Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Heh! Kinda feels like a parade. I bet if Bucky had it his way, there’d pomp oms, sparklers and fog horns galore.” Addison internally giggled as she, and her extended family walked through her neighborhood towards the highly anticipated surprise.

Soon they passed by her house. “Your house…is a lot closer…to mine than I…thought! It looked further...on Roogle maps.” Jamie noted.

“And you’re still welcome to visit.” she reassured.

“You sure are.” Missy concurred. “For now, why don’t you two leave your gear bags inside?” The duo did as they were told, and set them down in the foyer.

Once their equipment was safely secured indoors, Wyatt requested, “Addison? Can you close your eyes, and clamp your nose please? Don’t worry, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“I know you will.” she smiled, and did what was asked of her. With her hand snugly in his, they kept on walking.

Jamie took note of their interaction, and their synchronized swishing tails. Suddenly the proverbial light bulb went off in his mind, as well as an internal, “Oohhhh!” A pleased smile crossed his lips at their fitting, amorous connection, but swore to keep that discovered tidbit to himself until she was ready to share.

Soon the pavement gave way to soft grass underneath her sandaled feet, and Jamie’s “Whooooooa!” signaled that they arrived at the site of the promised surprise. Her mate affectionately chuckled and said, “Okay Addison, you can open your eyes and un-clamp your nose now.”

The moment she did, everyone stunned her into absolute shock when they shouted, “SURPRISE!”

Pink, green, white and blue balloons were made into a large arc above five long foldable tables. Each one was filled to the brim with all kinds of pizzas, punch and lemonade dispensers, as well as six giant sheet cakes that had various werewolf runes on them.

To top it off, Bucky suddenly counted down, “Five, six, seven, eight!” and Bree and Bonzo sprung out of the foliage with perfectly executed backflips until they precisely landed next to the amazing display. “GO ADDY! GO JAMIE! GO ADDISKA! GO JOZMA!” they cheered, and waved their pomp oms with unbridled restraint.

“So cousin, what you think?” Bucky grinned, but she was still too astonished for words.

“I think we broke her.” Wynter grinned.

“Understandable. There’s only so much fabulousness a person can naturally take. So I accept speechless-”

“ARRROUUUURROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Her reactivated vocal cords inadvertently startled them, but there was no mistaking the joy within that reverberating sound. “Thank you! Thank you all so so much!” she lauded, and everyone noticed that her eyes were lavender – signaling that both she and her guardian were simultaneously enjoying the amazing surprise. Soon she was on the receiving end of Bucky’s one B best brother hugs; the embrace was amplified when her aunt, uncle and parents wrapped their arms around them. Eventually they let each other go, and she softly praised through her budding tears, “Mom…dad…Aunt Helen…Uncle Paul…Bucky. T-This is sooo incredible. Thank you.”

“You deserve it and then some, kiddo. Like we said this morning, we’re so proud of you. Not just in football, but for everything you’ve done. And yes, that includes being potty trained.” Dale grinned.

“Dad!” she quietly yelped, but there was no real bite behind it.

Her parents simply chuckled at her embarrassed expense, and brought her in for another warm embrace. Missy wanted to add more, but she was too overcome with emotions at seeing their daughter brimming with happiness. Instead she settled on kissing her forehead; whatever words she wanted to convey were readily received in that gesture. When they let each other go, Dale declared, “Alright! Let’s put a new spin on the definition of serene!”

“YEAH!”

Helen turned on the portable, color-changing Bluetooth speaker, and played a customized playlist filled with uplifting tunes. Revelry reigned supreme as everyone ate, drank, danced and conversed to their hearts content. Wrigley and Wroy even showcased some of their sagikan skills that easily awed everyone.

Her dad, Uncle Paul, Mr. Dillon, and Zevon then started a little impromptu football game with Zoey and the pups, while her mom, aunt and the medical professionals made sure their testosterone didn’t have them bedridden with bruises - especially when Worion, Warrick, Wanbli and Walden decided to join in on the fun.

