Insight

Selena remained with the SilverCrest wolves after Elijah’s funeral. Gracie moved into the Dolan manor to help with the twins, just as she’d done when Flint as an infant. The Alpha couple had taken some time getting to know their new pups. And their personalities came to light quickly.

Nora was more expressive than her brother. She screamed, cried, laughed... Everything was loud. She loved the pop music Eve played when she cooked. Nora yelped for Flint's attention any time she saw her father, even in passing. Her hair was blonde and her different colored eyes were strangely beautiful.

Eli was identical to his sister, though his personality was very different. He was calmer. Any handling from his parents made him giggle comically. He loved the piano sonatas that Flint played in his office more than Eve’s pop music. His eyes were still a bright turquois, jade color that grabbed your attention every time you glimpsed them.

The hours were very full for Flint and Eve. The first thing the Luna noticed, in the weeks after the twins were born, was how busy her hands were. When she wasn’t nursing, rocking, holding, or carrying a child; she was asleep.

Flint had to get the pack back in order ,but even after working all day at HQ; he found himself running around the house searching for lost pacifiers and stuffed animals. Sometimes the hours crept by like years, while others were like a whirlwind that lasted seconds. Days turned to weeks as a new, chaotic routine fell into place.

When the pups were 26 days old, they were introduced to the pack. The newest Dolans were already winning over the hearts and minds of StarLight. Eli’s eye color was the object of many discussions and conversations. No one knew about the existence of the winter jade vine. They didn’t understand.

Flint was strong enough to take down any wolf on the mountain, even the other Alphas. Eli was sure to be even more powerful than his father. Rumors arose about his eyes being a tell-tale sign that he had an excess of strength. Some were weary of him, though most knew better than to try to judge an infant’s threshold for power.

At the festival where the pack met the twins, Flint made an announcement. He approached the microphone on the stage in the main square. The Alpha tapped on it with his finger, drawing all eyes to him.

“I know it’s been a long day. Thank you all for coming out to welcome my pups to the pack. Luna Eve and I are so glad that of all the places in all the world where they could grow up, they get to do it here. With StarLight.”

Applause and cheers rang out and Flint smiled momentarily before growing more serious. He lifted his hand, quieting the crowd.

“I still have something to discuss with all of you. Graham Monroe’s betrayal has left us without a Beta. This issue has gone unaddressed due to the quick overturn of the position lately. However, since we just held a Beta tournament in January, I see no point in doing it all again.” Flint looked into the crowd. “Duncan Green, please come to the stage.”

The commander approached curiously. He didn’t dare hope to be able to predict what the Alpha was about to say.

“As the true winner of the Beta tournament, I select Duncan Green to be Beta of StarLight. All those who agree, howl.” Flint stated.

Howls erupted from the street, filling the air. Eve howled as well, joining the chorus of voices. Flint looked at Duncan with a calm, confident smile. He extended his hand, and the new Beta stepped up to shake it.

“You trust me now, Flint?” Duncan asked with a small, joking grin.

“After everything that’s happened in the last two years?” He chuckled. “Yeah. You’ve earned it.”

Flint turned back to the microphone, silencing the excited discussions of the pack.

“Well, I guess that means we have a tournament coming up. It’ll determine who the next chief commander will be. There will be rank based requirements of who can sign up and who cant. There will be written testing, strategy testing, strength fights...” The Alpha explained. “The information will be released to the Green Tree Gazette on Sunday.”

Ellie ran up to the Luna’s table excitedly. Eve and Gracie were both holding very tired babies, trying to keep them calm and quiet.

“Oh my-”

Eve’s hand shot out and cover’s Ellie’s mouth just before she could scream the word goddess. Eve had known her way too long to not know when she was about to get very, very shrill.

“Make my pups cry, and I’m going to make you cry.” The Luna smiled as Ellie rolled her eyes.

“I’m sorry...” She sighed.

Austin jogged up to his mate and sat beside her at the table. He seemed like he’d been looking for her, but he didn’t draw attention to that. He nodded in greeting. Still he was solely focused on his erratic, unpredictable mate.

“What has you all frazzled right now?” Eve probed.

“I’m pregnant!” Ellie chirped.

“What did you just say?” Gracie asked, surprised.

Eve looked at Austin. He was watching Ellie like she were made of the most beautiful, and fragile, stained glass. He looked proud.

“Congrats!” The Luna had to forcibly keep her volume down.

“I know. There’s so much to do now. You know, before the paralyzing fear and self loathing kick in.” She giggled.

“No fear, Els. If I can do this...” Eve gestured to the twins.

“You can do that.” She pointed at her best friend’s belly.

Ellie hugged her. Flint and Duncan joined them and heard the good news. It seemed like everything was changing so quickly. Elijah was dead, Selena was gone, Ellie was pregnant, Flint and Eve were parents. Somehow it always seemed like no matter how much things were changing... Green Tree remained the same.

The losses they’d suffered would never be forgotten, but the joy the future held in store seemed much more worth their focus. After all, there was nothing they could do about the the past, their grief, or their challenges. No matter how painful it felt at times; the only thing left to do was move forward.