Chapter 7 Improved Relationships

• After Erin found Iris, the days that followed were a volatile mix of cautious hope and mistrust. Erin was attracted to Iris like a magnet in the calm moments between managing pack affairs and commanding his people.
• He continued to assume that fate's coupling was more than just a coincidence. On the other hand, Iris arrived every day with a mix of resolution and apprehension.
• Her pregnancy, which she fiercely guarded as a delicate secret, impeded her new life in the Wildwood Pack.
• Even though she was reminded of her background all the time, Erin's presence provided her with a sense of calm and serenity that she had not had since leaving Moonbay.
• Erin sought Iris at the quiet lake, where she regularly spent time by herself with the pack one bright morning.
• He observed her looking out at the calm seas mirroring the blue sky above while perched on a weathered bench.
• As soon as she became aware that life was growing inside of her, she protectively covered her belly with her palm.
• Erin approached her gently and sat next to her, his warmth providing much-needed comfort from the cool lake air.
• What are you currently going through? His eyes searched hers with true fear as he questioned in a quiet voice.
• Iris managed a faint grin, but her eyes showed the tiredness she couldn't conceal. She should have answered honestly. Being here, away from everything, is helpful.
• Erin's eyes were shining with glee as he nodded in understanding. "Iris," he calmed her, "you don't have to face this alone."
• Do you remember when we were all in this together? Iris felt a wave of appreciation as she peered into his unblinking eyes.
• Erin had been a rock in her hardest moments, but she had never anticipated finding comfort in the alpha of a far-off pack.
• With a mournful murmur, she almost raised her voice above a whisper, "Thank you, Erin." Their lovely chat was cut short by the faraway calls of birds and the soft sound of the beach's waves.
• Iris took a minute to absorb the peacefulness of the lake as a contrast to the busyness of her recent days. Erin turned to smile shyly at Iris as the sun rose higher in the sky, sending a golden glow over the region.
• Do you want to go for a walk? Gently, pointing to a meandering route that headed farther into the woodland, he made the proposition.
• After a moment of doubt, Iris nodded, her eyes shining with curiosity. She stood gracefully from the bench and took Erin's hand as they started their slow trip up the woodland trail.
• They were reminded of the woodland they used to call home by the aroma of pine and dirt in the air.
• Iris gradually noticed a quiet strength rising inside her, strength coming from the sufferings she had endured and the steady support of the man by her side.
• Erin told them stories about the Wildwood Pack, its history, its customs, and the connections that linked its members together as a family while they strolled.
• His little sister Sofie's unquenchable curiosity about the galaxy impressed him. Iris listened closely, curious to hear about Erin's life free from the obligations of an alpha.
• Iris talked about her early years in Monbay, her close bond with her mother Tatiana, and her fondest desire.
• She detailed her meeting to Erin, feeling as though a secret strength had been released with every word.
• They roamed the woodland for hours on end
• without anyone noticing, their discussions alternating between intervals of silent contemplation and funny anecdotes.
• When they emerged from the thick woodland, the sun had already started to set and the sky was pink and gold.
• Erin stared at Iris, who was beaming brightly. His empathetic smile made her heart skip a beat. "Thank you for walking with me," he added truly.
• Iris smiled back at him, and a feeling of acceptance wrapped her like a warm blanket. "Thank you for everything, Erin," she replied truly, her admiration reverberating through the silence of the night.
• Even though their steps were light and their hearts were lifted by the unspoken promise of tomorrow, the weight of their shared moments hung heavily on them as they made their way back to the packhouse.
• Iris viewed her relationship with Erin as a launching pad to a future full of love and power rather than the agony of rejection.
• Erin gripped her own hand to remind her of the trail they were building together as they moved closer to the packhouse.
• Their love grew deeper every day, connecting them together in a web of hope and promise despite the obstacles that lay ahead.
• Together, Iris and Erin wandered toward the packhouse as the glorious evening turned to dusk.
• Iris had found solace in the tranquil ambiance of the woodland, but the future abruptly muddled her sentiments.
• Erin's constant presence was soothing, although doubt remained.
• Their intrigue was masked by their regular manner of approaching the pack house, where respectful looks and smiles were shared over the warmth of the fire and the calm murmur of woodland conversatio.
• Erin escorted Iris to a modest table in the common area that had a few comfy chairs and drinks.
• Erin sat next to Iris, his attitude relaxed but attentive, offering her a soothing presence as she sat with her hands resting softly on her belly, a habit she had established since finding out she was pregnant.
• Although the other members' laughter and jokes per
• iodically shattered the evening's silence, Iris's discovery was a somber one.