Eliza and Bonzo turned off their z-bands, and had a roar-off against some of the werewolves – easily impressing them with their ferocity. They then initiated a friendly yet highly competitive game of tag - though in Bonzo's and Bree's case, it ended up being more of a tickle fight. In a stunning, yet ill-advised move, Bucky challenged Setow to a sumo-style push-war in order to display his ayaga essence. It...went about as well as a ladybug trying to push an elephant; at least he didn't get squished. Nonetheless, he more than earned the respect of the one A older brother - for both of them followed a similar redemptive path in regard to their precious cousin/antika.

After a while Addison decided to rest on the proverbial sidelines, and watch the new definition of serene continue to unfold. All of a sudden she noticed her mate walking towards her. “Taking a break from all the organized chaos?” Wyatt knowingly guessed.

“Heh, yeah.” she confirmed.

“Mind if I join you?”

“I don’t mind at all.” she smiled, and he sat down next to her. She released a content, yet contemplative **siiiighh** and laid her head on his shoulder.

“…What’s on your mind, Addison?”

“Well…I was just thinking how surreal this all is. For a long while, Serenity Park was a safe haven for me to escape and just…be myself. To take off that wig those stupid stinkin’ thinkin’ societal fleas had me wear. I…I always felt drawn to nature because plants didn’t care what I looked like, neither did any of the passing animals that I happened to see. But right now…all of this…my mind’s still processing it. Seeing unique individuals who care about, and accept all of me. And not simply because I’m the mayor’s and chief’s daughter, or even because I wore the coveted cheer uniform. But that I’m more than enough. I know this is going to sound super sappy…but it’s my dream come true.”

He placed his arm around her shoulders, and refuted, “It’s not sappy at all. Do…Do you happen to remember what I said when you first saw me naked?”

“You said, “You have no idea what it means to be accepted by someone other than your pack.” she softly quoted.

“Mm hm. So right now, it’s a bit surreal for me too. Being here, and even in a packed stadium, with humans and zombies behaving like we would back at Saniukun, I never thought it’d be possible. I thought we would only have those rare accidental bonding instances – like with Elizabeth, Aaron, Gabrielle, Annabelle and Suzette. But…all those connections were forged due to extraordinary acts on our end, not simply because of us just being…well…us. Don’t get me wrong! We don’t regret helping out whatsoever! But…this? It’s a dream come true for me too. You helped create all these bonds, Addison. All by being the precious, Nanukilik chiak that you are.” he smiled, then licked her forehead. “I’m so blessed that you were born, and are in our lives.”

“S-Same.” she choked out, and wiped her moist eyes. Unsurprisingly, the glowing tingly sensation reignited.

“Heh, that’s my sunshine.” he lovingly thought, and they sat together for a while before rejoining the festivities. Soon all the food and drinks were consumed, and the children were getting fussy trying to combat their tiredness.

Missy smiled at their attempt to stay awake in order to keep on celebrating her daughter, but knew that everyone’s energy was approaching the end of the candle wick. “Everyone!” she addressed, garnering their attention. “Thank you all once again for being a part of this momentous occasion! Addison, Jamie. I know you’re going to get tired of hearing this, but we’re so so proud of what you’ve accomplished, and the bond you two were able to create. As I’m sure you both already know, that’ll help propel you to unimaginable heights on and off the field.”

“That is unequivocally true.” Worion vouched.

The special teams duo smiled at each other, then did their newly created kin handshake.

Everyone helped return the park to its pristine, serene state by putting the tables, speaker, balloon arc and juice dispensers into Paul’s and Dale’s cars, and throwing all the trash away in a nearby dumpster. The future football stars gave everyone one last hug before they traveled back to their homes – all of them filled with the singular hope of a favorable decision from the coaches.

The next morning…

“Mmmm…grmmm…” Sleepy grumbles came from the squirming figures underneath large moose pelt and blue comforter. Slowly but surely two heads emerged from the soft cocoon.

**Yaaawwnnn…yyrrrrrmmmm** the white wolf and her mini guardian concurrently yawned as they stretched out their bodies. Soon their eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight streaming through the blinds.

“Mmmm…good morning girl.” Addison lovingly greeted, and the aforementioned pup-sized protector nuzzled against her face. She giggled at the tickling caresses, and remarked, “Wow…yesterday took a lot more out of me than I thought. But we sure did have a blast, huh?”

“Blast!” Adelio echoed, then turned onto her back to wordlessly ask for belly rubs.

