N16

Lucas felt anger rising within him, but he forced himself to remain calm. "What about you, Josh? What are you trying to accomplish with these storylines? »

Josh approached, his gaze piercing. "I want what's best for the pack. And I don't think you can provide it. »

Lucas took a deep breath. "It's up to the pack, Josh. Not to you alone. »

The confrontation only increased the tension between them. Lucas returned home, his jaw clenched, determined to protect his family and prove his worth as alpha. He knew the road would be strewn with pitfalls, but he would not back down.

That evening, after discussing the pack's concerns with Stella, they decided to hold a meeting with all members to allay fears and clarify their intentions. They wanted to show the pack that they were united and ready to face any challenges together.

However, their plans were abruptly interrupted by a surprise attack from the rival pack. The howls of wolves echoed through the night, and Lucas rushed outside, closely followed by Stella.

"Stay with the kids! » ordered Lucas, his authoritarian tone leaving no room for discussion.

But Stella, with her usual determination, shook her head. "No, Lucas. We must fight together. We must protect our family. »

Lucas hesitated for a split second before nodding. "Very good, but be careful. »

The battle was fierce. The members of the rival pack were numerous and well trained. Lucas and Stella fought side by side, their movements synchronized by years of mutual knowledge and trust. Stella used her medical skills to quickly treat their pack members' injuries, while Lucas coordinated the defense.

At a critical moment, Stella saw one of the triplets, Emma, in danger. Without thinking, she rushed to protect her, using all her strength to fend off an attacker. Lucas, seeing this, redoubled his efforts to secure the area around them.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of fierce struggle, the rival pack was driven back. The members of Lucas' pack were exhausted but victorious. They had succeeded in defending their territory and protecting their loved ones.

Lucas, covered in sweat and blood, looked for Stella. He finally found her, holding Emma in her arms, her heart still pounding from the adrenaline of battle. He approached her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Stella...you were amazing. I'm so proud of you. »

Stella looked up at him, her cheeks wet with tears of relief. "We did it, Lucas. Together. »

Lucas kissed her forehead tenderly, feeling a wave of love and gratitude wash over him. "Yes, together. »

The night ended in a sort of strange calm. The pack, although injured and tired, was united. Members gathered around Lucas and Stella, recognizing their leadership and courage. They knew that, despite the challenges ahead, they could count on their alpha and his mate to guide them.

Stella and Lucas, hand in hand, watched the triplets play together, unconcerned about the battle that had just taken place. Lucas felt an inner peace he hadn't felt in a long time. He knew that as long as they were together, they could overcome any obstacle.

The night thickens, wrapping the pack in a protective veil. Lucas and Stella stayed awake, watching over their children and thinking about the future. They knew challenges awaited them, but for the first time, they were ready to face them together, as a real family.

The pack, meanwhile, was preparing to rebuild and strengthen itself. The unity and trust that had been forged that night would be their greatest strength.

The morning was clear, the sky a deep blue contrasting with the memories of the previous night. The battle had left its mark, but also a new unifying force within the pack. Stella walked among the injured members, her nimble hands tending the wounds and her gentle words calming the spirits. Her medical skill, acquired after years of rigorous study, was now in the service of the pack that had once rejected her. The pack members looked at her with a mixture of respect and gratitude, finally recognizing her worth.

Lucas followed her with his gaze, admiring Stella's determination and expertise. Every time she placed her hands on a wounded man, he saw in her not only the woman he had always known, but a partner of equal strength to his own. She was no longer just his childhood friend or the mother of his children, but a precious and indispensable ally.

"Lucas," Stella called as she saw him approach. "I'm going to need your help here. We need to move the seriously injured to a safer, cleaner place to avoid infections. »

Lucas nodded, bending down to help lift one of the injured warriors. "We'll set them up in the great room. It is spacious enough and close to the water source. »

Stella smiled, grateful for his support. " THANKS. Together we can do it. »

As they worked side by side, a new understanding and mutual respect grew between them. Lucas was impressed by how Stella made quick and efficient decisions, organizing care with surgical precision. Her ability to remain calm under pressure reminded Lucas why he had always admired her.

The triplets, for their part, watched their parents with wide-open eyes. They had always known their mother was special, but seeing her like this, in the thick of things, reinforced their admiration for her. They began to understand that their heritage was not only a burden, but also a source of strength and responsibility.

"Mom, can we help? » asked Emma, the most curious of the three, tugging lightly on Stella's sleeve.

