The Orphaned Pups

After talking about the ambush and the damage I did to the Jeep, Jess had enough waiting and started dragging me down the road. I don't recognize anything around me, but that's not a surprise since I was never allowed out of the orphanage. Finally, we come to a stop in front of a burned-down building.

"Jess, where are we?" I ask her, and she gives me a pointed look.

"This is where we used to live." She tells me as I look at the scorched building. I can't believe this is real. I never in a million years believed I would be back in this pack, not to mention standing in front of this horrible orphanage.

"This is all that's left?" I ask as I walk closer to my childhood home. I'm not sad about the site, but I'm not happy about it either. I'm just glad the kids got out safely.

"Some people said they saw Ms.Leana walk out and into the woods right before they saw the smoke. According to the fire expert, it started in the basement and was no accident. We think she intended to kill all of the children and flee." Jess says, and my blood starts boiling.

"She won't get away with this. We'll find her and make her pay for everything she's done to us and those children!" I say, and she nods in agreement. Dosha lets out a light growl, showing that she agrees as well.

"Okay, enough of the depressing stuff. This isn't what I wanted to show you." She says as she takes my hand and leads me past the burned-down building toward a giant park filled with kids. I recognized some of them from the orphanage. Jess stood there for a second before whistling loudly, making the kids stop immediately and turn their heads in our direction. I became nervous, thinking they might not recognize me or forgive me for leaving. Zion wraps his arm around my waist, and I realize I didn't notice he was with us.

"They will understand, my love." He whispers in my ear as I look at the kids. They recognize me instantly and rush over.

Before they can all tackle me, Jess tells them to be careful and not to squeeze hard, making me laugh as I drop to my knees and hug them all. It was amazing to have them around me again, even when they asked a million questions after noticing Zion by my side. I explained everything I could to them as we all returned to the pack house. Jess explained that they would all be staying there till they could either rebuild the orphanage or find somewhere to go.

"They will be returning to the castle with us until the renovations on the orphanage is complete," Zion says after clearing his throat. Jess was completely shocked but very happy about the news. The kids were equally as happy since it meant they would be close to us.

"That's amazing," Jess says with a massive smile while holding Joshys. One of the kids asks where the little girl that came into the orphanage before we disappeared was. I froze mid-step as I glance over at Jess, trying to figure out what to say without them feeling hurt that we took her with us but not them.

"She's at the castle," Jess says as she looks at me. "We had to take her with us because, unlike all of you who were part of the pack before you lost your families, she was found outside the border. Which makes her a rogue pup."

"Do y'all know what the former Alpha would do to rogues?" I ask them, and they nod.

"They either die or are made a slave to the pack," Joshy says, sadness flowing out of them.

"That's right. I hope y'all can forgive me for leaving y'all behind but taking her with us." I say on my knees as if begging for their forgiveness.

"We understand. I'm glad you could keep her safe. Is she talking now?" He asks, fully concerned for her and not upset about us having to leave them behind.

"Jess explained why you had to leave the orphanage. We understand that you didn't want to leave us behind. We don't blame you for it, Rainie." Amilia, a small thirteen-year-old girl with blond hair and brown eyes, says with a smile as she takes my hand and helps me to my feet. "I can't wait to see her."

How the hell did I get so lucky to have all these sweet and understanding kids and my amazing family in my life? I send a massive Thank You to the Mood and Witch Goddesses for everything they've blessed me with as we continue walking to the pack house. When we arrive, I see a tow truck with Zion's new Jeep rolling off the back while Eithan and Morgan stand at the door waiting for our arrival. We introduce the kids to the new Alpha of the Blue River Pack. I notice Morgan eyeing two of the younger pups, that I know as Eligha and Chelsea while smiling.

"What's that about?" I ask Dosha.

"That's the look of love. I noticed the same thing with you and Odett." She says, and I smile, remembering a time when I wanted nothing more than for her to be my baby girl. "Maybe she would like to adopt them. She and Eithan have no children of their own."

"That would be lovely," I tell her with a smile.

"Okay, kids, let's get inside. It's almost time for lunch." Jess says, and they all run in. She stopped me before I entered. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Yes, sis. What's up?" I ask her. She looks down at the ground nervously. I place my hand over hers and lift her head to face me. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing wrong. I need to tell you something, and I'm not sure how you will react." She says, but I can feel her excitement and nervousness pouring out of her.

"Jess, there's nothing you could tell me that could make me upset with you. You are my sister, and I can tell whatever this is, it makes you happy." I tell her, and she nods.

"Orian and I have made a decision to adopt Joshy. I know he's a little older, but he deserves a home and a loving family as much as the younger ones." She says, and I pull her into a tight hug as tears begin to roll down my cheeks.

"I'm so happy for both of you! We've known Joshy since he was a baby, and you've helped raise him. You all deserve a happy family!" I say, my voice barely above a whisper, before pulling her away. "You will be a great mother, never doubt yourself!"

"Thank you, sis. I love you!" She says as we wipe the tears from our eyes and let out a light laugh.

"So, when are we going home?" I ask her. Once again not realizing Zion and Orian are behind us.

"We will be staying the night here, and after we make sure Eithan and Morgan are settling in, we will take the kids home," Zion says, and I launch myself into his arms.

"Thank you!" I link him, and he chuckles.

"There's no reason to thank me. The pups need a home, and I know you wouldn't have it any other way. It was an easy decision." He links me back as he leads me into the pack house.

"Speaking of Eithan and Morgan... Did you happen to see the look on her face when she saw Eligha and Chelsea?" I link Zion and Jess, and they both nod.

"I know she had a miscarriage a year after they mated and hasn't been able to conceive since," Zoin responds, and I feel my heart clench in sadness for her.

"That would explain why she fought so fiercely during the ambush," I say. Only now remembering how she and Mia stood to guard over me to keep the rogues from getting too close while I was preoccupied with dealing with Max. I will definitely have to thank them for everything they did.

"And why she was so worried about you when you passed out after y'all arrived," Jess says, and I look at her in shock. I hadn't realized she was so worried about my condition after the fight. "I thought she was just reacting to her Queen in trouble, but now it makes more sense."

"You passed out?" Zion asks me, and Jess nods.

"She was so worried about being by your side, and she collapsed when she stood up too fast. Orian and I barely caught her before she hit the floor. We figured it was from using so much magic while in her current condition. When we placed her in bed beside you, she rolled into your side and passed out." Jess tells him honestly. He lets out a low growl before looking at me.

"Are you sure you and the pups are okay?" He asks me.