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The crowd quieted, and we all turned toward the second-floor balcony of the lodge. She waved down to us. “I know we all want to wish the Alpha happy birthday.” Everyone cheered. “But first, he would like to say something.”
She stepped to the side as the Alpha came forward and took the microphone, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Gloria smiled at him as he turned to face the crowd.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating with me tonight. I hope everyone has lots of fun.” The crowd cheered again, and he waited for them to quiet before continuing. “But we have another reason for celebration.” He waited for the crowd to go completely silent before he continued.
“My granddaughter Saige, Peter’s daughter, has returned to us.”
He lifted his hand in our direction, and somehow the crowd reacted in perfect synchronization, creating an open space around us as everyone turned. Even though only the first few people could see us, I felt like the entire world was watching.
I held up my hand and waved before looking up at my grandfather.
“She is here with her four bond mates.”
Whispers went through the crowd. The Alpha held up his hand, and they fell quiet once again.
“Yes, she's very special. And it's up to us to welcome her and her bond back to where they belong. Back to the Five Lakes Pack. Back to where Peter would have wanted her and her bond to live.”
His speech changed the attitude of the crowd, and they began cheering. The people closest to us began smiling and waving. I forced a smile on my face despite how awkward their attention felt.
“Now enjoy, play games, and eat! We'll have a pack run tonight when the moon rises.”
Another roaring cheer went up, and I longed to join them. A pack run? That sounded amazing, but I wasn't sure if they’d invite me.
Could this really be where we belong? Could this be our home? I wanted to believe the worst was behind us, but too much of our past taught me differently.
“Saige!”
I wasn’t sure who called my name, but Kaden and Sai turned in the same direction, using their heightened hearing.
“There you are.” Gloria beamed as the crowd separated, creating a clear path for her, two women, and the children that following.
“Saige, this is Abi and Tawnya.” She pointed to a petite blonde with a pixie cut and a willowy woman with a warm smile and long black hair.
“Hello.” I waved the guys forward, needing their support. “These are my mates, Sai, Kaden, Theo, and Niall.” I pointed to each of them.
“Hi, Saige. It’s so nice to get to meet you finally. I’ve heard so much about you,” the shorter one, Abi, held out her hands. “Can I give you a hug?”
Based on experience, hugs weren’t the greeting I expected from new family members, but I would take it. “Of course!”
I stopped into her open arms. My heart swelled a bit when she squeezed before stepping back.
“I’m Steven’s wife, and these are our kids.” She ruffled the sandy-colored hair of a young boy who smiled shyly. The girl next to him appeared to be close to his age, maybe eight or nine. She was holding hands with a little boy who had me missing Aiden.
What had my parents told him and Brielle about me missing Thanksgiving and Christmas? I doubted I’d be able to visit them for the holidays. Did they even remember their sister or had I already been gone for too long?
“It’s nice to meet you guys.”
They glanced up at their mom, and she sighed before nodding. “You can go play now, just make sure you watch Georgie!”
They ran off toward the games, and I laughed.
“Sorry, I promise they were excited to meet you. It’s all they’ve been talking about since their dad told them you were here, but––”
“Carnival games are much more exciting,” I finished and gave her a knowing smile. “I have little siblings, I understand.”
“You do? There’s so much we need to catch up on.” Abi put her hand to her heart. “I can’t tell you how happy I am you’re here.”
“Give her a chance to settle in a bit before we scare her off.” Tawnya stepped past her sister-in-law and offered her hand. “I’m Tom’s wife. Unfortunately, my two boys aren’t here. Hudson is twenty, and he’s on assignment right now. Warren is a third year at Drexel.”
