Chapter 238

Hazel's POV

The day of departure for the championship arrived faster than I'd expected. We loaded our luggage into four SUVs—one we'd managed to purchase for our pack after pooling our resources, the other three rented from town. Christopher had meticulously arranged everything, assigning specific warriors to each vehicle.

"Everyone ready?" Steven asked, scanning the group with that distinctive Alpha gaze of his.

A chorus of excited "yes" responses echoed through the parking area.

I could feel their eagerness vibrating through our pack bonds—for many, this would be their first championship experience.

The journey would take approximately twelve hours to reach the national forest park in the northern region where the competition was being held.

Twelve hours trapped in vehicles with anxious, excited wolves. Perfect.

"At least we'll have plenty of time to practice our long-distance mind-linking," Lupa suggested, practical as always.

The drive was as long and tedious as expected. Steven and I spent most of it attempting to maintain our mental connection with pack members back home, but the further we traveled, the more difficult it became. By afternoon, we could barely sense Callum, and our connection with the others had faded entirely.

"Still think we should have flown," I muttered, stretching my cramped legs as we stopped for gas.

Steven just smirked. "And miss all this quality time together?"

By the time we finally arrived at the championship grounds, evening had fallen. The registration area buzzed with activity—wolves from packs across the country checking in, greeting old friends, sizing up competition.

The sheer number of werewolves in one place was overwhelming.

When we approached the registration table, I scanned the list of participating packs. My stomach dropped when I confirmed what I already suspected—every major pack in the country would be here.

Including my father's.

"Name?" the bored-looking Beta behind the table asked.

"Wayward Home Pack," Steven answered, his voice carrying that unmistakable Alpha authority. "First-time competitors."

The Beta's eyebrows shot up, suddenly interested. "The new pack that's been taking in strays? I've heard about you."

I bristled at his tone. "We prefer 'refugees' to 'strays,'" I corrected, letting a hint of Guardian power seep into my voice.

He flinched slightly before handing over our registration packet.

"Cabins 23 through 27 are yours. Schedule's inside. Opening ceremony's tomorrow morning."

As we walked away, I noticed the stares following us. Our pack's reputation had clearly preceded us.

"Silver Moon and Wildfire are already here," Steven said, checking his phone. "They want us to meet them for dinner."

I nodded, grateful for friendly faces among the sea of strangers.

We found Grace, William, Ethan, and Skylar gathered at one of the dining halls, but what immediately caught my attention were the two tiny bundles they held.

Grace cradled a beautiful baby girl with her own curly brown hair but William's striking ice-blue eyes, while Skylar held a squirming baby boy who seemed determined to escape her arms.

"There you are!" Grace called out, waving us over.

I couldn't take my eyes off the babies.

Though only a few months old, their personalities already seemed fully formed—William and Grace's daughter quietly observing everything with those intelligent eyes, while Ethan and Skylar's son was full of energy, practically vibrating.

"Want to hold her?" Grace offered, noticing my fixation.

Before I could answer, she was carefully transferring her daughter into my arms. The weight of this tiny being, so fragile yet so perfect, sent a surge of emotion through me that I wasn't prepared for. A fierce, primal yearning bloomed in my chest—a desire so strong it almost stole my breath.

I looked down at her tiny face, and she stared right back at me, studying me with unnerving intensity. I gently touched her tiny hand, and she immediately wrapped her fingers around mine with surprising strength.

"She's beautiful," I whispered, leaning down to kiss her tiny hand.

That was apparently the wrong move. Her face scrunched up and she began to fuss, squirming uncomfortably in my arms.

Grace laughed, reaching out. "Sorry about that. I should have warned you."

"I thought I was good with kids," I said, slightly hurt as I handed her back.

"It's not you," Grace explained with a sigh. "She prefers William. Has since the day she was born."

As if on cue, William approached, gently ruffling his daughter's hair and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. She immediately quieted, looking up at him with complete adoration.

"Wow, that must be frustrating," I remarked, amazed at William's seemingly magical ability to soothe her.

Grace smiled, but there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. "You'd think so, but when she's screaming at three in the morning, it's actually pretty great. She doesn't want me—only daddy will do."

William took his daughter from Grace's arms, cradling her against his chest.

"Daddy doesn't mind, does he, Princess?" he cooed, his entire demeanor softening as he gazed at his child.

Something twisted inside me—a sudden, almost painful longing. I wanted this. Wanted to feel Steven's child growing inside me, wanted to see the same softness in his eyes as he held our baby.

I felt tears threatening and quickly swallowed the lump in my throat.

"So where are your packs staying?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.

After dinner, we learned where everyone's cabins were located and headed back to our own. The moment we closed the door behind us, Steven turned to me.

"Baby, what's wrong? Your emotions have been all over the place today. And it's not just about your father, is it? There's something else."

I melted into his embrace, finally letting the tears fall. He gently tipped my chin up, concern etched across his face.

"Tell me what's going on."

"I want a baby," I choked out, the words barely audible.

Steven froze for a split second before pulling me tighter against him.

"We talked about it before," I whispered against his chest. "We said we'd try after the championship. But seeing Grace and Skylar with their babies... I just feel this longing." I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze. "But..."

"But what?" he prompted gently.

"Am I really ready? To bring a new life into our world?"

Steven's eyes softened as he brushed away my tears.

"Honestly, I had the same fears at first. But when I think about our pack, everything we've built, how far we've come... I'm not so afraid anymore."

I looked up at him, vision still blurry with tears. "I want to start trying now."

He responded with a kiss so intense it took my breath away.

"I'm serious," I insisted when we finally broke apart.

"Hazel," he said, his voice deep with emotion, "building a family with you is all I want. I thought we should wait until the pack was more stable, but you're right—we're in a good place now. The future will only get better, but we can start trying now."

Seeing the joy on my mate's face settled something inside me.

Then another thought struck. "I saw my father today."

Steven's expression immediately darkened. "Where? When? Did he approach you?"

"No, nothing like that," I explained. "When we were heading back to our cabin. He glanced right at me."

I gave a bitter laugh. "He didn't even recognize me."

Steven's brow furrowed thoughtfully. "You were only twelve when he banished you, right?"

"Yes."

"Hazel, it's been six years. You look completely different now, and he wouldn't have expected to see you here."

"He had a toddler with him," I said quietly. "I think it was the child William and Ethan told me about."

"Probably. And his new mate is likely here too," Steven said carefully. "If you're planning to confront him while we're here, you need to be prepared for that."

My head was spinning with thoughts of my father, his new mate, and the half-brother I'd never met. I wasn't sure if I was ready to face any of them.

"Let's go shower and get some sleep," I suggested. "We need to be up early, and it's been a long day of travel."

A mischievous smile spread across my Alpha's face. "What about... trying?"

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had all day. "Who says we can't try in the shower?"

The next morning, we both groaned when the alarm went off, but by the time we reached the breakfast hall, the excitement in the air was contagious.

Our warriors were buzzing with anticipation, eager to represent Wayward Home.

As we ate, the Elders entered the hall, commanding immediate silence.

"Welcome to the Moon Goddess Championship," the lead Elder announced, his voice carrying throughout the room. "This four-day competition will showcase your pack's strength and allow us to rank packs by ability and population."

He detailed the schedule for each day, the scoring system, and explained how packs would be ranked by total points. A challenger board displayed the progression of matches and upcoming opponents.

All competitions would be in human form—the reason Christopher could participate despite lacking a wolf.

I glanced at Steven, excitement finally overtaking my nerves.

It was time to show everyone what Wayward Home was made of.