Unwanted

One Year Later

Teegan’s P.O.V.

It has been over a year since Thalia tried to take over the palace. After that chaos, everything seemed to settle down. My Mom and Dad moved to the palace to be closer to everyone. Anton said he didn’t want to be alpha, so Dad agreed to let a new alpha take over.

After we all came out of our heat, we still traveled to some other packs and were able to reunite a few more stolen pups with their families. We returned to the palace when it was getting close to the time for us to give birth. Now, with most of the pups getting ready to turn one, we’re going to have a combined birthday party for them and continue on our mission. Joel and I officially adopted Raquel, and she’s a big sister to everyone’s pups.

Logan and Emily’s daughter, Josette, was born first. Our little one, Gracie, was next, followed by Petra and Anton’s son, Kaiden. Kiana and Damon had a little girl, Ciera. Landon is Ryker and Martina’s son, and Shelby is Scott and Brooke’s daughter. Finally, Docia and Jason had a son, Tyson. The palace seemed to turn into a nursery overnight.

In order to accommodate everyone and the pups, we had to get a big bus. It was designed to make it easy for us to care for the pups while traveling. Mom, Dad, Adrian, and Victoria are even coming with us this time. They said it would be good to get out and see the packs. I think they just don’t want to be away from the pups.

I look down at Gracie as she waddles around the bedroom while I pack. She started walking a couple of weeks ago. She has her dad’s dark hair and green eyes but definitely has my attitude.

“You can say that again. That girl is all sass, and she can barely talk.” Mia mindlinks me. I would argue with her, but she’s right.

“How’s my two favorite girls?” Joel says, putting his arms around me from behind.

“Almost done packing. I’m excited to get back out there. I think it will be good for the pups, too.” Gracie waddles over and raises her arms for Joel to pick her up.

“Hello, little princess.” He kisses her cheek, making her giggle.

“Is everything set up for the party?” I ask as he tickles Gracie, and she squeals.

“Yep, I just came up here to get the two of you. Are you ready?” He leans down to kiss me, and Gracie tries to get between us, so we both kiss her cheeks.

We head downstairs, and I can hear people talking before we get outside. When we open the door, I can’t believe it. The back garden is filled with balloons, streamers, and every other decoration they could think of. People are everywhere.

“Wow,” I say. Gracie’s little eyes are huge as she looks around.

We take Gracie to the table where all the other birthday pups are sitting. Adrian and Victoria come over to stand next to us as each of the pups is given little cakes of their own

“I can’t believe they’re all a year old. I’m so glad you’re allowing us to go with you.” Victoria says as she hugs me. Alisia, Leslie, Michael, and their mates are going to stay at the palace to keep everything under control while we travel.

“I’m just glad to have all the help I can get.” I hug her back.

We all laugh and watch the pups dig into their cakes, making a mess all over their faces. Gracie is the odd one out. She uses a small fork to take little bites of her cake. From the time she was a newborn, she never liked a mess. As soon as she wet her diaper, she would cry to be changed, even if there was only a tiny bit.

After the cake is gone, the pups open their presents. By the time the party is coming to an end, the seven pups are ready to pass out. I pick up Gracie and carry her to the bedroom to give her a bath. She can’t keep her eyes open as I wash her. Joel takes her wrapped in her towel and dresses her in pajamas. Once she’s taken to the nursery and put to bed, we’re ready to pass out, too. We’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.

“So when do you think you’ll go into heat again?” Joel asks as he pulls me into his arms.

“Hopefully not soon. I think we have enough going on without adding more pups to the mix, don’t you?” He kisses me while sliding his hands under my shirt. I hope he always makes my heart race like this.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t practice for the next one.” He pulls my shirt off and has my jeans down before I blink.

“Are you in a rush?” I ask as I remove his clothes. Martina has never gotten her chance to prove whose penis is the biggest. I can guarantee Joel’s is definitely one of the largest. That thing should be illegal.

“Anytime I get to spend alone with you is a rush. I love you.” Who wouldn’t swoon at those words?

“I love you too.”

I spent most of my life thinking I was unwanted by everyone. Joel changed all of that the moment he walked into my life. With the family we’ve created, we’ve changed many other lives, too. It’s my goal to never let anyone believe they’re unwanted. The best way to do that is to show them love. Love conquers all.