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“You have stood by me every moment since we were both teenagers. You’re an alpha yourself, yet you chose to submit to me, and that takes a special kind of strength.” Raschid nodded to Alex. “Alex will be a very strong alpha, but he needs the sort of steadying hand I was lucky enough to get in you. We have talked and Alex would very much like you to be his right hand. He needs someone with your experience to teach him to grow.” Victor’s lips parted in astonishment.

“I know I’m young,” Alex said, “and as such, you may feel it isn’t appropriate for you…” Alex squirmed a little and Victor’s eyebrows shot up. He’d never seen Alex look uncomfortable, but he knew what he was asking.

“You mean,” he glanced at them both, “for me to submit to Alex. For him to become my new alpha?”

Raschid inclined his head and then looked at Alex. So did Victor. This was a test of sorts. Alex swallowed but put his shoulders back. “Yes. I would be your alpha, but I desperately need a mentor. Everyone here has taught me and continues to teach me to be a better person, but I need someone to teach me to be a better alpha.”

Victor met Alex’s unflinching gaze. And Victor knew Alex could never submit to Raschid, so that sort of relationship was a non-starter.

“I haven’t decided about college or anything. I thought I knew what I wanted, but since feeling the call for pack, and with Noah, it’s become way more complicated.”

“And if he had a steadying hand here,” Raschid continued, “he could still pursue those goals. Alex has shared he is reluctant to leave his family without knowing they are protected.”

Victor transferred his attention to Raschid. “This is your will?”

Raschid chuckled. “I like the idea of having my neighbors secure. Until the time comes for Alex to build his own pack, I am going to send a contingent of wolves here. There’s enough space for housing, but they will need organizing.”

Victor drew in a delighted breath. It was perfect. He could stay here, mentor Alex, and keep his family safe. Raschid stood. “I’m going to leave you two to discuss things.”

Victor stood as well. “Raschid, I—” But he didn’t finish whatever he was going to say, because his alpha drew him in for a firm but brief hug. “Making sure the next generation of wolves is secure is the most important thing you can do for either pack.” He slapped Victor on the back and nodded to Alex, then left.

Victor sat, stunned, but then he realized Alex hadn’t spoken, and focused on him. “My alpha, I would be honored to be your beta commander.”

Alex flushed, but his eyes sparkled. “I know I’m going to make lots of mistakes.”

“As will I,” Victor said, but then because Victor was a wolf submitting to his new alpha, he slowly bared his neck.

Alex's eyes flashed red, and his hand came up to gently touch Victor's throat, accepting the submission. The moment felt significant, like a torch being passed, though both wolves knew the real work lay ahead of them.

"Thank you," Alex said, his voice steadier than Victor expected. "I accept your submission, and I'll do my best to be worthy of your trust."

Victor straightened, studying the young alpha before him. He saw so much potential there—strength tempered with compassion, confidence balanced with humility. Raschid was right. The next generation of pack would be in good hands. Victor felt the subtle shift in their bond, the acknowledgment of a new hierarchy. It was strange but not uncomfortable—Alex had earned his respect through his actions, not just his potential.

"We'll start tomorrow," Victor said. "There's a lot to discuss, including how to integrate Raschid's wolves with the existing household."

Alex nodded eagerly. "I've been thinking about that. We'll need to establish clear boundaries, especially with the kids here. And with Zack's pregnancy—"

Victor felt a surge of pride at how quickly Alex was thinking of the practical considerations. "Exactly. But first—" He smiled, something he'd been doing more of lately. "I need to tell my mates about this new arrangement."

When Victor returned to their bedroom, he found Mo sitting on the bed beside Zack, reading aloud from a dog-eared paperback while Zack rested with his eyes closed, though Victor could tell he wasn't sleeping.

"How did it go with Raschid?" Mo asked, setting the book aside.

Victor leaned against the doorframe, taking in the sight of his two mates safe and together. The relief of it still hit him anew each time.

"It went...unexpectedly well," Victor replied, moving to sit on Zack's other side. The bed dipped under his weight. "I have news."

Zack's eyes opened fully, alert despite his lingering fatigue. "What kind of news?"

Victor took both their hands in his. "I've accepted a new position. As Alex's beta commander."

Mo's eyebrows shot up. "Alex? As in,ourAlex?"

Victor nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "Raschid suggested it. He's sending a contingent of wolves to strengthen the security here, and he wants me to mentor Alex as he grows into his alpha role."

"So, you're staying," Zack said, his voice thick with emotion. "Here. With us."

"Always," Victor promised, squeezing Zack's hand. "I was going to resign, but instead I've submitted to Alex as my alpha."