“Heh. You got it girl.” she readily obliged, and repeatedly petted her velvety underside. In the midst of setting herself up to temporarily incapacitated later, she noticed something was missing from her home. “Hmm…that’s weird. I don’t smell any coffee.” She used her heightened hearing to detect whether or not her parents were inside. “Heh, they’re still asleep too.” she deduced. “Well, no surprise there. They must’ve been up more than normal planning the party in between working on the Nanukilik Reservation proposal.”

“Important fun work!”

“Yup, you’re right.” she smiled before another **yaaaawnnn** escaped her lips. “Oh wow...still groggy. Think I’ll go back to sleep after eating breakfast. At least that way I won’t be staring at the clock waiting for the roster announcement. What time is it any way?” She looked at her clock and saw that it was a quarter to ten. “HOLY FLIP! It’s almost time!” That instant adrenaline boost had her hopping out of the bed like it was Christmas morning, and running into her bathroom freshen up. She then rushed out of her room with her phone in hand, and guardian in tow, and practically barreled into her parents’ room. The resulting accidental **SLAM** of their door had the mayor and chief flailing about underneath their covers. Fortunately they didn’t get hit by any unintentional stray punches.

Missy was the first one to pop her messy bed head from up under the blankets and exclaim, “WHA–A–Addison!?”

“MOM! DAD! IT’S ALMOST TIME!” she blurted out before the duo launched themselves onto their king-sized bed.

“H-Huh?! T-Time for wh-OH!” It took only a second for their brains to realize what she was talking about, and were now fully alert.

“**Yawwwnnn** Well, having a heart attack is one way to wake up.” Dale joked as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

“…Sorry.” she sheepishly whimpered.

“Hey, it’s all good kiddo. Heh, feels like Christmas morning. Only difference is that you’re not waking us up at the crack of dawn to open presents.”

“It’d probably take one of your booming howls and a few pounces to get us up that early. I swear our night brew was a life-saver when planning for your surprise, and completing all the paperwork for the Nanukilik Reservation. Wouldn’t have it any other way though.” Missy smiled, and ruffled her daughter’s and Adelio’s heads.

After what felt like an eon, the designated time finally came. Addison quickly tapped on her phone’s email app, and after refreshing the browser a couple of times, saw the promised announcement in her inbox.

“Okay…this is it.” she gulped, and opened the message.

Good morning football prospects! Here is the list of those that have made the cut for the 53 man roster. Underneath are the playbooks for each positions, as well as corresponding video tutorials. We strongly suggest to all of you to study them before summer training begins. Starters for each position will be solely determined by your effort and skills during that time. Additionally, all jersey number requests must be completed by Monday. Choose your top three numbers from the designated list allotted to each position. The numbers will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Rest up, and be prepared to continue giving it your all when summer training starts. Congratulations to all that have completed this leg of your football journey. To those who missed this cut, let it serve as motivation to work harder for next year. P.S. Like I said last night, don’t call, text, or email us with any questions or concerns until Monday. We were up all night, and we’re bone tired.

“We know that feeling.” the Seabrook leaders thought, and waited with baited breath as their daughter scrolled down until she reached the special teams roster.

She and Adelio’s tail nearly whacked them silly when she declared, “I MADE IT! JAMIE MADE IT! WE’RE ON THE TEAM! LOOK!” Sure enough, Wells. A and Revae. J were atop the list for their respective positions.

“Congratulations honey wolf!” Missy beamed.

“Way to go kiddo!” Dale grinned, and everyone came together in a big ol’ nuzzling mosh hug.

Once they let each other go, her mom requested, “Send that me so I can print it out, and put it in your new scrap book.”

She did as she was told, and forwarded it to her. “Done!”

“What about Sanders?” he asked, and she scrolled through the alphabetized names until she finally found her treasured footballing kin.

“He made it too! We’re all on the team!”

“Alright! The three musketeers are staying together!” he smiled.

“Yup! And now I can finally learn his first name!” she squealed. The moment she said that, her phone started ringing with his number.

“Looks like he’s just as excited to tell you.” Missy smiled.

“Heh, yeah!” and she put the phone on speaker mode while muting out any other noises. “Hey Sanders!”

“What’s good, Addison?! Man, it feels awesome being able to say your first name now!” he happily replied.

