice to meet you," Gerry chuckled and held his hand out to greet.

"Alpha," Kira greeted with a submissive bow.

"I hope you know how to handle that one..." Gervais smiled with a nod towards Abel.

"Oy!" Abel laughed back.

"I killed my ex right in front of him... I think he knows it's best to behave..." Kira grinned.

Both Archer and Gerry stopped and stared at her in surprise.

"My badass mate killed Preston," Abel nodded proudly.

Kira rolled her eyes at him before turning to the Alpha and his father.

"Not my first choice of things to do, but someone had to do it..." Kira shrugged.

Gerry looked at Zion and Akela, who both looked a mix of exhausted and happy. He nodded in understanding. The two sister's personalities matched each of his brothers.

Zion had his arms around Akela, standing behind her and loving how she leant into him. Archer looked at them with a subtle little smile. He'd never seen his second son so happy, despite still being marked by the injuries from the fight and the fire.

"Tired, baby?" Zion whispered.

Akela simply nodded.

"Okay. Let's get Felix settled and find a room for Kira and Helios," he said and started off towards home.

"I'll find Felix a place to rest. He looks like he needs it," Archer chuckled and indicated for Felix to follow him towards where the unmated Deltas had their simple but functional rooms.

The rest of them followed Gerry home to the pack house. Abel opened the door, and the first thing that happened was a whirlwind of a Diana who launched herself to hug Kira before she pulled back in surprise.

"You're not Akela!" she accused before finding Akela's face a few paces behind.

"Damn! You are identical!" Diana chuckled and studied Kira a bit closer.

Kira stood there wide eyes in surprise at the sudden hug.

"Diana, meet Kira!" Akela chuckled and was enclosed in a hug by the Delta Prime.

As they trooped in, Diana sniffed them cautiously.

"Why do I smell... Flowers? And leaves? Did you have a roll in the meadow?" She asked with a semi-serious raised eyebrow towards Abel.

Zion and Abel looked at each other before bursting into laughter.

"We may just have uprooted a dandelion for you," Abel grinned and watched his sister's face pale.

She muttered about unreliable brothers as she followed the twins into the kitchen where Luna River had young Felan and Helios already grinning at each other.