“Thanks for making it easy for us.” Hope chuckled as she shook Jason’s hand while the rest of the team began to pack up for the journey back home.
“Well, I had to win so you could get more food than you anticipated. Our pack eats like we’d die any moment. So we have a little too much excess. Lucky you.” Jason laughs out as Harley nodded while staring at the food boxes and crates being packed into the van. “Oh and since you didn’t really bring much to carry your weight back, we will offer you one of the standby cars. It’s not for a while team to fit in, since it’s just a four person car, driver included.”
“Thanks.” Harley smiled out as he glanced at Jason. “the rest of the team can sit in the empty van and Ace, Hope, Anna and I will sit in the car.”
“I’ll be with the rest of the team.” Ace said from behind as he stared down at Harley with a disgusted gaze.
“Ace, look-.”
“No I get it. You want to apologize for using me.” Ace said as he stepped back. “have fun with your new boyfriend before you get tired of him too.”
“hey, Hope isn’t like that.” Harley defended as he glared at Ace who rolled his eyes and folded his arms to his chest in pure irritation. “I’m honestly sorry it happened to you, but don’t put this on her.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t insult your girlfriend.” Ace rolled his eyes before turning away and walking towards the van with the others.
Harley frowned slightly as he watched Ace walk away, feeling a bit annoyed and agitated that he would even say that to Hope when he had forgotten that he was the one that even stole Hope from him and he was the one that started this entire love story between him and Hope. Hope didn’t start it, the first time they met, Ace was flirtatious the entire time and leading her on into thinking she was madly in love with him.
It wasn’t her fault. At least that’s what Harley believes.
“well, the sun will be setting soon, I think we’ll have to get going.” Hope smiled as she glanced towards Jason and Emily who were still holding hands since the last half hour. “It’s a long trip.”
“Right.” Jason nodded as he smiled brightly. “come back any time soon, alpha Hope and beta Harley.” Jason bowed slightly as Hope smiled at him.
“Thanks again for the food.” Harley sighed out as he reached out and shook beta Kelvin’s hands before turning to shake Jason’s.
“no problem, drop by anytime soon.” Kelvin grinned out as Jason simply smiled.
“Aren’t you coming, Anna?” Hope asked as she turned for the car and noticed Anna was still standing beside Kelvin and unmoving.
“No.” she shook her head in denial as she smiled at Hope. “I really can’t… be in the same car as you two, better yet, the same pack. I liked Harley deeply but… I guess he loved you deeply. With that I can’t really calm myself knowing the only guy that had ever been nice to me in a long time is walking around with someone other than me. So I’m staying here, that way I can find someone like you found.” She smiled as she pointed towards Harley while staring at Hope. “his love for you is really something I want. So I want to find mine too.”
“Good luck with than, honestly. It was great having you around, even for a short while.” Hope sighed as she waked over and hugged her to her chest for a few seconds before leaning back. “and I’m sorry again that you had to find your that way.”
“it’s okay now.” Anna nodded and sighed out before she waved her hands. “have a safe trip back.”
“thanks.” Hope nodded and turned for the car where Harley was waiting outside of.
With one last wave, Hope and Harley waved towards Jason, an overwhelmingly happy Emily, Kelvin and Anna. They waved back to them as they got into the car.
“now to start the entire boring journey back home.” Harley groaned out as the car started while he leaned back into the seat with a heavy sigh.
“It won’t be so boring with me, right?” Hope chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his torso, getting him to glance at her with a wide grin.
“actually no.” Harley chuckled as he leaned in and plastered his forehead against hers. “but it will be for Ace.”
“don’t say such things Harley.” Hope frowned as she leaned from him and folded her arms to her chest. “I feel really bad for ending things with him so suddenly.”
“I feel bad too.” Harley sighed out as he held onto her shoulders before slowly bringing her forward. “but I don’t regret anything now that we’re here. Ace will eventually get over it.”
“let’s hope for it.” Hope sighed as Harley leaned down and plastered his warm lips against hers.
*
The moment they arrived back at their pack, an entire crowd stood waiting to receive them and the good news and food. The entire gateway was filled with countless men as women all excited to stare at the overly loaded van driving in.
Hope smiled at the countless numbers slowly growing bigger and bigger by the minute.
It was well past midnight and yet the pack was still alive and cheering for the success that their new alpha had pulled through.
The cars stopped and Hope and Harley stepped out, only to have her father and mother already standing, ready to greet them back.
“Well done.” Layton smiled proudly as he stared down at his grown daughter, already impressed. “you saved your pack, alpha Hope.”
“with the aide of my beta, of course.” Hope chuckled nervously as she grabbed Harley’s arm and pulled him to the spot beside her.
“As expected from a beta as smart as you Harley!” Layton chuckled out as he smacked Harley’s shoulder, getting to flinch in pain.
“so, did you find any mate worthy girls there, Harley?” Hope’s mother asked as she shifted her gaze to Harley who flinched at the question. “I heard you found one.”