The car emerged from the forest. The view opened up. Silver Moon Pack territory spread before us. Stone houses, winding cobblestone streets, the training grounds on distant hills...
My breath caught.
Seven years. Nothing had changed.
But I had.
I wasn't that worthless hybrid orphan anymore. Not the Layla anyone could push around. I was Ella Ross. Kai's mother. And...
Kayden's mate?
I snuck another glance at him.
Kayden was still focused on driving, his profile sharp in the morning light. God, the way he handled that wheel one-handed was criminally sexy.
Mate? Maybe. At least...
At least I was willing to try.
The car passed through the pack center square. Several early-rising pack members stopped when they saw it. They recognized the Alpha's car and peered inside curiously.
When they spotted me in the passenger seat, shock crossed their faces.
I shrank into my seat instinctively.
"Don't be afraid," Kayden reassured me. "They won't dare say anything."
The car continued toward Blackwood Estate.
The massive stone structure came into view. Morning light washed over ivy-covered walls. The oak doors stood closed.
I'd never been inside.
Seven years ago, I could only stand at a distance. Watch light spilling from those windows, imagine what it looked like inside, wonder which room was Kayden's, what he was doing, if he ever remembered the lowest hybrid...
I laughed softly. Kayden heard it, looked confused, almost foolish when our eyes met.
Now he was right here beside me.
The car stopped at the entrance. Kayden got out, came to the passenger side, and opened the door.
"We're home," he said, standing before me backlit, hand extended like a true god.
Home. Our... home?
I flexed my fingers, lifted my stiff arm, placed my hand in his palm, and let him pull me out.
Kai had napped briefly and now woke, rubbing his eyes. "We here?"
"We're here." Kayden smiled and pinched his cheek. "Welcome home, Kai."
I lifted Kai from the back seat. Sleepy again, his head dropped to my shoulder. Kayden and I walked forward side by side. He reached for those doors—tall as several of me.
The oak doors suddenly swung open from inside.
A figure appeared in the doorway.
Victoria.
