Chapter 13
Lyanna
Iarrange the welcome banner more symmetrically across the Lodge entrance and smooth a wrinkle from the “Welcome to Ash Hollow” sign we painted yesterday. The pack has gathered in a loose semicircle, conversation buzzing with anticipation as we wait for Evie’s arrival. After her visit a few weeks ago, I’d worried the chaos of pack life might have scared her off—but here we are, preparing to welcome her home for good.
“How’s this look?” I ask Harper, who’s arranging a basket of fresh-baked muffins on the welcome table.
“Perfect,” she says, adjusting a wildflower bouquet before consulting her clipboard. “These small touches matter. I wish we’d had this kind of welcome system when I arrived.”
I smile, remembering my own arrival—just Dane, Ben, Kari, and Callum back then, all warriors with no idea how to make a healer feel at home. They’d tried, in their gruff way. “We’ve come a long way since those early days.”
Wyatt approaches, wiping his hands on his jeans. “Supply closet in the east cabin is prepped. Linens, toiletries, basic necessities all stocked.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Did someone check the heating system? The nights are still cold.”
“Callum ran a test this morning,” Wyatt confirms. “Everything’s operational.” He shakes his head, half-smiling. “Didn’t stick around to chat about it. Just said ‘it works’ and left.”
I spot Callum standing near Dane at the edge of the gathering, discussing something in low voices. His eyes meet mine briefly across the space, and I feel that familiar warmth spread through my chest before we both return to our tasks.
A truck appears on the access road, and the pack’s energy shifts immediately. Nova steps forward beside Dane, both assuming the natural authority of their Alpha positions.
The truck pulls up, and Evie emerges, auburn hair catching the sunlight. She looks nervous but determined, scanning the gathered pack before her face breaks into a relieved smile.
“Welcome to Ash Hollow,” Dane says, stepping forward with Nova beside him. “We’re honored to have you join our pack.”
“Thank you for having me,” Evie replies, her voice steady despite the obvious nervousness in her posture.
Nova extends a hand in formal welcome. “Every new member brings something valuable to Ash Hollow. We’re glad you’ve chosen to join us.”
As Alphas complete the formal greeting, I move forward with Harper to help with Evie’s belongings. The back of the truckcontains several boxes and suitcases—her life packed up and ready for transition.
“Let me help you with those,” I offer, taking a box.
“Lyanna.” Evie’s smile warms with recognition. “Thank you for this. After the visit, I was still half-convinced I’d be intruding.”
“Not at all,” I assure her. “The overwhelm passes—and what’s left is worth it.”
Pack members move forward in coordinated effort, each taking boxes or bags while introducing themselves. Wyatt directs the flow of belongings toward Evie’s cabin, keeping everything organized. Callum oversees the perimeter, maintaining security while watching the proceedings with quiet approval.
“We’ve prepared the cabin nearest the gardens,” I explain as we walk. “I thought you might appreciate the morning light there.”
“That sounds perfect,” Evie says, looking slightly overwhelmed by the enthusiastic welcome. “I didn’t expect ... everyone seems so genuinely happy I’m here.”
“That’s Ash Hollow,” I tell her. “New members aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated.”
We reach her cabin, and I push open the door with my hip, still carrying the box of spare linens. Evie follows me in, setting her own box on the bed before moving to the window. Sunlight catches the auburn in her hair as she takes in the view.
“Oh,” she breathes.
I know what she’s seeing without looking—the mountains rising sharp and ancient beyond the tree line, their peaks capped with snow that never fully melts, even in summer. Closer, the forest stretches out in endless shades of green, mostly pine and spruce with a few aspens scattered between. If you listencarefully, you can hear the creek that runs along the eastern boundary, fed by snowmelt from those same peaks.
“The view from Ember and Pine was beautiful,” Evie says quietly. “But this feels different. Wilder, somehow.”
“We’re more remote here,” I tell her. “Further from town, deeper into the territory. It took me a while to stop feeling like the mountains were watching me.” I smile. “Now they feel like home.”
Evie turns from the window, and I catch the slight shiver that runs through her—the cabin hasn’t warmed up yet, and the mountain air holds a chill even in early spring.
“The heating system works perfectly,” I tell her, setting down the linens. “Callum checked it this morning. And there’s a fireplace—someone’s already laid a fire, and there’s wood stacked on the porch if you need more. Let me know if you get too cold tonight. These mountain temperatures can be unpredictable.”
