The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue across the rolling hills surrounding our pack lands. It was one of those rare days when duty could wait, and family took precedence. Since Leo expressed his feelings about being overshadowed, Shenaya and I had made an unspoken vow to ensure our pups knew they were cherished.
Today was about them, about us. A day without war councils, patrol strategies, or territorial disputes-just a family date to remind ourselves of the simple joys in life.
I stood in the courtyard, watching as Shenaya helped Zoey into the wagon. The little girl’s laughter rang out as her mother tickled her sides, her bright blue eyes shimmering joyfully. Shenaya’s red hair glowed like fire under the sunlight, her smile more colorful than any star.
“Papa, can I sit up front with you?” Leo’s voice broke my thoughts. I had to look at him, he had messy black hair, and he looked at me with anticipation and apprehension. Leo had been more open since our conversation, but there was still this defencelessness in him, the look of someone who is scared of being ignored.
“Oh of course son” I replied before running my palm over his head. “Hop in.”
He smiled and hopped in the front seat next to me, wrapping his tiny hands onto the wheel of the wagon. I assisted Shenaya to tain talking into the back then I positioned myself beside Leo.
The track we chose led through a narrow wooded belt that marked the extent of our area and the trees here fluttered and rustled in the warm summer air. Birds continued to trill, and occasionally, there was the sound of leaves shifting, implying the presence of other creatures.
Zoey leaned over the side of the wagon, pointing excitedly at every squirrel or bird she spotted.
“Look, Mama! A bunny!” she squealed, clapping her hands.
Shenaya laughed, her voice a melody that calmed even the most restless parts of me.
“Yes, love. Maybe it’s off to find its family too.” Leo, quiet but observant, leaned closer to me.
“Do you think we’ll see any wolves out here?” he asked.
“Not today,” I said, wrapping an arm around his small shoulders. “This is our land, and we keep it safe. But if you ever want to see the pack’s wolves, you can join me on a patrol someday.”
“Really?” His eyes lit up.
“Really,” I said, smiling.
Soon enough, the wagon halted on the side of the road amidst taller grass in front of an expansive pasture of picturesque flowers. Field of daisies with lavender fragrance around and a mini creek passing through the middle of the farm with water reflecting the sunlight.
“This is perfect,” Shenaya said, hopping out and helping Zoey down. She reached for the basket of food we’d packed, and I joined her, carrying a blanket and some toys for the pups.
As we set up our little picnic, the children ran off to explore. Zoey chased after butterflies, her laughter echoing across the meadow, while Leo knelt by the creek, inspecting rocks and occasionally tossing one into the water to watch the ripples.
“Look at them,” Shenaya said, sitting beside me on the blanket. “This is what happiness looks like.”
I nodded, my gaze fixed on my family. “It’s moments like these that remind me what I’m fighting for.”
She leaned her head against my shoulder. “You’ve been winning a lot lately. The pack’s stronger than ever.”
“It’s because of you,” I said, turning to look at her. “You bring balance to my chaos. You make me a better Alpha.”
She smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “And you make me a better Luna.”
Our moment was interrupted by Zoey running over, clutching a handful of wildflowers. “Mama! Papa! Look what I picked!”
“They’re beautiful, sweetheart,” Shenaya said, taking the flowers and arranging them into a small bouquet.
Leo joined us next, holding a small, smooth stone. “I found this in the creek. It’s shiny.”
I took the stone from him, inspecting it. “This is a good find, Leo. Maybe we can polish it and make it even shinier.”
His face lit up with pride. “Really? Can we?”
“Oh really,” I said before pulling him into a quick embrace.
The next one was filled with food, jokes, and children’s activities. We laughed while taking toddler turns trying to catch Zoey & Leo in the vicinity of the football field. At one point, Shenaya and I even danced a little to the sound of Zoey attempting to sing her own song about butterflies and the sun.
When the sun started setting, painting the sky and the meadow that we laid on orange, we only sat quietly, waiting for the stars to come out. Zoey had fallen asleep on Shenaya’s lap while Leo had finally exhausted himself lying on my chest.
“Thank you for today,” Shenaya whispered.
‘It’s not over yet,’ I retorted, smirking with the grin that stretched my lips.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
“You will see,” I said, getting up and picking Leo up into my arms. “Let’s head back.”
Everyone remained silent the whole trip going home; the children were already sleeping while the wagon was still moving along the trail. When we got home left Leo to bed and placed the shiny new stone he got from the riverbank on nightstands Shenaya did the same to Zoey ah the gentle onss at her forehead before he stepped out into the hall.
“Now what’s this surprise?” she said, frowning and putting her hands on her hips.
I smiled and pulling her towards the door, we stepped into the outside world. The yard was still open but it was decorated, there were light bulbs hanging on trees that crea ated beautiful ambiance. There also was a table in the middle of the sand with candles lit in the air and a bottle of wine for us.
“Aiden,” Shenaya breathed, her eyes wide. “What’s all this?”
“It’s for you,” I said, pulling out a chair for her. “For us. To celebrate everything we’ve built together.”
She sat, her hand going to her stomach. “And for the life we’re creating,” she said softly.
We talked for hours under the stars, sharing dreams and memories, and our love for each other grew with every word.
As I looked at her, radiant in the candlelight, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. For our family. For our pack. For the future we were building, one day at a time.