She studied him, noticing his protective air, and decided she liked him. She could see the quiet contentment between the couple—a contentment that she recognized because she felt the same thing humming beneath her own skin.
Derek and Julie joined her next. Derek was dressed in jeans and flannel, but he still carried himself with the same unmistakable arrogance. An arrogance that vanished whenever he looked at his pregnant mate.
She rose to meet them. “Thank you, Derek. For everything.”
“You cracked the case. I just provided the legal muscle.” A hint of fang appeared. “And it’s never been more satisfying.”
Julie gave her a quick hug. “Derek told me what you found. That took a lot of courage.”
“More like a lot of caffeine and determination.”
She looked at the other woman—human, like her, but clearly at home in this world of werewolves and pack bonds and ancient traditions.
“Does it get easier?” she asked quietly. “Fitting in?”
Julie gave a half-shrug. “Some days. Other days, you’ll still feel like you’re speaking a different language. But we’re only visitors. You’ll be living with it every day.” Julie glanced at Derek, who was now deep in conversation with John about something business-related. “Just remember that good days make the hard ones worth it. Or maybe I should say the good nights,” she added with a knowing smile, and heat immediately rushed to Harper’s cheeks.
“And the pack? They accepted you?”
“Some do, some don’t. “ Julie squeezed her hand. “But you saved them, Harper. They won’t forget.”
She wanted to believe her. She really did.
But as she looked around the celebration, she caught glimpses of the truth behind the festivities. The older wolves who smiled when she looked their way but whispered among themselves when they thought she wasn’t watching. The ones who toasted Adrian but let their cups lower when their gaze slid to her. The careful distance some kept, as if she might be contagious. They were in the minority, but they were there.
“Harper?” Julie asked gently. “You okay?”
“Fine.” She managed a smile. Everything took time. “Just… taking it all in.”
A group of younger wolves had started some kind of traditional dance around the fire. The music—drums and fiddles and something that sounded like a cross between a flute and a howl—swelled to fill the clearing. Elise grabbed John’s hand and dragged him towards the dancers, her laughter bright and carefree.
Derek touched Julie’s shoulder. “My brother’s heading this way. Let’s go and talk to the Elders. I want to try and smooth over any ruffled fur. And decide who Adrian needs to keep an eye on.”
Julie rolled her eyes but kissed him before they went.
Then it was just Harper, standing at the edge of the firelight, watching as Adrian cut through the crowd towards her. Wolves stepped aside for him without being asked, a natural parting that spoke to their respect for their Alpha.
Their Alpha.
My mate.
The two concepts still felt surreal.
“Hey.” His hand closed around hers, his fingers warm and rough and exactly right. “You’re thinking too hard. I can feel it.”
“Is that a mate bond thing?”
“Partly.” He tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear. “Also, you get this little crinkle between your eyebrows when you’re overthinking.”
“I do not.”
“You absolutely do.” He kissed the alleged crinkle. “What’s wrong, kitten?”
She hesitated. The bonfire crackled beside them. Somewhere nearby, Maisie’s voice rose in a cheerful argument about the proper way to roast a deer.
“Nothing’s wrong,” she said finally. “I’m happy. Really, I am.”
“But?”
