An Unwanted Second Chance (JB Tirado) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

It took three days for the alpha from Green River to arrive. Three days filled with funerals for fallen warriors. Three days in which Max and Penny disappeared from daily life, clinging to their boys as if they could stop the world from changing. Three days where Riley did her best to keep Kent focused on the present and not spiraling into all the worst–case scenarios he kept creating in his head.

Patrick remained the rock of the ranked members, his steady presence the glue holding the pack together.

Meanwhile, Leo and Wesley quietly prepared to leave, a reality Riley still struggled to accept. The idea that Leo, her confidant, wouldn’t be just a short walk away when she needed him felt like a painful loss she wasn’t ready for.

When Commander Whey finally led the visiting alpha into Kent’s office, everyone else had already been waiting anxiously for ten minutes, even though it had felt much longer.

The alpha was a tall, rail–thin man, his bald head and pale face almost giving him a ghostly appearance, but his bright blue eyes softened the effect.

“This is Alpha Ty of the Green River pack,” Commander Whey introduced him.

One by one, everyone introduced themselves. Alpha Ty took a seat by the door, his serene gaze sweeping over

them.

“I’ve already spoken at length with Commander Whey,” he began, his voice steady. “And I understand you have concerns about the boy. Please know that I have spent four years searching for him. My only priority is his safety. I have no intention of uprooting him or causing more harm. I know, after hearing what happened with the rogues, that he’s likely in a fragile state. His well–being comes first.”

Kent nodded, taking a deep breath. “We care very much for him. My beta and his mate have given him the

best life they could. If we had known who he truly was when we found him, we would have returned him

immediately. We sincerely apologize for not declaring him and for depriving your pack of your heir.”

Alpha Ty studied Kent for a long, stressful moment. “I’m not here to judge you,” he said quietly. “I just need to

see him. I need to know he’s alright.” He looked down briefly, his voice trembling. “He’s the son of my best

friend. David was closer to me than a brother. I made him a promise before he died to look after his son and I

intend to keep it.”

“He’s a great kid,” Penny said, her voice barely above a whisper. Alpha Ty turned his gaze to her.

“Kindest boy I know,” she added, smiling through tears. “Always thinking of others.”

“He’s tough too,” Max said. “Even as young as he is, you can see he’s going to be an incredible warrior.”

Alpha Ty’s smile was bittersweet. “David was an exceptional warrior. His mate, Marie, was one of the

sweetest souls I ever met. Their son is special, more than just by lineage. David and Marie came from long lines of original alphas. Their child is a true alpha. He’s destined to be stronger and faster than most.”

Penny hesitated. “Do you… have a picture of them?”

Alpha Ty’s face brightened. “Of course.” He pulled a worn photo from his shirt pocket and passed it to Max.

Penny gasped, covering her mouth as tears filled her eyes. “He looks exactly like his father.”

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Max nodded, swallowing hard. “Exactly like him.”

Alpha Ty’s voice grew softer. “David and I were like twins. We even shared a birthday. After losing his first mate, David thought he’d never find happiness again – until Marie.”

Riley, sitting close to Kent, caught his intense stare before turning back to Alpha Ty.

“What happened to his first mate?” Penny asked gently.

Alpha Ty’s expression darkened. “She was killed during a rogue attack, just months after they bonded.”

Riley straightened slightly. “Actually…” All eyes turned to her.

Carefully, she recounted what Cheree had admitted, that she had killed both of David’s mates.

Alpha Ty listened in stunned silence before finally nodding. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised… but it still hurts. Looking back, the signs were there. Cheree was obsessed with David. I’ve lived in the aftermath of her

destruction.”

“It’s just so awful,” Penny whispered, clutching the photograph.

“They were so young,” Alpha Ty said. “Only twenty–three. I tried everything to find their son. I sent out search parties, called on my alliances, but he vanished.”

Max cleared his throat. “What was his name? Their son’s real name?”

“Robert,” Alpha Ty replied, his smile faint. “Robert David Hunter.”

“We’ve been calling him Evan,” Penny said. “What about his birthday?”

“December 11th.”

Max’s eyes widened. “He’s older than we thought. Much closer to our first son’s age.”

“When we found him,” Penny explained, “he was so malnourished, we could only guess.”

Alpha Ty’s expression crumpled slightly. “The commander told me what condition he was in. It kills me, knowing he suffered so much.”

“Would you like to meet him?” Penny asked softly.

Alpha Ty’s whole face lit up. “I would love to. Does he know I’m here?”

“He does. We explained that you were from his birth parents‘ pack. We didn’t tell him everything yet, but he’s

ready to meet you.”

Max stood. “I’ll go get him.”

As he left, Penny asked, “Does he have any family left in Green River?”

“Two great–uncles, but they’re elderly and uninterested in raising a child. David’s sister died in an accident

when we were kids. Both sets of grandparents are gone. Marie was an only child.”

The door opened again, and Max led Evan in, his small hand gripping his father’s tightly.

Alpha Ty’s eyes widened, drinking in the sight of the boy.

“Evan,” Max said gently, kneeling, “this is Alpha Ty. He was your birth father’s best friend.”

Evan gave a shy wave, pressing closer to Max’s side.

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Ty knelt, his voice thick. “You look exactly like your father” Tears shimmered in his eyes. “Tve been looking for

you.”

I’ve been right here,” Evan whispered, causing Ty to chuckle softly.

“Indeed you have.” Ty wiped his eyes. “Are you happy?”

Evan nodded but then turned to Max and suddenly burst into tears.

“Please don’t take me away,” he sobbed, burying himself in Max’s arms.

Max hugged him tightly. “It’s okay, buddy. No one’s taking you anywhere today”

Ty stood, pinching the bridge of his nose before kneeling again.

“I would never take you away from your parents,” he said firmly. Evan peered at him, sniffling. As long as you’re happy, you will stay with them.”

Penny dissolved into tears, hugging Evan and Max as tightly as she could.

Ty turned to Commander Whey, his voice steady. “I think Evan should stay here. I support the beta family

adopting him formally.”

He looked back at Max and Penny. “But I have two requests.”

“Anything,” Max whispered.

“First, I would like Evan to visit Green River regularly and to stay connected to his heritage. Second, when he comes of age, I’d like him to return and lead the pack as its rightful alpha.”

Max and Penny nodded, tears streaming down their faces, relief plain in every movement.

Commander Whey clapped his hands together softly. “This is good news. I always knew Alpha Ty was a

reasonable man.”

Turning to Kent, he added, “The council will still issue a written sanction. You’ll be under supervision for three years, and all ranked members will be on probation for one year. If anything even hints at misconduct, you’ll lose your positions. But otherwise, life can return to normal.”

Kent exhaled deeply, nodding. “We will comply with anything the council requires.”

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