Tyler.
"I miss you too, Little One," I murmured softly as I pressed my lips against her forehead. The familiar scent of her hair, a blend of lavender and vanilla, enveloped me.
I missed her so fucking much.
But her sudden movement pulled me from my thoughts.
"Wait," she said as she drew away from me, her expression one of confusion mixed with curiosity. "Did you just say you are the Alpha of Crest pack?"
I hesitated, caught off guard by her question. I really didn't want to think about the impromptu decision I made regarding Crest pack.
"Oh, about that..." I began. I grimaced inwardly, not particularly eager to delve into this conversation at this moment. "It was a decision I had to make, Arya. I couldn't risk losing you, not when you needed medical attention. So, I agreed. But it's a temporary position, love. Until they find someone else."
Her gaze narrowed, a hint of accusation flickering in her eyes. "Temporary? You know as well as I do that being Alpha of Crest runs in your blood. It's your birthright. And you're just going to hand it over to a stranger?"
I winced at her words. I really didn't want to think about being the Alpha of Crest pack with everything that happened.
She was right, of course. As the son of the former Alpha, the pack leadership should have rightfully been mine. But in that moment when Arya's life was at stake, I hadn't really considered my decision.
"Come on, love," I said, trying to lighten the mood with a forced grin. "Let's not dwell on pack politics right now."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not going to let you just give up your position, Tyler."
As I watched Arya's expression shift from concern to annoyance, I couldn't help but find it amusing. She always wore her emotions on her sleeve, much to my delight.
"Calm down, baby," I replied with a playful chuckle. "Let me send word to Nate about Robert and Alison before you get all feisty on me."
"I'm not feisty," she muttered under her breath, folding her arms across her chest, a clear sign that the discussion was far from over. I couldn't help but find her stubbornness endearing, a reminder of why I fell for her in the first place.
Winking at her, I reached for my phone, resting on the bedside table. As I dialed Nate's number, my mind raced with thoughts of what Arya told me about her family. It was really sad that she was denied a beautiful childhood and a loving family. I couldn't imagine the pain and loneliness she endured while she lived with Rocket and Alison.
"Hey, Nate," I greeted him as he picked up after the first ring. "Can you send some spies to Crest pack to find Robert and Alison Shelby?"
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, filled with the crackle of static. Nate was always thorough, never one to act without first gathering all the necessary information.
"Okay. Who are they supposed to be?" Nate inquired. I could sense his eagerness to assist, his unwavering loyalty to our pack shining through even in times of uncertainty.
"Arya's supposed family," I explained. "Tell them to be as discreet and fast as possible. They'll probably be trying to run once they hear of Ethan's death."
"Alright," Nate replied. "I'll get on it now and let you know if there's any update."
Arya's frown deepened as I turned to face her.
"Now, where were we?" I said lightly as she raised an eyebrow. She saw through my feeble attempt to evade the conversation.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "I understand what you mean," I began slowly, "but I really didn't want this... this responsibility thrust upon me. Crest pack... I barely know or trust anyone there."
"I know," Arya's gaze softened, understanding flickering in her eyes. "But, you have to start somewhere, Tyler," she said gently.
I shook my head, a bitter laugh escaping me. "I can't rule two packs at once," I protested.
Arya fell silent, her brow furrowing as she pondered my words. "Why not merge the packs? Make them one." she suggested. Her idea left me both impressed and amused.
"I'm not sure about that," I admitted.
"Or are you just running from it?" Arya asked.
I shook my head adamantly. "No, it's not that," I insisted, though there was truth in her words. "I just... I don't feel ready to be the Alpha of Crest pack, especially not after everything that's happened."
Arya closed the distance between us, her touch gentle as she reached out to cup my right cheek. "I understand, Tyler," she murmured. "But if you let someone else take what's rightfully yours, you might end up regretting it later."
Her words echoed in the silence that followed, the weight of them settling like a stone in the pit of my stomach. I took a moment to consider what she said.
"You're right," I conceded at last. "I'll take the Alpha position, and yes, merging the pack is not such a bad idea."
"Of course, I'm right," she said as she rolled her eyes, smirking.
I leaned in to kiss her passionately. "And you're a fucking genius," I murmured against her lips.
But just as quickly as the moment had come, it was shattered by the insistent ring of my phone. I pulled away reluctantly, a sense of unease settling over me at the interruption. Nate's name flashed across the screen.
"Nate," I answered the call with a sense of apprehension. "Did you find them?"
"They're gone, Tyler," he said. "Robert and Alison have fled Crest pack. My spies couldn't find them anywhere in Crest pack."
A surge of frustration coursed through me, mingling with a deep-seated sense of disappointment. I clenched my jaw, fighting back the urge to unleash my frustration in a torrent of expletives.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. "They wasted no time. Ask the spies to keep searching for them."
"On it. I already instructed them to check the outskirts of Crest pack," he said. "We'll find them, Tyler."
I sighed heavily. "Keep me updated, Nate. And let me know the moment you have any news."
I ended the call and turned back to Arya.
"They're gone," I said. "Robert and Alison fled Crest pack."
"That was fast," she hissed angrily.
"We'll find them," I assured her, reaching out to grasp her hand in mine. "No matter where they go, we'll track them down and bring them to justice."