"So we're just doing this, then? Full pack cohabitation?" I look between the three of them. "Just like that? No trial period or awkward roommate agreements about whose turn it is to do dishes?"
River grins. "We'll figure out the dishes."
"Are you sure? Moving in together is huge?—"
"We're sure," Seth says. His hand finds mine under the table, squeezing tight. "I want you close. Every morning."
Something in my chest cracks open at that. The snark dies.
"Okay," I whisper. "Yeah. Let's do it."
"After Christmas," I add. "It's only a week away. Are we doing Christmas together? As a pack?"
"Hell yes," River says. "First pack Christmas."
"My family does Christmas Eve," I say. "Big dinner. Would you guys... want to come? Meet my parents officially?"
Seth looks nervous. "I'd like that."
"Me too," Grayson adds.
"Count me in," River confirms.
"What about Ben?" Seth asks carefully. "How's he going to take this?"
"Ben will be fine. Probably." I stand. "I should tell him before Mrs. Peterson does. Which gives me about three hours."
Seth stands with me, pulling me into a hug. "You want one of us to come with you?"
"No." I press my face into his chest, breathing in his cedar-and-rain scent. "I need to do this myself. But thank you."
"Take my truck," Seth says, already reaching for his keys.
I pull back to look at him. "Seth, you need your truck for?—"
"I'll take the cruiser home after shift." He presses the keys into my hand. "Or I can just... get you a car. We should get you a car. You need your own vehicle and?—"
"Seth." I'm laughing now, standing on my toes to kiss him. "You're too sweet, but I don't need you to buy me a car."
"But you need to get around, and my truck is just sitting there, and?—"
I kiss him again, effectively cutting off the anxious spiral. "I'll borrow your truck for now. We'll figure out the rest later. Okay?"
"Okay," he breathes, but I can feel through the bond that he's already mentally shopping for cars.
River crosses to us, dropping a kiss on top of my head. "Text if you need backup. We'll be there in ten minutes."
"Five if there's traffic," Grayson corrects drily, but he's there too, his hand warm on my back.
Being surrounded by all three of them—their scents, their warmth, their support—makes something in my chest settle.
"I'll be fine," I promise. "They're going to love you guys."
An hour later—showered, dressed, fortified with coffee, and driving Seth's truck—I'm standing on my parents' front porch.
The door opens before I can knock.
Ben stands there, arms crossed. "Heat's over, huh?"