Stella stooped down to be at her daughter's height. "You can help us by bringing water and bandages to the injured. This is a very important task. »

Emma's eyes shone with pride. "We're going to do our best! »

Lucas watched them leave, a tender smile on his lips. "They are amazing, just like their mother. »

Stella blushed slightly, but continued her work with determination. The day passed quickly, punctuated by caring for the wounded and strategic discussions to strengthen the pack's defense.

By evening, as the sun began to set, the tension in the air had eased. The injured were safe, and the pack had found a new balance thanks to Stella's intervention. Lucas and Stella finally found themselves alone, sitting on the porch of the great room, watching the triplets play together a few meters away.

"I never thought I'd see you like this," Lucas whispered, breaking the silence. "You are more than I ever imagined, Stella. A true force of nature. »

Stella turned her head towards him, her eyes shining with a new gentleness. "And you, Lucas, have always been my rock. We did a good job today, but this is only the beginning. We must continue to fight for our family and our pack. »

Lucas took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I never want to lose you again, Stella. Neither you nor the children. We must find a way to stay united. »

Stella sighed, feeling the weight of his words. " I agree. But we must also prepare to face Josh and his plots. He will not stop until he achieves his goals. »

Lucas nodded, determined. "We will face this together. And we will protect what we have built. »

The following days were spent strengthening the pack's defenses and tending to the last wounded. The triplets, under the tutelage of Stella and Lucas, began training, learning not only to control their special talents but also to understand their future role within the pack. Liam, with his raw strength, showed an impressive aptitude for fighting. Emma, more strategic, often helped Stella with her plans and care, showing a keen and analytical mind. Ethan, the calmest of the three, seemed to have a natural intuition, capable of sensing dangers before they even manifested themselves.

One evening, as the family gathered around the campfire, Stella shared a story about their past and heritage. "You are destined to do great things," she said softly, looking each of her children in the eyes. "Your father and I went through a lot to get here. But it is these trials that have made us stronger. »

Lucas agreed, adding, "We must always remember who we are and where we come from. But above all, we must stay united. This is our greatest strength. »

The children listened intently, their eyes shining with determination. They knew their future would be filled with challenges, but with their parents by their side, they felt ready to face them.

Meanwhile, Josh continued to plot from the shadows, seeking to undermine Lucas' authority. He brought together disgruntled supporters, fueling tensions and sowing doubts. But try as he might, he couldn't ignore Lucas and Stella's growing unity and strength. Each attempt at destabilization seemed to further strengthen their resolve.

Lucas and Stella decided to call a pack meeting to openly address issues and allay fears. It was a tense evening, but their transparency and honesty gradually gained the trust of the members. They explained the challenges they had faced and the measures taken to ensure everyone's safety.

"We're all in this together," Lucas said, his voice ringing with conviction. "We have to work together, as a family and as a pack. Together we are invincible. »

Stella spoke, her gaze scanning the assembly. "We need your support. Not just for us, but for our children, for the future of our pack. Together we can overcome any obstacle. »

Their words touched the members, and a new wave of solidarity spread among them. They knew the road would be long and difficult, but they were ready to fight for their home, their family and their future.

The night dragged on, with discussions continuing late into the night. Lucas and Stella, tired but satisfied, finally retired to their room, their hearts beating in unison. "We took a big step tonight," Lucas whispered as he hugged Stella.

"Yes," she replied, snuggling against him. "But we must remain vigilant. Josh won't give up easily. »

"We'll be ready," Lucas assured. "As long as we stay together, nothing can stop us. »

The following days were marked by intense activity. Pack members worked together to strengthen defenses and train. Lucas and Stella continued to supervise the preparations, while taking care of their children and ensuring the health of Lucas' father.

The relationship between Lucas and Stella deepened every day, strengthened by their collaboration and their newfound love. They knew there would be no shortage of challenges, but they were ready to face them together, united by an unbreakable bond.

The triplets, for their part, quickly adapted to their new life. Their presence brought new energy to the pack, a promise of future and renewal. Their potential was immense, and with the right guides, they would become leaders worthy of their legacy.

Josh's shadow still loomed, but Lucas and Stella were ready. Together, they would face the darkness and protect their family and their pack. The road would be difficult, but they were determined to never give up.

The members of the pack were gathered around the central clearing, where a large stage had been erected for the occasion. Laughter and happy conversations filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere that Stella hadn't felt in a long time. She stood back, observing the scene with a mixture of nervousness and pride. The ceremo

ny held in her honor made her uncomfortable, but she understood the importance of this moment for the pack.