like maybe centuries ago, babies had been able to shift. They’d lost that trait over time, but if Lidon was restoring the old ways, the way things had been and should’ve been…
Adrenaline rushed through him. He’d have to test it, but if the old rules no longer applied, neither did that one. Lidon had broken the chains that had held them back from becoming who they truly were. Or maybe Hakon had? Vieno? Sando wasn’t sure how it had worked, but somehow, magic had changed everything. He wouldn’t breathe a word about his suspicions, though, not until he was certain. He couldn’t afford to be wrong about this. It would break people’s hearts. That much even he understood.
Lucan bumped his nose against Sando’s body, and he turned toward him. His beta mate was so beautiful. The colors of his fur were full and rich, countless shades of brown and rust, and his body was sleek and graceful. And Maz was this deep gray wolf, strong and muscled. He was nowhere near Lidon’s size, but he was definitely an alpha, and Sando wanted to submit to him.
Sando jumped against him, and Maz didn’t even budge an inch. He did it again, and Maz rolled his eyes at him, then gave him a not-so-gentle nudge back so he toppled over. Wolves could laugh, Sando discovered. He had no idea what it looked like on his muzzle, but god, he was laughing inside. Lucan fake-defended him by shoving Maz back, and then the three of them were rolling over the floor, pushing and thumping and snapping and growling, their bodies one tangled mess of limbs and fur.
When they quieted down, Sando was snuggled between his two wolf mates, their warm bodies encircling him, making him feel loved and safe. He didn’t know how much time had passed when he became aware of their surroundings again. Around him, pack members were shifting back. Lidon first, followed by Hakon, who shifted in his daddy’s arms, happy giggles floating out of his mouth. The power release was gentle this time, like a soft, pleasurable breeze. Then others shifted back as well, and with a sigh, Sando thought himself human, and then he was.
Being naked among a large group of people was all kinds of awkward, and the only consolation was that he wasn’t the only one. Sando’s clothes had been ripped to shreds. Thankfully, someone was handing out blankets. Next time, undress first.
“Alpha, what does this mean?” Rhene asked when everyone had more or less settled down. “How is it possible that I can shift? And the others? Even Hakon?”
“The chains have been broken,” Grayson declared. “The True Alpha has risen to claim what’s his and to restore what once was. The name of Lidon Hayes will bring enemies to their knees and instill fear in those who oppose us. The wolf shifters will rule once again…it’s time. The storyteller has spoken.”
Sando fell to his knees, awkwardly clutching his blanket. Next to him, Lucan and Maz did the same, and the others followed. He had to bow, had to kneel for his alpha, whose powers drifted through the room, enveloping him. His whole being was filled with the truth of this knowledge, his omega crying out in recognition. This was real. They were about to change the course of history.
“Rise, my pack…my family,” Lidon spoke. “Your loyalty and affection have been rewarded. History will not forget the names of those who were by my side.”
Sando’s heart beat faster at that. It shouldn’t matter, yet deep inside, the idea that he, as an omega, would be remembered fired him up. He wanted to matter, to make a difference.
They scrambled to their feet, and Lidon waited until everyone had taken their seats again. “I’m asking everyone to join us on these missions…but the choice is yours.”
“Who will watch the kids?” Kean asked, and Maz loved him for that very practical question.
“Ruari,” Lidon said without a second’s hesitation, and then he frowned. “The new life inside him needs to be protected. And…” He turned to Vieno, his face exploding with joy. “You’re pregnant again, sweetheart?”
Vieno gasped, and his eyes filled with tears. “I haven’t tested yet, but I think so.”
Lidon pulled the omega into his arms. “Oh, sweetheart, such wonderful news.”
Palani and Enar joined the embrace, and the barn was quiet as the alpha and his men celebrated the beginning of new life. Lidon released his men, and the pack members erupted in cheers, whistling and clapping.
“We hadn’t officially