“Nervous?” I ask.
“A little,” Soren admits. “I know your brother isn’t my biggest fan.”
“He will accept you. Just give him time, aye?” I push open the door. The house smells of smoke from the hearth and freshly baked bread.
“Greetings!” Wulfric says, setting a bowl of pickled vegetables on the table. “You’re just in time.”
The table is loaded with so much food, it’s a wonder it doesn’t break. My aunt and brothers are already seated. Jamie’s beside Anders with Jace, and Kieran sits at Wulfric’s side. My heart lurches when I set eyes on Gunnar. When he notices me, the edge of his mouth lifts in a smile that strikes me speechless. When’s the last time I saw him smile?
“Lyall. Soren,” he says in greeting, tipping his head.
“How are you, darlings?” Arlo asks, bright and cheerful.
Soren and I take our seats across from them. “We’re well. You two seem to be quite close.” I give Gunnar’s foot a kick beneath the table, grinning when spots of color rise in his cheeks.
He coughs. “Aye, well…”
Aunt Helga swoops in on Soren’s left. “Here you are, dear.” She pours mead into his cup.
“Thank you, Auntie.” Soren takes a sip while Helga flushes with delight, eyes sparkling.
“It’s so good to have you back at our table.”
Soren smiles. “It feels good. Like a part of me remembers what it was like to eat with you all. I missed it.”
Helga frowns. “Will you ever remember?”
Soren shakes his head. “Not everything, no. But it’s okay. I found my way back, and that’s what counts.”
There’s a touch of bitterness in his scent that tells me he’s not entirely truthful. Beneath the table, I take his hand and squeeze, offering whatever comfort I can.
Later, I tell myself.
“Lyall, how is work at the bar?” Kieran asks.
My cheeks warm as I remember dropping a whole bin of dishes the other day. “It is...”
Soren elbows me. “My man is the best barback I have ever had!”
I huff a laugh. “I am not.”
Soren shrugs, patting my hand beneath the table. “You just started! It takes time.”
Regardless, I am more grateful than words can express. Never did I imagine I would be working with Soren again.Livingwith him. It is as if the gods have finally smiled upon me.
“Pack,” Wulfric says, commanding our attention. “Tonight is special indeed. Our family is whole once more.” He lifts his flagon in Soren’s direction. “Welcome home, Soren.”
Soren ducks his head, smiling wide as the others echo the sentiment. If my heart were a mug of mead, it would be overflowing with happiness. After all these years, I have someone beside me at the table. Gone is the envy thatached inside me every time I witnessed my brothers and their mates. I will never feel alone again.
“To Soren!” Kieran lifts his mug.
Soren blushes furiously but lifts his mug too. We tap our mugs together.
“Hey, wait, me too!” Jace says, picking up his cup of water. “To Soren!”
Soren chuckles and toasts the lad. “Thanks, Jace.”
Arlo coughs, grabbing my attention. “Sooo, not to steal your thunder, Soren, but Gunnar and I have an announcement to make.”
