“Unlike some businesses we know,” Noah comments dryly, and Kai sticks his tongue out at him in response.
“The cooperative has principles,” he says with mock offense. “We can’t all sell out to Big Omega.”
Holly laughs, the sound bright and happy in the confined space of the truck. “It’s all so gorgeous,” she says, her eyes taking in the transformed town. “It makes me never want to leave again.”
I exchange a quick glance with Kai and Noah, a silent communication passing between us. Holly doesn’t notice, too absorbed in the view outside her window.
“A lot has changed,” I murmur.
“Not just the town,” Holly says suddenly, her eyes fixed on my profile. “Grayson, your bandanna!”
“Must have forgotten to grab it.” I give her a teasing smile. I’d been wondering how long it would take her to notice. Though I’d made a habit of leaving my face uncovered at home before she left, this is the first time I’ve been out in public without my bandanna.
For some reason, I’ve been less concerned with having a barrier between me and the rest of the world.
She leans forward between the seats and presses a kiss against my scarred cheek. “You look great.”
I meet her gaze in the rearview mirror. “Like we said, lots of things are changing around here.”
“They certainly are.”
Holly
I fidget with the hem of my dress, smoothing it down for thehundredth time as I study my reflection in the mirror. The deep emerald wrap dress hugs my curves in all the right places, the color making my skin glow and my eyes seem brighter. I’ve spent more time on my makeup than usual, applying it with careful precision—a touch of shadow to make my eyes pop, a hint of blush across my cheeks, and a subtle gloss on my lips.
Perfect for what I have planned tonight.
My stomach flutters with nervous anticipation. It’s been a week since Noah and I returned from Puerto Rico, a week of readjusting to life in Heat Mountain, of catching up on all the changes that happened during our three-week absence. A week of falling back into the rhythm of pack life, of rediscovering the simple joy of waking up surrounded by my alphas.
And tonight, I’ll finally tell them my decision.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It’s not that I’m worried about their reaction—I know they’ll be supportive, even thrilled. But this is still a monumental step, a commitment I never imagined making when I first arrived in this tiny Alaskan town over a year ago.
“Holly?” Kai’s voice calls from downstairs. “Dinner’s almost ready!”
“Coming!” I call back, giving myself one final look in the mirror.
The woman who stares back at me is hardly recognizable from the frightened, secretive resident who arrived in Heat Mountain, desperate to hide her omega nature and focus solely on her career. That woman never would have imagined finding a pack, falling in love, or considering making this remote town her permanent home.
Yet here I am, about to do exactly that.
I do one last check of my appearance in the mirror before heading downstairs. The rich aroma of Kai’s cooking fills thehouse—he’s going all out tonight, a welcome home dinner that’s been delayed by various commitments throughout the week.
When I reach the doorway to the living room, I pause, taking in the sight before me. My alphas are already there, waiting for me. They stand as I enter, an old-fashioned gesture that still makes my omega preen with pleasure.
Noah looks handsome in a crisp button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms. Grayson wears a simple black henley that stretches across his broad shoulders, his face uncovered as has become his habit in recent months. And Kai, grinning widely, sports a colorful patterned shirt that somehow works perfectly with his perpetually tousled hair and bright eyes.
My pack. My alphas. My home.
“Wow,” Kai says, his eyes widening appreciatively. “You look amazing.”
“Stunning,” Noah agrees, his gaze warm as it travels over me.
Grayson simply stares, but the intensity in his eyes speaks volumes.
I smile, pleased by their reaction. “Thank you. You all clean up pretty well yourselves.”
“Dinner’s keeping warm in the oven,” Kai says, stepping forward to take my hand. “Let’s eat before it dries out.”
