It took over a week before everyone had finally returned home after the poisoning. Families took time to reconnect and come to terms with what happened. But that wasn't easy for everyone.

Directly after being released, Wynter and Walker had disappeared into the woods. Wren had begged for Alpha Wylda to let her search for her brother and his mate, but she had refused. She knew the couple needed time and space to grieve. It was only natural to mourn for the loss of their child.

Wren in the other hand, while understanding the truth behind her words, felt alone without her brothers. Wade and Willa had left six months ago to spend some time alone. Wylda had explained that it was common for committed couples to want some space but it just seemed like a long time to Wren for them to be away. And now that both if her brothers were gone, that longing only grew with each passing day.

Wren yawned and stretched as she woke up that morning. The first thing she noticed was that the den was unusually empty. She quickly got dressed then made her way outside. Outside if the den, she found the rest of the pack bustling about as everyone chattered excitedly.

Wren walked up to one of the nearby wolves, tapping their shoulder. "Excuse me, what's going on?"

"We're preparing the celebration." She smiled. "Tonight we welcome the newest addition."

"Newest...." Wren's eyes widened. "Winnie had her baby!?"

The older wolf laughed. "Yes. Her labor started last night and the baby was born early this morning."

Wren nodded. "Where is she?"

"Mother and baby are safe in the birthing den." She smiled. "Why don't you go see for yourself?"

"I will, thank you." Wren smiled. She hurried off down the path towards the lake. Winnie had shown her the small cave once before and explained how the wolves of this pack used it as a private place for mothers to give birth. Wren had asked why Winnie didn't go to the hospital in Seabrooke but Winnie had only smiled and said she wanted to do things the way the ancestors had.

As she reached the end of the path, the small cave came into view. She could see the wisps of smoke from the fire pit outside and the pot that hung over it. Wren knew the elders boiled water to help keep things sterile during the birth, so it wasn't a surprise.

Wren approached the entrance of the cave slowly and was met by Alpha Wylda outside. The Alpha smiled warmly at her in welcome.

"I assume you've heard the news?"

Wren nodded. "Can I see them?"

"Of course." Wylda nodded. She knew with Walker and Wade gone, Winnie and Will were the closest thing she had to family in the pack. "Just be quiet. The baby is sleeping."

"I will." Wren replied softly.

Wylda stepped aside and Wren entered the den. It was much smaller than the den but still had enough room for several people to move about comfortably. She spotted Winnie immediately, resting on a pile of blankets and furs, cradling a small bundle in her arms. Will was by her side, his face beaming with pride.

Wren approached slowly and both smiled as she knelt beside them. "Hi."

"Hey Wren." Winnie smiled tiredly. "Come to meet the new addition?"

Wren nodded excitedly. "Of course. Congratulations, both of you."

"Winnie did all the work." Will chuckled quietly. "I was just here for support. But thanks."

Wren smiled and peered down at the small infant in Winnie's arms. A small pale face and soft dark hair. Absolutely precious.

"Would you like to hold him?" Winnie asked.

Wren's head shot up. "Him?"

Winnie chuckled. "Yes, him. So do you?"

"Yes." Wren nodded, sitting cross-legged and holding out her arms.

Winnie placed the infant in her arms. He shifted a bit before settling peacefully against her chest. Wren smiled, rubbing the baby's hand with her finger. He was beautiful.

"His name is Warren." Winnie smiled.

"Hello Warren." Wren greeted softly. "Welcome to the pack."

Author's Note

Hello everyone! I know it's been a while but now that summer has arrived I'm hoping to get a lot more writing done. Enjoy this short, heartwarming chapter and I'll see you all soon!

                        -Meloetta246