Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 64

The days flew by in the Nightshade pack, everything was calm. The storm had passed, Unfortunately the same could not be said for Aria as she bent over the sink throwing up into the basin.
Well don’t you look like shit.” Shana said, breaking into laughter.
Aria wiped her mouth with a napkin before turning to Shana. “Knox told you to stop picking on me.”
“How am I picking on you? And it's really hard for me to take you seriously when you look so round," she said, gesturing toward Aria's growing baby bump.
Aria let out a low growl in irritation. Shana finally rolled her eyes, attempting to pacify her friend's frustration. "Oh, don't be a big baby. I'm just messing with you. Get the joke? Baby?" she teased. "Shana," Aria warned, but before she could say more, she felt a strong presence behind her.
Knox stood there with narrowed eyes, his disapproval evident. "Leave Aria alone. Your jokes aren't funny, and shouldn't you be with Jackson? So we don't have to deal with your nonsense for a few days," he said firmly.
Shana laughed even harder, "Ever since you two became soon-to-be parents, you lost all your sense of humor," she taunted.
Knox's expression softened as he looked at Aria, who was still irritated by Shana's teasing before looking at Shana, "When are you leaving?"
Shaba ignored him as she continued,"Well, you never did have one, but you, Aria, I expected so much more from you," She said playfully.
Aria and Knox growled in unison, expressing their annoyance at Shana's constant teasing. Shana tossed her hair behind her back as she strolled toward the exit, "You two are just proving my point," she said with a smirk before disappearing outside.
As the door shut behind Shana, Knox swiftly moved to stand in front of Aria. "My mouth smells like—" Aria began to say, but his words were cut short as he crushed his lips against hers. Aria was taken aback for a moment but quickly melted into the kiss.
When they finally broke apart, Aria's eyes twinkled with affection. "I missed you," Knox said, his voice filled with warmth.
Aria smiled, her heart fluttering. "I know," she replied, her voice soft and loving,
"By the way, Lilian is responding to the witches magic. Elizabeth hopes she regains consciousness and I'm really worried about JB."
Knox sighed, "I know. I'm really trying to get through to him. Losing a parent isn't an easy thing but I will keep trying."
"While you are at it can you please talk to Shana?"
""Shana can be annoying sometimes," Knox said with a chuckle, "but she means well."
He pulled her closer to him, rubbing circles around her back, knowing how much she loved him.
"I know," Aria sighed leaning more into him, her irritation fading as she thought about Shana's playful nature, "It's just my hormones everywhere."
Knox nodded, understanding her concerns. "I'll talk to her, let her know that her jokes are not helping," he said reassuringly.
Aria smiled, ?"Thank you," she said, leaning in to give him a gentle kiss on the lips."
"I love you," Aria said, her voice filled with sincerity.
"I love you too," Knox replied.
"And I love you guys too." Shana said from the other side of the door.
"Shana." Knox and Aria growled at the same time.
Knox sat in his study after leaving Aria to rest The recent attack by Lucas had brought about unexpected alliances among the werewolf packs, uniting them against a common enemy.
The sound of the door creaking open pulled Knox from his thoughts, and he looked up to see Ryder entering the study. Ryder's smirk accompanied his entrance, "I think I liked you better when you were grumpy like an old wolf," Ryder teased, leaning against the door frame.
Knox huffed in amusement, "Ah, the good old days," he retorted, his tone teasing, "But I suppose change is inevitable, and I'm surprised Lydia let you step away from her."
Ryder chuckled, "But it's nice to see you smile. Aria's been good for you." and then he sighed, "I'm getting frustrated. She won't stop watching me like a hawk ever since the battle."
Knox smiled in understanding, "She almost lost you. I think it's understandable. So why are you here?"
Ryder walked over and took a seat across from Knox, his posture relaxed but attentive. "I wanted to talk to you about something," he said, his tone serious. "There are other Alphas who want to form alliances with us."
Knox nodded, his mind already churning with the possibilities and implications of such alliances. "We have to be cautious and ensure that these alliances are mutually beneficial and don't compromise our pack's safety."
Ryder nodded in agreement. "I've been vetting them, going through their histories and assessing their intentions," he said. "So far, there are a few that seem promising."
"Keep me updated on your findings," Knox said, his tone firm but trusting. "We'll discuss this further with the rest of the pack and make a collective decision."
 Ryder shifted the conversation, his eyes curious. "Speaking of decisions," he began, "when do you and Aria plan to have your mating ceremony?"
Knox's expression softened, a tender smile spreading across his face. "We haven't decided on a date yet," he admitted.
Ryder nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility that rested on their shoulders. "Take your time," a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Well, whenever you decide, I'll make sure to throw you both the best celebration the pack has ever seen," he declared.
Knox laughed, "Now I know something is definitely wrong in the world."
A knock sounded on the door causing the two male wolves to turn their heads.
Knox regarded her carefully. Seraphina had played a significant role in Aria's past, and while he still had reservations about her, he acknowledged the sacrifice she had made for his mate.
"What can I help you with, Seraphina?" Knox asked, his tone composed.
She looked from Ryder to him before turning to him, " I have been talking to some wolves at the Silvercrest pack," she began. "With Julian gone, there is no Alpha. I was wondering if you would let them join your pack."
Ryder looked at her with a raised eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "I thought you wanted to be the Alpha. Why don't you go back and lead them?"
Seraphina's eyes flickered with irritation, but she maintained her composure. "It's not that simple," she explained. "The dynamics at Silvercrest have changed, and I believe it would be better for them to join a strong pack like Nightshade."
Knox considered her words carefully, knowing that her motives might not be as straightforward as she portrayed them. "Why do you believe they would be better off with us?" Knox inquired, his eyes searching Seraphina's face for any hint of deception.
Seraphina took a moment before responding, "Silvercrest is in turmoil. Without a strong leader, they are vulnerable to outside threats," she explained. "Joining the Nightshade pack would provide them with the protection and stability they need."
Ryder leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "And what do you get out of it?" he asked, his voice skeptical.
She folded her hands affronted. She knew she hadn't been the most straightforward person but she was trying to change,"I'm not getting anything out of it. I just don't wanted my pack to keep suffering."
Knox narrowed his eyes. He knew that she had her own agenda, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was hiding something.
"I'll consider your proposal," Knox said cautiously. "But I need more information about the wolves from Silvercrest before we make any decisions and I have to talk to my mate."
Seraphina nodded, "Of course, Alpha Knox," she said respectfully. She stood still staring at Knox.
Knox looked at her expectantly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation. "Is there anything else?" he asked.
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Before the battle with Lucas," she began, "Julian had a plan."
Ryder interjected with a smirk, "You mean the one where he pretended to be dead and sent you here to feed him information?"
Seraphina clenched her fists, feeling a mix of annoyance and frustration. "Yes, that one," she replied through gritted teeth, "I was asked to hide someone."
Knox leaned forward, intrigued. "And who is this person you were told to hide?"
Seraphina hesitated, her gaze shifting to the floor. "With Nikolai gone and the Bloodmoon pack fallen," she said slowly, "she has nowhere else to go."
The realization hit Knox like a punch to the gut. He knew exactly who Seraphina was referring to. "No," he said firmly, his eyes narrowing.
Seraphina fidgeted with her fingers, her nerves getting the better of her. "About that," she began, her voice trailing off.
Knox's wolf sensed the change in the air before he did. The familiar scent filled his nostrils, and he recoiled as if struck. He turned his head slowly, and there she was, standing at the entrance of his study with wary eyes.
"Hello, Knox," Rebecca greeted as she stepped into his study.