Chapter 463: Renovation
"What do you think?" Sylvia asked Graeme with a huge smile on her face.
In just a few weeks, the top floor of the pack house had been transformed into a refuge for pack members who needed a comforting, nurturing place to stay where they felt protected. It was a project that Sylvia felt especially strong about after Graeme showed her August’s sketch for it. She just knew that this would help many who were struggling on their own.
Although they were all part of the pack, being isolated from others due to a variety of circumstances was not uncommon. It was just as easy to feel alone within the pack as it was anywhere else, but the goal of this renovation project was to make sure that everyone felt they had a place to stay where they could be protected.
"I think the important question is what do you think?" Graeme returned the smile before letting his gaze wander over the space.
There were individual rooms for pack members to sleep, a kitchen that was separate from the one downstairs in case those residing here did not feel comfortable being amongst the whole pack, a large common area lit by skylights, and a wellness room. The wellness room would be used for any kind of check-ups or sessions needed, including Sylvia’s reiki healing.
"I think..." Sylvia started before she blinked back a sudden swell of tears. Graeme put an arm around her when he felt the surge of emotion, allowing her to rest her head against his chest for a moment while she recovered.
"I think it is going to help many," she cleared her throat and wiped the tears away. "I have already invited Sage and his sister to stay here. Neoma as well. All three agreed, so the space will be used right away. And there is still plenty more room for others once they learn of it. The important thing is that everyone feels welcomed and protected in the pack."
Graeme nodded his head in agreement. That was certainly the important thing—now more than ever. With all of their alyko back save for one, he was determined to make sure that no individual within the pack would ever feel threatened or persecuted again without knowing they had a place to come for safety.
"Your parents would be so proud," Maggie said, walking in behind them to the bright, uplifting area that was illuminated by skylights above. "I certainly am."
"I am proud that it was so many ideas and hands that came together to make it happen," Graeme gave her a welcoming smile. "I believe Greta was the first one to mention how something like this would be beneficial."
"Greta has arranged a dinner to celebrate its completion tonight. Did she tell you?" Sylvia chuckled, wiping the remaining tears away that were left glistening on her face.
"Yes, she told me," he replied. "It’s a great idea. Everyone who worked so hard on this deserves it. I want to make sure they all realize our overwhelming gratitude. To have the renovations done before the deep of Winter is a huge accomplishment."
"I’m sure Greta will make sure everyone is aware of that gratitude," Maggie chuckled. "She told me some of the preparations she made for tonight, and it sounds like more than just a celebratory dinner. It will be quite the party."
Graeme’s smile fell slightly although he tried to maintain the joy that matched the success of this small thing they were able to do for the pack. It was overdue—a space specifically for the alyko or strays or any other vulnerable group who needed it. And it should be celebrated.
A celebration was long overdue just to mark the return of the alyko alone. It felt like every moment having Maggie back was a gift. He still found it difficult to believe she was here. It was as if she had stepped out of his memories into the present day. It was jarring and surreal. And it was all thanks to his mate...
He groaned internally as his thoughts fully returned to her once again. August. Why hadn’t she returned? It was truly the only thing that could occupy his thoughts most of the time. He found it difficult to concentrate on anything else. How could he? When he didn’t know where she was or what was happening to her? He found himself struggling to breathe much of the time let alone focus on any of the other tasks that were required of an Alpha.
And the idea of a party, regardless of how much it was needed, did not appeal to him at all. His mate was still absent, and the longer she was away, the more he ached to go find her.
"You should come tonight," Maggie walked to his side. "It would do you some good."
Graeme cleared his throat, his forehead feathering as he glanced away from them. "I would like to, but there are some things I need to work on."
"She is safe, Graeme," Maggie put a hand on his arm.
The mention of August’s safety sent a spiral of nausea through his gut. He told August he would trust her. He let her go. He was even blessed to see her again since then to witness with his own eyes that she was well, but while they were apart they were both more vulnerable. They were stronger together. He should be with her wherever she was, and her continued absence was wearing on him, causing him to doubt this situation they were in and whether she should indeed be gone this long.
"She would be safer with me," he said gruffly, a spear of pain shooting through his heart as he did. He looked around to make sure no one else was listening. "I have felt her... she was challenged in a way that caused her to use abilities she didn’t know she had. I know she is powerful. I can feel it within me. I just..." he grimaced. "To think she is up against something that causes that reaction from her—so strong that I can feel it surge within me as well—and yet I have no idea what the threat is or where it is. All I know is that I cannot help her."
