“I appreciate that.” She places a framed photo on the bedside table—her and Scarlett at the Ember and Pine Lodge. “It’s already warmer than I expected.”
“Let me help you get settled.” I start unfolding sheets for the bed. “There are extra blankets in the linen closet if you need them, and the kitchen is stocked with basics.”
She smiles a shy thanks and moves to one of the boxes stacked near the window and pulls out a quilted blanket, running her fingers over the pattern. “Scarlett made this for me when I moved to the Lodge. I thought it might help make this place feel like home.”
“It’s beautiful,” I say, taking one corner to help her spread it across the bed. “Personal touches matter. When I first arrived, I spent days arranging my herbs exactly right before I could sleep properly.”
We work in comfortable silence for a moment, arranging her space. The cabin is small but well-designed—a bedroom with a window seat, small bathroom, kitchenette, and sitting area near a compact fireplace.
“Harper left meal schedules on the counter,” I mention. “We do communal dinners most nights, but breakfast and lunch are flexible—you can cook here or join us at the Lodge. Whatever feels right.”
“I wasn’t sure about the group meals,” Evie admits, unpacking clothes into the dresser. “But I’m actually looking forward to having more people around.”
“You can always skip if you need space—no one takes offense,” I tell her. “You’re welcome to grab anything from the Lodge kitchen if you’d rather cook here. But I think you’ll find the group meals comforting.”
Wyatt knocks on the doorframe, a toolbox in hand. “Harper sent me to check if you need any adjustments.”
“The window by the bed sticks,” I tell him, remembering my struggle with it earlier. “I noticed when I was checking the light.”
As Wyatt works on the window, Cassie appears with a basket. “Welcome gift,” she says, tucking eggs into the small fridge. “These are from this morning—still warm when I collected them. And honey from our hives.” She places the basket on the counter. “Saves you a trip to the Lodge on your first morning.”
“This is ... so thoughtful,” Evie says, her eyes suspiciously bright. “I didn’t expect everyone to go to this much trouble.”
“This is what pack means,” Cassie tells her simply. “We take care of each other.”
I arrange herbs on the windowsill—rosemary, lavender, and thyme. “For cooking, mostly, but the lavender helps with sleep if you’re adjusting to new sounds.”
Evie touches one of the lavender sprigs, bringing it to her nose. “I might need that. New place, new sounds, new everything.”
“You’ll find your rhythm,” I assure her. “The first pack dinner is always the most awkward. After that, it gets easier.” I pause at the door. “I’ll come by around six to walk you over. That way you won’t have to find the Lodge alone.”
“Thank you,” she says, genuine relief in her voice. “I’d like that.”
I knock on Evie’s door just before six, and she opens it looking nervous but determined. Together, we head along the forest path as evening paints the sky in deepening shades of purple-blue.
“Welcome dinners are pretty casual,” I explain, stepping carefully over a fallen log. “Everyone just wants to meet you. No pressure, no formal tests.”
“I used to be fine with crowds,” Evie admits, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. Her fingers tremble slightly. “Back when I ran the library in Wildwater Falls, I loved community events. But since discovering the dragon thing...” She shakes her head. “Now I’m always worried I’ll accidentally set something on fire or glow at the wrong moment.”
“You already met most people during your visit, so tonight’s really just making it official.” I smile reassuringly. “And if you need a breather, just catch my eye.”
As we approach the Lodge, the rich aroma of Wyatt’s elk stew drifts through the air
“That smells amazing,” Evie says, her tension visibly easing.
I pause at the Lodge steps. “Ready?”
She takes a deep breath and nods. I open the door, and warm light spills over us.
Inside, the tables have been arranged in a U-shape, decorated with wildflowers and candles. The pack’s gathered, but Harper’s orchestrated it so they’re in small conversational clusters rather than one intimidating mass. When we enter, Dane and Nova move to the center of the room.
“Everyone,” Dane says, his Alpha voice cutting through the chatter. The room quiets. “Tonight we welcome Evie to Ash Hollow.”
Nova steps forward, her violet eyes warm. “We acknowledge your choice to join us, Evie. In this pack, we believe diversity strengthens community. Each background, each heritage brings something valuable.”
I stay beside Evie as Harper approaches, clipboard in hand.
“I’ve arranged introductions in small groups,” she says with a gentle smile. “Less overwhelming that way.”
