Chapter 88 The Beginning of the Thunder Bite
Phoebe
It’s been a month since everything finally settled down—since that evening filled with hopes and quiet relief in our little house, since the world seemed to pause just to let us breathe again.
The days that followed found a new rhythm—peaceful, simple, and real.
This morning, Hayden asked me to sit with him on the porch, under a soft stretch of sunlight. He studied me for a long time before speaking quietly.
“You don’t want to continue your studies at the academy, Phoebe?”
I hesitated, staring into my cup of tea. The offer sounded tempting, even exciting—but it wasn’t what I wanted anymore.
“No,” I finally said. “I’ve learned enough. Now I want to learn something else—about home, about being a mother, about being a Luna who’s worthy of you and of them.”
Hayden smiled and reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. “If that’s what you want, I won’t push you.”
He lowered his gaze and took a thick folder from his lap. Inside was a folded letter, its seal glinting faintly in the morning light.
“I’ve submitted Thunder Bite to the Grand Council of Werewolf Packs,” he said. “Our three-year trial is over. It’s time for official recognition.”
Warmth spread through my chest. Every step of our journey—the pain, the loss, the fights, the love—had all led to this moment.
“So... we’re really going to be recognized?”
“If the Council approves,” he replied. “And I want you there with me.”
The next morning, we left early for the place known as the Grand Council of Werewolf Packs. The trip was long, cutting through miles of endless pine forest until we reached a wide valley, where a gray stone fortress stood proudly in the center.
The building looked ancient—tall pillars, silver wolf emblems carved into every wall. The air inside was heavy, thick with the dominant energy of Alphas gathered from every region. Six main seats formed a circle for the senior leaders, while a stone ring in the center was reserved for younger Alphas to present their reports.
I sat at Hayden’s right, among a few curious Lunas who whispered to one another. Hayden stood in the middle, holding the report about Thunder Bite. His voice was calm and confident as he spoke—about the land we’d built, the growing members of our pack, and the peace we’d managed to keep.
My eyes often drifted to the head of the Council—an older Alpha with black hair named Donovan. His sharp yet steady gaze made it clear he was weighing not just Hayden’s words, but his intentions.
When the report was done, silence filled the hall. Finally, Alpha Donovan stood and spoke.
“We will adjourn briefly for deliberation.”
We were asked to wait outside. In the long stone corridor, I reached for Hayden’s hand. My heart was pounding, but for once, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—trust.
An hour later, the heavy doors opened again.
“Alpha Hayden Grey of Thunder Bite,” Donovan’s voice echoed. “After reviewing the report and observing your three-year trial, the Grand Council hereby grants official recognition to the Thunder Bite Pack.”
Applause erupted across the chamber. I looked at Hayden, and his eyes glistened. Our world—our dream—was finally real.
That evening, we returned home to Thunder Bite. The sun was setting when we walked through the door. In the living room, Zion and Anastasia had fallen asleep together in front of the TV, their heads leaning against each other, a small blanket slipping from their shoulders.
Hayden chuckled softly. “They must’ve waited up for you.”
I smiled and kissed both their foreheads. That night, our little world felt whole again.
Hayden started planning a celebration for Thunder Bite, but before he could finish, Henry tugged at his sleeve.
“Dad, play with me first!”
Hayden shot me a look, then gave in with a grin. “Alright. The party can wait.”
I laughed and took over his work, asking Finley to help. Together, we made guest lists, decorated the grounds, and prepared the space to welcome the visiting Alphas and Lunas.
Two days later, the celebration finally came to life. Hundreds of pack members gathered under the night sky lit by lanterns and torches. Soft music floated through the air, blending with the scent of roasted meat and spring blossoms.
Guests arrived from all across North America. Hayden stood beside me, wearing a black suit with a silver emblem on his collar. I wore a white gown embroidered with pale blue threads—peace and new beginnings. Zion stood proudly in front of us, representing our family.
When Alpha Truman and Luna Meredith appeared, the air around us grew tense. Hayden stiffened but still gave them a curt nod. I stepped forward, keeping my voice calm.
“Welcome to Thunder Bite,” I said softly.
They smiled awkwardly before handing me a small wrapped box.
“For our grandson,” Meredith whispered.
Henry’s laughter filled the air as he hugged the gift, blissfully unaware of the history between the adults around him.
Later that night, I leaned closer to Hayden and murmured,
“Maybe it’s time to forgive them.”
He looked at me for a long moment. “Maybe. But not yet. Right now, I need to focus on our pack.”
I nodded. For once, I didn’t push him. Before the night ended, Hayden called Finley to the stage.
“I want you to be my Beta,” he announced clearly. “You’re the only one I trust with this.”
The crowd cheered. Finley’s eyes glistened as he nodded firmly.
“Thank you, Alpha Hayden.”
Thunder Bite had its Beta. Moments later, a tall figure in a dark red suit appeared at the gate. I knew that presence instantly—Adonis. He smiled warmly, carrying a large box.
“A gift for the new Alpha and Luna of Thunder Bite,” he said.
We hugged briefly, like two old friends who’d survived too much to put into words. Before leaving, he met my eyes and said quietly, “Come to Dark Crimson someday. I... miss you. And I need a lineage.”
I only nodded, not fully understanding, but somehow knowing that our stories weren’t entirely finished.
Later that night, after the music faded and the guests were gone, I stood on the balcony. The wind carried the scent of pine and the distant howl of wolves—not a threat anymore, but a song of freedom.
Inside, Hayden was cradling Henry, while Zion laughed as Finley bragged about his new Beta title.
My heart felt full. I wasn’t that lost girl from Livingstone anymore. I was the Luna of Thunder Bite—the mate of 3 Alphas and 1 Beta, the wife of a leader, the mother of two incredible boys, and part of something far greater than myself.
If this was the end of our story, then let it be a happy one—not because everything was perfect,
but because, finally... we were home.