She fondly laughed at his enthusiasm, then asked, “Speaking of, can I know yours now? I worked really hard for that precious knowledge, you know.”

He affectionately chuckled as he instantly recalled what she said about names. “Omarion. Omarion Algernon Sanders. But everyone in my family calls me Don.” he readily answered.

“Like the Godfather?” she compared.

“Uh huh. Apparently when I’m in the zone, I make a face that looks like the Godfather. Personally I don’t see it, but whateves. Anyway, congratulations! I knew you’d be a shoe in for sure!”

“Same with you! I knew there’d be no way they’d leave you off the team! The three musketeers are going to be a force to be reckoned with on the field!”

He chuckled at that, before becoming contemplatively quiet for a moment. “…I will admit that I had one of them…what you call’em…bitin’ flies?”

“Stinkin’ thinkin’ fleas.”

“Yeah. I had a few of’em messin’ with me big time last night; I barely got any sleep. But now I can rest easy.” he said in relief.

“You sure can, and I’m glad they’re gone for good. But if you ever need an exterminator, don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

“That goes double for me.” he swore, and she could picture the protective look on his face when he made that vow. “Speaking of callin’, do you have an idea on what you want your number to be?”

“I have no idea. I was so focused on seeing if I made the roster that I didn’t even look at my options. Do you already know?”

“Yup! Number ninety-nine baby! That’s the max level a player can get in any football video game, and I’m going to constantly show that I’m the max gunner out there!”

“Yup, locked-on and never wavering!” she complimented.

“Heh, you know it! And I know whatever you choose will perfectly represent your amazing skills! Factories are gonna have to work overtime to keep your jersey in stock.”

“That goes double for you too!” she smiled. All of a sudden, Jamie’s number appeared on her screen. “Hey Don? Can I put you on a three way call? Jamie’s calling right now.”

“Cool with me!”

She activated the feature and happily greeted, “Hey Sweet Leg! Congratulations!”

“Thank you! Same to you…supersonic wolf!”

“Hey, just as a heads up Sanders is on the line too.”

“Awesome! Hey Sanders…congratulations man!”

“Hey, thanks a lot Jamie!”

“So can I know…your name now? Please?”

“Omarion Algernon Sanders. But my family calls me Don.”

“Like…the Godfather?”

“Heh, that’s what I said.” she divulged, and the gunner told him the origin of his nickname.

“Yeeah…I don’t really see...it either, but it’s still…cool either way!”

“Heh, thanks Jamie.”

“How’d you…guys sleep?”

“I actually just woke up fifteen minutes ago. All that celebrating really wore me out.” she answered.

“Same.” he concurred. “If it wasn’t for…my alarm going off…I’d probably still be…knocked out. But I’ve kicking footballs…into my practice net…like crazy for…the past hour…waiting for the email to come over.”

“Yeeah…I was pretty nervous too. Some stinkin’ thinkin’ fleas were bitin’ me big time – reminding me of all the bad practices I had.”

“…Ditto. But then I remembered what…Addison said – wisdom come from experience…and experience comes through…living, learning…and making mistakes. And that doesn’t just…apply to football…but in life.”

“…No kidding.” her parents thought.

“Yeah…we’ve had a few sucky practices…but look at how far…we’ve come. Addy can run down the field…in the blink of an eye…you’re locked-on to…any returner like a missile-”

“And you’re basically a bionic sniper kicker that can have the ball land wherever you want at will. Not to mention kick frickin’ hundred yard field goals!” Omarion added.

“I think that…was more adrenaline fueled.” he downplayed.

“Either way, it was awesome!”

“Yeah, and it should’ve counted! I bet the competition committee will have to at least consider doing that after seeing it.” she commented.

“Umm…speaking of considering. If you guys are…up for it…mama’s taking me to SB raceway…to celebrate. It’s indoor…go-kart racing…and she said you’re invited…if you’re able to. She’ll drive…us over. It’s only forty minutes…from Seabrook.”

“Hold on, let me ask my pops.” and the line temporarily went silent on his end.

“Mom, dad? Can I go?” she asked.

“Of course you can.” Missy granted.

“I wonder if it’s similar to the K1 track we used to go to.” Dale pondered. “Would it be alright if we followed along?”

