We sat in the hush, sunlight slanting across the scarred table. I could see him weighing something, so I let the silence stretch.
Finally, he said, “Menace sent me his notes on witch-wolf matings. Didn’t share much, but I know you had a talk.”
I nodded. “Yeah. It’s rare, but not impossible. The mate bond kicks in, and the magic… works itself out. She’s getting stronger every day, and the bite went through just fine. So did the knot.”
Bronc let out a laugh, low and real. “Good man.”
“It’s all good. Except for the part where every son of a bitch from here beyond the Mississippi wants a piece of her.”
He grew serious, eyes sharpening. “What’s your read on it?”
I shrugged. “Best guess? Verdant Hollow’s pissed because she’s not a dud, and now they’re worried she’ll use the grimoire against them. Morgantown’s sniffing around, I figure because they’ve been put up to it.”
Bronc nodded slowly. “They’re coming for something. Either her, the book, or both. Maybe they think the book is a weapon.”
“Could be,” I said. “But it’s Aspen they really want. Either to use, or to break.”
Bronc leaned back, the old chair creaking. “You ready to fight for her?”
I didn’t hesitate. “I’d burn the world down for her.”
That got a real smile. “That’s what I wanted to hear.”
We sat for a minute, the hum of the bond settling me. Even from here, I could feel her—my Sunshine—working in the bakery, laughing with Oscar, alive and well.
Bronc spoke first. “Look, Papa. You’ve always had my trust. But now, you’ve got my pack’s future in your hands. We need you sharp. We need you dangerous.”
I looked at him and saw the worry behind the Alpha. “You think I’m not?”
He shook his head. “I think you’re better than ever. I just want you to know what’s at stake.”
“I do,” I said. “And I won’t let anyone touch her. Or the pack.”
He reached across the table; squeezed my arm. The gesture said more than any words. “Go home,” he said. “Rest up. Tell Aspen she’s got a family here, for life.”
I stood, grabbed my jacket. “You too. Take care of your Luna.”
He laughed. “She takes care of me.”
I left the clubhouse with the sun high and the wind at my back. When I got in the truck, the bond lit up—Aspen, humming with pride, calling to me from across town.
I smiled, turned the key, and headed back to her.
By the time Maddie arrived with Parker in tow, the bakery was a living, breathing machine. Aspen’s face was pink from the oven heat, her arms dusted in flour, but she looked happier than I’d ever seen her.
Parker caught my eye and grinned. “Domestic bliss suits you, JT.”
I shrugged. “Could get used to it.”
Maddie slid a cardboard box across the counter. “Pearl says congrats on the mate bond. Also, there’s extra brisket.”
Aspen ducked her head, shy but pleased. “Thanks, y’all.”
We sat around a table eating brisket and potato salad, laughing about old pack stories. Oscar listened, occasionally interjecting with a dry quip. Even Parker seemed at ease, her eyes softer than usual.
After lunch, as the crowd thinned, Aspen slipped into my lap and kissed me, right there in front of everyone. I didn’t care. I kissed her back, holding her close.
I looked around the bakery, at my friends, my mate, the prairie sun blazing outside. For the first time, I saw my future, and it didn’t scare me at all.
