"I hired someone," I blurt out. "An assistant. Maya from the library—she's looking for extra work and she's great with social media."
Through the bonds, I feel their pride surge.
"That's amazing," Seth says, pulling me closer.
"Told you," River adds. "World domination, one assistant at a time."
"It's terrifying," I admit. "What if I can't keep this going? What if I fail?"
"You won't," Grayson says with absolute certainty. "You're too stubborn to fail."
"And too talented," Seth adds.
"And too brilliant," River finishes. "Plus you have three alphas who will support you no matter what. Even if you decide to quit marketing and become a professional nest builder."
I laugh, the sound turning into a contented sigh as I sink deeper into the blankets. Into them.
Six months ago, I was terrified of this. Of wanting a pack. Of being vulnerable. Of letting anyone see the messy, complicated parts of me that I kept hidden.
Six months ago, I kissed a deputy in a panic and accidentally changed my entire life.
And now?—
Now I'm lying in a nest with three alphas who love every messy, complicated part of me. Who see my sharp edges anddon't try to smooth them down. Who support my dreams even when I'm terrified to chase them.
Now I'm home.
"I love you," I say into the comfortable silence. "All of you. Just in case that wasn't clear."
"It was clear," Seth says through the bond, warm and steady. "But we like hearing it anyway."
"Love you too, baby," River murmurs against my hair. "Even when you meddle in your brother's love life."
"Especially then," Grayson adds, his hand tightening on my hip. "It's cute when you think you're subtle."
"I am subtle."
"You're as subtle as a brick through a window," River says cheerfully. "And we love you for it."
I flip him off, which just makes him laugh. Seth's disapproval comes through the bond but I can feel his amusement underneath it. Grayson just pulls me closer, his chest rumbling with a satisfied sound.
This. This is everything I was too scared to want.
And I'm so glad I was brave enough to take it anyway.
Epilogue
BEA
"We should have left earlier," Seth says for the third time from the passenger seat, checking his phone. "The website said crowds start forming by eight."
"It's six in the morning," I point out from my position in the back between Grayson and the window. "We left plenty early."
"Unless there's traffic?—"
"There won't be traffic," River interrupts cheerfully from the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel. "It's Montana on a Tuesday. We could probably drive in the middle of the highway and not see another car for an hour."
"Still—"