“Hey Jamie, I can go!” she beamed. “And my parents were wondering if they could follow along; they like to race too.”

“Sure! But you don’t have…to worry about driving…my mom has a big van.”

“Sounds good, but we’ll chip in with some gas money.” and she relayed what her dad said.

“Nope. Y’all don’t gotta do nothing, except have fun.” they heard Taki talk, and left no room for argument.

“Hey Jamie! Pop’s said I can go!” Omarion announced.

“Sweet!” the kicker and returner simultaneously exclaimed.

“Should we meet up by the school?” she asked.

“Oh don’t worry about that, I’ll pick y’all up. Just text my baby your addresses, and we’ll let you know when we’re on the way. I figured we’d get their by two, so let’s be ready by one?” Taki suggested.

“Sounds awesome! Thank you Nurse Taki!” “Yeah, thank you ma’am!”

“You’re welcome lil’ babies! Now you go on ahead and get ready, and we’ll pick you up later this afternoon.”

“Okay! See you later guys!”

“See ya Addison!” the guys replied, and the line went silent.

“Good thing we have the unlimited plan. We’re going to be getting calls and texts up the wazoo today. Even more than usual.” Dale remarked.

Sure enough, texts started flooding everyone’s phone. “Heh, knew it. I’m sure if the pack had working phones, they’d be calling you up right now too.”

“Speaking of, why don’t you go on let them know the good news while we start making breakfast.” Missy suggested.

“Okay!”

“Also, could you let them know that I have something for them to review tomorrow? I know Elder Usawa and Elder Worion have been keeping it a secret, so let’s keep up the charade for a bit longer.”

“Got it.”

“And…would you mind asking if it’s alright if we could spend the night at Saniukun as well?”

Their tails could’ve created ten waterspouts on the beach when they heard that. “Will do!”

“And Addison? Remember that this is your territory, and you are free to do whatever you want in your territory. Well…anything that’s legal.” she amended. “Nonetheless, howl wherever you feel comfortable.”

The white wolf softly smiled at the reminder, and replied, “Thanks mom.”

“Anything in particular you’d like for breakfast, kiddo?”

“Can we do venison and scrambled eggs please? I love the way you sear’em on the skillet.”

“Heh, you got it.”

“Awesome! Thank you!”

The Seabrook leaders watched the wolfy pair hop off their bed, and formed small smiles on their faces when heard their steps rushing down the stairs as opposed to going to her own room to change into street appropriate clothes.

“Well, we’d better get up too. We’ve got a packed weekend ahead of us.” she remarked.

“And I’m winning that rematch. You’d better not cheat.” he warned.

“Like I said, I just took advantage of your negative predicament. Don’t give me an opening this time.” she smirked.

Sunlight blessed the backyard with its life-providing rays, while simultaneously eradicating the haze those foolish stinkin’ thinkin’ fleas were trying to pump into her mind. “I won’t be afraid of howling in my own territory, I won’t be afraid of howling in my own territory! Mom’s right, I can legally do whatever I want here, and howling isn’t a crime!” she firmly repeated, and her conviction was bolstered by Adelio nuzzling against her legs. “Thanks girl. Alright…let’s find out if they can really hear me from here.” She tilted her head back and released a resonating, “ARRRROOOOOOOOORRROOOOOO!”

Not even a second passed before she heard her mini team. “ADDY!” “HEY BOSS!” “Did you get the letter from Coach Fro-yo?” “Didja? Didja?” they clamored.

“Yup! I made the team!”

“ALRIGHT!” they cheered.

“Heh, never a doubt sunshine.” Wyatt affectionately remarked.

“Congratulations mate!” Willie lauded.

“Yes! Well done indeed, my dear!” Wanbli added.

“Rfufuu, arooro Addy!” [You’re so cool, Addy!] Wazee howled.

“That you are, antika.” Setow fondly voiced.

“Thank you! It’s all because of the training exercises, rugby tips, and playing together that I was able to succeed.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, sunagga.” Willa countered.

“Alpha’s right. Ultimately you are utilizing your raw talent; we merely assisted by teaching compatible techniques.” Walden voiced.

“Still I appreciate it all the same. Thank you!”

“You’re welcome Grand Addison.” Worion smiled.

“Are you coming over to Saniukun now?” Wylan asked.

