Caleb said, his grin wide.“Good fighting with you,”
Kieran’s mouth curved.“Same here.You’d be welcome if you ever need a Pride to stand behind, ours is open.”
Caleb’s grin sharpened.“Nah.We’ll just start our own.”
The three brothers laughed, clapped shoulders with the Pride members they had fought with and beside, and left, their easy swagger hiding the weight of the war behind them.
Rune turned to Ivan and Victor.“Thank you both, for everything,” he said carefully.“If you need us, call.”
Ivan’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes flickered.“You have done the ESE proud,” he said flatly.“We will reach out if we need you, brothers.”
Victor clasped Rune’s forearm, then Kamon’s.“ESE is better for having had you with us, brothers.We’ll be in touch.”They inclined their heads to Kieran.“Pride Leader.”And then they were gone, their footsteps heavy as the door shut behind them.
Silence lingered until Liam exhaled, lifting Josie into his arms.“We’re taking our wife home.”
Kieran followed, pressing a kiss to Josie’s hair.“Speaking of home...”His eyes flicked to Rune and Kamon.“You’ll want one of your own.Near the Pride House?”
Rune’s throat tightened.“If it’s possible.”
Kieran’s answering smile was warm.“Of course.”
Klarissa shifted, frowning faintly.“But can we afford it?”
From the couch, Violet snorted.“Oh, honey.You can now.Think of it as your inheritance.Daddy dearest was a bajillionaire.And guess who just inherited every dime?”
Klarissa blinked, stunned.“You’re serious?”
Jacob stood, stretching.“She’s serious.She was laughing like a lunatic when she cleared out all his accounts and put the cash into yours.His legal accounts only, his illegal ones went into a fund for the families of the victims from today.”
“Oh,” Klarissa gasped.“I love that idea, thank you!”
“Anything for you, bestie,” Violet said, blowing her a kiss.Klarissa loved having Violet for a friend, more like a sister.
Mason scooped Violet up over his shoulder.She squealed, swatting at him with mock outrage.“Shut the door on your way out,” he tossed over his shoulder.“We’ve got ...fun time planned.”Jacob laughed as he followed them, their laughter trailing up the stairs to the roof, leaving Klarissa alone with her tigers.
Rune cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing her cheek.“You scared us.”
Kamon’s voice was rough.“We thought we’d lost you.Again.”
Klarissa’s throat tightened.“I’m sorry.I had a plan.I thought—”
“Don’t,” Rune interrupted, his tone firm but gentle.“Don’t keep plans from us.Not when it’s your life at stake.”
Kamon leaned closer, his forehead pressing against hers.“Never go into the jaws of danger without us.Promise.”
She nodded, her eyes burning.“Promise.”
For a moment, silence wrapped around them, warm and fragile.And then Rune’s lips curved into a slow smile.“Now ...about that loving you owe us.”
Klarissa laughed, breathless, her heart thundering as both her mates drew her close.The war might be over, but their future was just beginning.
