Chapter 224 WARRICK The packhouse was again busting with activity .


    For the first time in weeks , Broken Ridge was alive , much like at wolf stirred out of a long harsh winter .


    werewolf moved all over the grounds , hammering broken beams .


    into ce and moving corpses from recent battles .


    Even the pups joined in running errands from the adults apparently with an inexhaustible reserve of energy .


    I leaned against a post , watching them all working in harmony .


    The murmur ofughter and conversation arising in that group.


    was a sound that I hadnt realized just how much Id missed .


    Aurora stood near the center of the clearing , gesturing as she spoke to a few pack members .


    Dane was beside her , his arm casually thrown over her shoulder .


    He said something that made herugh , and I caught a bit of it as they passed .


    Do we call this a victory feast or a thank the Moon Goddess were alive dinner ? he joked .


    Aurora smirked , hitting him .


    Lets just call it dinner , Dane .


    Chapter 224 2/6 Weve earned that much .


    The gathering came together as the sun began to set .


    werewolf from every corner of the territory came in , bringing food , stories , and a shared sense of relief .


    The long tables groaned under the weight of dishes of roasted meat , fresh vegetables , and even a few loaves of bread that someone mustve stayed up all night baking .


    I took up a seat toward the center between Piper and Trajan .


    Enjoying your role as elder stateswolf these days ? I asked Trajan , grinning .


    He gave me a re , but the threatening expression couldnt silence the slightest gleam of a smile .


    Somebodys gotta keep the pup element in this pack in order .


    Piper snorted , leaning past me to catch his eye .


    Dont let it go to your head , Trajan .


    Next thing we know , youll be growing a beard and sitting around telling stories about the good old days .


    As night fell , the mood lightened : werewolves wereughing and eating , even dancing to music ying from some of the .


    musically talented pack members .


    The tension that had held us all so tight in its grip began to melt away .


    I tried staying out of the spotlight , but the elders had another Chapter 224 idea .


    3/6 Come on , Warrick , one of them said , tugging at my arm .


    We havent seen moves like yours since thest spring festival ! I groaned , trying to move free .


    I dont dance .


    Oh , but you do now , Piper teased , giving me a little shove .


    The next thing I knew I was in the center of the clearing surrounded by cheering werewolf .


    At best my dance was ungraceful but well worth any embarrassment as theughter and apuse made my face ache from smiling .


    The night wore on , and Aurora stood to address the pack .


    The murmur of conversation died away as all eyes turned to her .


    Weve been through more than most packs could survive , she began , her voice strong and clear .


    But were still here .


    Together .


    And thats something worth celebrating .


    The pack erupted into cheers , the sound echoing into the night .


    Aurora let the murmur die before she continued , A second chance is given to us , not to rebuild but to grow .


    That which makes us pack , we nurture those ties better .


    Chapter 224 4/6 From now on , I want some new traditions instituted : a monthly gathering where we share not only meals but stories and ns about the future , something to remind ourselves of who we are and what we fought for.


    She spoke and the nods and grunts of assent circled the room .


    Trajan looked almost impressed , for once the lines in his face .


    rxed .


    The peak of the evening was when the pups started a little y they had prepared , with rags and pieces of wood , they copied the fight with the Nameless .


    The over the top theatrical growls and dramatic flourishes sent everybody in a frenzy ofughter .


    Then there was the time Trajan really surprised us all when he stepped in to y himself : towering over the pups , his serious .


    looks made their giggles all the louder .


    By the time he said , And that , children , is how we saved the grove ! the entire pack was doubled over withughter .


    Later into the night , with the merrymaking getting darker and more spaced , I sat out on the rim of the clearing with Piper .


    The firelight dancing across her features shined , setting aglow that milky color in her cheeks .


    Youve been quiet tonight , I said , poking her yfully .


    She shrugged , a non … important smile dancing on her lips .


    Chapter 224 Just .


    thinking .


    About ? Piper hesitated , then looked up at me , shining .


    About how much everything has changed .


    How much we have changed .


    I turned my head , unsure of what that could mean .


    For the good , I hope ? 5/6 She let out a soft , softugh then turned serious on me .


    Yeah .


    Changes for good .


    Like realizing just how much someone means to you .


    But this time , it did so with such force that it rendered me speechless .


    Reaching for my drink and promptly knocking it over … end .


    Piper burst outughing , the tension between us breaking like a snapped twig .


    Smooth , Warrick .


    Really smooth .


    I chuckled , scratching the back of my neck .


    Guess Im not used to moments like this .


    Neither am I , she replied with a much softer tone of voice .


    We sat there for a moment , the unspoken emotions between us settling into something that feltfortable , natural .


    As the fire burned out , one of the elders , Joclyn , went to Aurora with a weathered leather journal in her hands .


    The leather was worn and cracked with age .


    Chapter 224 This belonged to Kael , she said softly , a reverent lilt to her voice .


    Its time you knew the whole truth .


    Aurora took the diary gingerly from him , unreadable .


    Fingers ran over its cover ; she pressed her lips to a thin line .


    Thanks , she said softly .


    6/6 The packhouse was quiet now , the buzz of the day drained into a hum .


    Outside , the soft crackle of the fire was in the cool , casting warmth into the coolness of the night .


    Aurora sat cross legged on the floor with Dane beside her , Kaels journal open between them .


    The leather binding was cracked , its pages fragile beneath the touch of her fingers .


    The handwriting was uneven , words rushed like Kael hadnt written thinking of the weight that was to be and had let them pour onto the paper .


    Dane leaned in closer to Aurora , his arm touching hers .


    Anything useful ?