“Yeah, are you? We gotta give you another party!” Wylie added.

“I’m actually surprised that all of you are up. Last week that amazing anjunn urri knocked us out well past sunrise, I’d figured all that pizza and cake would do the same. I mean, I’ve barely been up for thirty minutes.”

“We would’ve been, but the pups were so excited to hear from you that they woke up before the crack of dawn.” DJ revealed.

“Heh, sho’ did. We went on an extra-long constitutional to pass the time.” Usawa added.

“Afterwards, they commandeered our watches and stared at them like they were waiting for a hare to come out of its burrow.” Wyatt disclosed.

“Though to be fair, all of us we’re getting pretty antsy when we didn’t hear you howl at 10:00 am.” Riclaw spoke.

“We were getting ready to talk to the coaches.” Wynter revealed.

“You mean threaten them.”

“Potato potato.” she dismissed. “But now we don’t have to worry about that, because you’re officially the kick returner of the Fighting Shrimp football team!”

“Heh, almost. I have to fill out some paperwork for my jersey number then I’ll really be official.”

“Do you have a number in mind, or are you going to stick with twenty-one?” her mate asked.

“I’m not sure yet. Mind waiting a tic while I look at the options really quick?”

“Take your time, sugar pup.” Big Mama assured.

She reopened the email on her phone, and saw the options listed for her position. “0-49 or 90-99. Hey, that range has dad’s and Uncle Paul’s numbers! But I know they’d say I should forge my own trail. Hmm…well, it’s only through everyone’s support that I’ve gotten so far, and as easily as I have. Wait…THAT’S IT!” After doing some quick math in her head, Adelio pounced on her and licked her face with reckless abandon. “Heheheheh! O-Okay, okay!” she wheezed, and the little guardian ceased her loving onslaught. “I’m guessing you like my idea?” she knowingly asked.

“Adelio love idea! Adelio love pup!” she declared, and nuzzled against her again. Eventually the tiny defender had her fill, and she was able to stand up and howl again.

“I’m going to go with forty-nine.” she revealed. “Hopefully I’ll be able to claim it; it’s first come, first serve. And no, you can’t talk to them if I don’t get it.”

“Whaaaat? We didn’t say anything.” her sunagga innocently replied.

“No, but I know you guys. Especially you.”

“Heh, that you do.” she smiled.

“If I may I ask, is there any particular reason why you chose that number?” Wanbli inquired, and she told them the heartfelt reason.

“I wish I could’ve added the rest of the guardians, but there’s only a set number I can choose from.” she lamented.

“We are truly honored by the sentiment all the same, Grand Addison.” Worion warmly expressed, and everyone howled their gratitude.

“C’mon guys-”

“We know, common sense. But we love it all the same.” Wyatt smiled.

“YEAH!” the pups voiced.

“So after you’re done filling out the paperwork, then you’ll come over?” Kraw asked.

“I’m sorry, but not today. Jamie and Omarion invited me to celebrate making the team together.”

“Who’s Omarion?” Setow asked.

“That’s Sanders’ first name. I finally learned it. Heh, feels just like when I learned all of your names for the first time.”

“I know he was happy to finally tell you too.” Walden smiled.

“Heh, yeah. But I’ll be coming over tomorrow with mom and dad. They have some paperwork they need all of you to review.”

“Is it about Usawa’s estate?” Warrick ventured.

“Yes, and some other items as well, but it’s a surprise. And…they wanted to ask if it was alright if they could spend the night at Saniukun.”

“Sho’ it is! We family after all!” Usawa decreed.

“That we are.” her mate concurred.

"Speaking of family. Wrigley? Wroy? My parents were wondering if you'd be willing to create that awesome illusion again of everyone's family members; they would love to meet them as well as their in-laws. But only if you two are up for it; I know how exhausting that impressive act is."

"We're more than honored to show Alpha Wells their extended family." Wrigley readily granted.

"R-Really?!"

"I believe alpha said it best: "if we’re able to do whatever you ask of us, we’ll do it so you can feel comfortable." Though in this case it's all about connecting with one another." Wroy smiled.

"Thank you both so much!"

“But we are still going to celebrate you.” Willa spoke, and she could already sense that she was going to be put in a pleasure-filled coma.

