Chapter 7 HOME REUNION.

Lyra stood outside her family's pack territory, her heart racing with excitement. It had been months since she last saw her family, and she couldn't wait to introduce them to her pup, Asher. She had also brought Racheal her mate and the love of her life.

As they approached the pack's gathering area, Lyra's family saw her and rushed to greet her. Her mother, Alpha Jasmine, hugged her tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face.

"Lyra, my dear, it's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, taking Asher from Lyra's arms. "And this must be Asher! He's adorable!"

Lyra beamed with pride as her family fated Asher and showered him with love. But when they noticed Racheal standing beside her, their expressions changed.

The air was thick with tension as Lyra's family members exchanged uneasy glances. Racheal ,sensing the tension, stood tall, his eyes locked on Alpha Jasmine.

"Who's this?" Alpha Jasmine asked, her tone cautious, her eyes narrowing as she took in Racheal rugged features.

Lyra smiled, feeling a sense of happiness and love. "Mother, this is Racheal, my mate."

The pack's atmosphere shifted, and a murmur of discontent spread through the crowd. Lyra's family members began to whisper to each other, their faces twisted in distaste.

Rachealr' eyes locked onto Lyra's, and she saw a flash of understanding there. He knew that this wasn't going to be easy.

Alpha Jasmine's expression hardened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Lyra, can I speak with you privately?" she demanded, her voice like a whip.

Lyra nodded, feeling a sense of unease. She followed her mother to a nearby clearing, leaving Ryder and Asher with the rest of the family.

The trees loomed above them, casting long shadows on the ground. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming flowers, but Lyra's anxiety soured the sweet fragrance.

"Lyra, what's going on?" Alpha Jasmine asked, her voice low and urgent. "You know we don't associate with members of that pack. They're our rivals, and they've caused us nothing but trouble."

Lyra sighed, feeling torn. "Mother, Ryder is my mate. I love him, and he's a good father to Asher."

Alpha Jasmine's expression softened, but her eyes remained troubled. "Lyra, I understand that you care about this boy, but you can't just bring him here without warning us. It's not safe for our pack."

Lyra felt a surge of frustration. "That's not fair, Mother. Ryder is a good person, and he's not like the rest of his pack."

Alpha Jasmine's face hardened. "Lyra, I forbid you from seeing him again. He's not welcome here, and neither is his pack."

Lyra felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "Mother, no! That's not fair!"

But Alpha Jasmine was resolute. "I'm sorry, Lyra. This is for the good of our pack. Now, let's go back and say goodbye to Ryder. He's leaving."

Lyra felt tears pring to her eyes as she walked back to the gathering area. Ryder, sensing the tension, stood up, his eyes locked on Alpha Jasmine.

"It's time for us to go, Lyra," he said, his voice calm.

Lyra nodded, feeling a sense of anger and resentment towards her family. How could they be so close-minded?

As they turned to leave, Lyra's family members began to jeer and shout, their voices a cacophony of hatred and anger.

"Traitor!" one of them shouted. "You're a disgrace to our pack!"

Lyra felt Ryder's arm around her, holding her close as they walked away from the pack's territory. She felt a sense of relief wash over her, but it was tinged with sadness.

They walked in silence, the only sound the rustling of leaves beneath their feet. As they approached the pack's boundary, Ryder stopped and turned to her.

"I'm sorry, Lyra," he said, his eyes filled with compassion. "I know that wasn't easy for you."

Lyra shook her head, feeling a sense of love and gratitude towards Ryder. "It's not your fault, Ryder. I'm just... I'm so tired of people judging others based on their pack affiliation."

Ryder nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know, baby. But we're in this together now. We'll face it together, always."

As they stood there, the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the trees. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and Lyra felt a sense of peace wash over her.

She knew that she had made the right decision in choosing Ryder and his pack. They were her true family now, and she wouldn't let anyone come between them.

As they walked back to their pack, Lyra felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was ready to face whatever challenges came their way, as long as she had Ryder by her side.

The moon was high in the sky as they walked into their home, Asher sleeping peacefully in Lyra's arms. Ryder locked the door behind them, a look of determination on his face.

"We'll face this together, Lyra," he said, his voice firm. "Always."

Lyra smiled, feeling a sense of love and gratitude towards Ryder. She knew that she had found her true mate, and she was grateful for him every day.

As they sat down on the couch, Asher stirring in Lyra's arms, Ryder turned to her and said, "You know, Lyra, I think it's time we start making some changes around here."

Lyra looked at him, curious. "What kind of changes?"

Ryder's smile grew wider. "Well, I think it's time we start making some new alliances, don't you? Maybe it's time we reach out to some of the other packs, see if we can build some bridges."

Lyra's eyes widened as she realized what Ryder was suggesting. "You mean, like, making peace with the rival pack?"

Ryder nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly. I think it's time we start trying to make things right, don't you?"

Lyra felt a sense of excitement and trepidation wash over her. She knew that it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to try.

Together, they sat down and started making plans, their minds racing with possibilities. They knew that it would take time and effort, but they were willing to work towards a better future.

And as they sat there, planning their next move, Lyra knew that she had found her true home, with Ryder and Asher by her side.

The stars twinkled in the sky, a reminder of the infinite possibilities that lay ahead. Lyra and Racheal sat on their porch, watching the world go by, their hearts full of hope and promise.

"I love you," Lyra said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Racheals turned to her, his eyes shining with love. "I love you too, Lyra. Always." Racheal said while he hugged me.