✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“It may not be easy for a while, but the most valuable things in life never are.
If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that.
Everything beautiful and wonderful in my life has taken struggle and tears to achieve or acquire.”
Much, much better than the previous one, and I think it is due to the fact that the couple - well, actually the throuple's story is continuing into the next one - allowing for them to have more time for their relationship to develop.
“I want someone who sees me as his equal, and the truth is that you don’t. Not in bed, not in conversations, not in any social situation. You are the alpha, and you always let me feel that.”
Not that it exactly needs to - all things considered - but to also then see Bray's newfound dynamic with Kean tested and then forged in a more understanding and appreciative way, rather than that just of lust-attraction - for him to change his old-pack alpha views about what it means to be an alpha and how to treat and behave around a beta and omega will be worthwhile to see. 😒 Because an Alpha's Pride really is about learning to be more humble about the position that they are in; that their role and status does not earn them the right to be the one in charge and expect others to simply bow down to them. That it's not only about having a submissive omega to bear him an heir - when he feels the time is right. And despite Kean's obvious attraction and chemistry with him, it was cathartic of Kean to stand up for himself - that it is okay to want a healthy relationship rather than just a means to get off in a casual hookup. To assert his own dominance in their relationship and then, also have Ruari realize how important it is for Bray to accept that, as well - if they're ever going to have a future. 😥
And once they get their act together, I do think their dynamic is on route to a really supportive and sweet one. 🥰 Well, even before the truth comes out - I did like them - well, Bray not so much, but he has his reasons for being a douche. I liked Kean for his stubbornness in not just accepting that because he is a beta, he can't have feelings or desire and Ruari for his challenging and defiant spirit in not just protecting his baby, but his own heart, too. 'It was crazy fast, but he loved him, and now, it was time to conquer his alpha’s heart.' 🥺 They were immediately drawn to one another and realized that without Bray, their triangle of love was not complete. It takes a lot of patience and steady realization, but when it clicks with Bray how wrongly he behaved with both of them - it has the makings of being a really fruitful and beautiful relationship.
It certainly is not easy to divide the time between an ever-growing pack, but I think the author did a much better job this time around allotting the certain time frames to each respective relationship. 👌🏻👌🏻 Political threats and the threat of danger target the safe haven they're trying to create for themselves, but through their own force of nature and power of love - yes, you have no idea how so - they do rise to the occasion. 🐺🐺 It was a bit drawn out at those moments, as we got into the political and legal aspects of certain parts, but once it shifted (pun intended!) back to the pack - I was more invested. Especially when Lidon's libido is a prime de facto of concern for everyone nearby - hence Ruari spouting the best line ever - 'What is this, a pack or some kind of sex club?' 😆 Since everyone is so comfortable about their desires - it does get a bit hard to rein in all those emotions and raging hormones, so I didn't blame Ruari to be caught off-guard at first, till he accepted that this was simply their way of showing how much trust and unity existed in this sanctuary - something he had been missing his whole life.
“It was all of this, plus the peace in his soul of feeling safe and loved and at home.”
I adored the three omega's friendship - like, honestly, it is impossible not to smile when Sven, Ruari and Vieno are with each other, because they know it is not easy for them, but together they can make a difference. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 Vieno is such a sweetheart - it's not only that he's a recent father, but just caring for Sven and Ruari's concerns, the simple moments of them bonding and sharing their own experiences and worries - it felt like he finally had someone to unburden himself with, which was really sweet. And then, uff, that ending with the babies! 😟 Cue protective mama wolf in full rage more - in more ways than one! Loved how the author heightened the action and the foreboding tension - it felt palpable, as well as the unease that change was coming! And that's another thing! 👏🏻 As their instincts evolve, so too does their inner survival fight mode, and their inner chemistry starts to take shape, too.
And yes, of course, we do get to see the OG quartet - in a bit of a limited capacity, but still enough to show that they are still facing challenges - both to protect those that they're letting in, as well as their own relationship status. A shocking reveal towards the end about the nature of Vieno's baby was a startle - even to me! 😲 - but, it was a promising one - 'the intimacy, the deep sense of calm and peace his alpha had when he held him.' I do have a soft corner for Palani - 'His proud and strong beta, never scared to tell him the truth', so seeing him is always a treat. Plus, how indebted and drawn Lidon is towards his second-in-command is really hawt to see!
“And as he drifted off to sleep between his two men, with a baby’s quick breaths in the corner of the room, Kean vowed that he would love them for all eternity.
Because he did.”
The plot is thickening in not just the love department, and paths are being paved for future liaisons, so there is hope still yet. Besides, it does end on a tentative, but soft HFN, especially since the threat has not quite been eliminated just as yet. So, whatever danger awaits Lidon and his evolving pack - I guess, it is too late in the game to back out just yet. ☺️