“And have a huge feast!” Row added. “Do you have anything in mind that you’d like to eat?”

“Whatever you want to make Row, I know I’ll love it all the same! Well…so long as it’s not too spicy.”

“I keep telling you guys that you don’t know what you’re missing! One day you’ll experience the goodness.” Wynter voiced.

“One day, Wynter. One day. But do you have another large pot with a lid? I’d like to cook some rice if that’s okay.”

“Sure do, and that’s more than okay! I already have the perfect meal in mind to cook for you.”

“I can’t wait! Oh! Could you also leave one of the wagons by the gate so we can carry everything?"

"Will do!" Warren swore.

"Cool! I’ll see you all tomorrow!”

“See ya, boss!”

“Have fun, sunagga!”

“Take care!”

“We love you, sugar pup!”

“And we’re so proud of you!”

Giddy “YIP YIP YIP!” left her lips from their praises, before it was overtaken by an “OFOUH!” from Adelio pouncing on her again. Laughter rang throughout the backyard, and two proud parents from within the house sported fond smiles at the entire scene. The opening of the sliding glass door snapped them out of their blissful state, and they resumed getting all the necessary ingredients and items needed to make the energizing breakfast.

Addison sat at the table with Adelio curled up beside her legs, and began answering her novel’s worth of texts.

First up was her best friend. <So can I start trademarking all of my Prime Time cheers?>

<Yup! I made the team!>

<Congratulations Addy!🎉🎉 I knew you would!>

<Aww, thanks Bree!>

<We gotta celebrate! I’ll take you wherever you want to go for lunch! And maybe hit up the beach?>

<That sounds amazing, but can we do it on Friday? Jamie and Sanders invited me to celebrate with them, and mom and dad need to show the pack something tomorrow. And I know Aunt Helen, Uncle Dale and Bucky will want to do something too.>

<Consider you penciled in, Addy! And I can finally show you my new room! The mural Bonzo made is incredible!>

<Can’t wait! Thanks Bree! Love you!🥰 🥰🥰💕💕>

<Love you too!💝💓❤️💝💓❤️>

Next up was her loving, flamboyant cousin. <So, shall I pencil in a photo shoot so you can be immortalized next to me in Seabrook High history?>

She fondly rolled her eyes at what he wrote, and replied, <Let’s wait until after I finish the season.>

<🎉🎉🎉👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎊🎊🎊🎊I knew they wouldn’t leave you off the roster! Congrats cuz!>

<Thanks cuz!>

<Alright, you already know we’re going to celebrate you again. We’ll text you the details later, and we’ll go from there.>

<Sounds great, talk to you then!👍🏾💓>

After him was the new cheer captain. <Umm…hey Addison. S-Sorry if it’s weird that I texted you, I still have your number from when we were all on the cheer team. I just wanted to wish you good luck on making the roster. Not like you need it. Those would be crazy to leave you off the team.>

<Hey Kevin! It’s not weird at all, I promise. You can text me anytime…well so long as it’s not two in the morning when we’re all fast asleep. And I made the team! Thanks again for coming out to cheer during our scrimmage. It meant a lot to me.>

<Happy to do it, and congratulations! 🎉🎊 I know you’ll be speeding up, down and all around that field! Next time my cousin is in town, I’m bringing him to see you so he can get some inspiration!>

<Aww! Can’t wait to meet him! Thanks again!😄>

He was just the tip of the ice burg in regards to the texts from her old cheer squad. She meticulously thanked each and every one of them for their kind laudations, and praised their impressive cheers and routines.

Last but certainly not least was a video message from her lovable zombie crew from Zoey’s tablet. “Hey Addy! Congratulations on making the team! I know you did!” the little zombie smiled.

“Yup, there’d be no way they’d leave you off the team.” the Zombie Town ambassador vouched.

“Rejikza bunzcada.” (They’d have to be replaced with boneheads.)

“You can say that again, Big B. But hey, call us when you get the good news because you already know we’re going to celebrate!”

“Yup! I’m gonna make a bunch of posters right now so they’ll be all set when the season starts!”

Without wasting another second, she dialed up Zoey’s tablet, and soon the trio’s faces were on the screen. “Heh, you don’t even have to say a word. That face splitting smile of yours says it all.” Eliza smiled.

“Conjuztka Addiska!” (Congratulations Addison!) Bonzo cheered.

“Yeah! You’re so cool! You’re gonna score a million touchdowns!” Zoey proclaimed.

“Heh, I don’t know about a million. Once opposing teams see what I can do, they’ll probably not kick to me.”

“Oh they will.” Eliza assured. “It’ll be an ego thing by then. Who’ll be the one to stop the supersonic returner?”

“No one!” “Nunco!”

“Yup, no one. And it’ll be awesome seeing their hopes get crushed along with their bodies when you bowl past them.” she grinned. “So like we said in our message, we need to celebrate again.”

“Yeah! What do you want to do, Addy?”

“Actually, if it’s alright, I’d love to go to a zombie mash.” she requested, and that momentarily stunned them.

“R-Really? Are you sure?” the tech expert questioned.

“I’m sure.” she staunchly confirmed. “Like all of us, we’re moving forward from the fallout. I’m not going to let that aftershock stop me from having fun at an amazing place. Plus, I’d love to hear one of your stupendous music sets again Bonzo.”

“Goitiza Addiska! Cuzrokico tuz!” (You got it Addison! I’ll create a custom list just for you!) he swore.

“And we’ll mash it up all night!” the little zombie grinned. “When do you want to go?”

Just as she was about to answer, Dale spoke, “Sorry to interrupt kiddo, but breakfast is ready.”

“I’ll get back to you on that. Heh, feels like it’ll be a weeklong celebration.”

“I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.” Eliza smiled. “Go ahead and enjoy your breakfast, Addison. We’ll schedule it later.”

“Thanks again, guys! Gar gar zinga!”

“Love you too Addy!” “Gar gar zinga!” they replied, and the video call came to an end. Her body temporarily seized up from all the stored caresses in Adelio when she went back inside. Thankfully the potent sensations subsided as her dad placed the filled plate in front of her. They then followed suit and sat across the table with their coffee and toasted bagels.

“Thanks dad! Thanks mom!” she beamed.

“You’re welcome sweetie.” Missy smiled. They gave their thanks for the meal, and dug right on it.

“Mmmm! So gooood!” the white wolf contently hummed.

“Glad I still have the touch.” he grinned as he put grape jelly on his bagel. “Speaking of touches…or lack of touches I should say; ain’t no way anyone’s going to be able to catch you on the field.”

“Please remember what you just said the next time testosterone rises up within you.” his wife deadpanned.

“Fair enough. But back to what I was saying, any idea on what you want your jersey number to be?

“Yup! Forty-nine! I just picked it out while I was talking to my pack mates.”

“Why forty-nine?” Missy inquired.

“Well, one reason is because I remember dad wore forty-five, and Uncle Paul had forty-two. I wanted to keep the forty tradition going.” she explained.

“Aww, kiddo.” Dale blissfully beamed, and his wife had a warm, matching smile.

“But the main reason is because that’s the total number of my family and friends.”

“Really!?”

“Yup! I’m just glad it worked out so I could still be in the forty range.”

Her parents’ were quiet for a moment as they did the math in their heads. “Okay…there’s thirty-two pack members, us, yourself, Adelio, Paul, Helen, Bucky, Bree, Bonzo, Eliza, Zoey, Jamie, Omarion…did you include Zevon?”

“Yup.”

“So that’s…only forty-seven. Do you have two other friends, or did you include other guardians?”

“I wish I could’ve added the other guardians, but the number would’ve been waay too big – especially with the way everyone’s been making connections lately.”

“So…who’re are the other two?”

“Aiden and Allison.” she answered, and they were immediately stunned by that answer. “I know most of the bonds I have started off rocky, but we’ve been solidifying them, and having them be rooted in love. They helped strengthen me, and mold me into the individual I am today. I wanted to honor that with my number. And like you said, my siblings would’ve been just as active as I am. So whatever field I go out on, I’m going to picture all of you running alongside me. For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.”

Their vocal chords were utterly paralyzed, and it took everything they had not to pelt their breakfast with saline raindrops. Instead they settled on affectionately nodding at her amazing, heartfelt reasoning. Just like how they were nourishing their bodies with delicious food that was caught, and cooked from caring hearts, they would continue to uphold that resolute, embedded vow to positively nourish their bonds no matter what.