“I’m sorry,” I whisper for the hundredth time.
“You’ve said that.”
“And I’ll keep saying it until it stops ripping me apart. I almost killed you, Rowen.”
“You didn’t, though. You saved me. Rip would’ve killed me if you hadn’t got there when you did.”
When he says it like that, I can almost let it go. Almost.
When we break apart, I hold his face, kissing him over and over. It’s all I’ve wanted to do these last few days—kiss him and tell him how sorry I am.
“I love you,” I murmur.
He smiles against my lips. “I love you too.”
Sliding an arm around my back, he reaches for the bag. “Come on. Our pack is waiting.”
My heart skitters.Ourpack. Is it though, or will they be angry with me?
We walk side by side through the trees with Sage in the lead, and when the clearing opens to the view of the house, I nearly burst into tears again. Something wonderful swells inside me.
Please let me stay.
I can’t bear the thought of being told to leave.
Rowen tugs me closer, telling me silently that everything is going to be okay.
I try to trust him. Right now, it’s all I can do.
42
TOBIAS
Everyone is on the deck, talking among themselves. William and what remains of his pack are leaning against the railing, the rest scattered in chairs or on the porch swings. Blankets are everywhere, like they’ve been sitting outside for three days waiting for us.
The only one missing is Grant.
The space where he should be feels impossibly loud.
Ivy is the first to see us. “They’re coming now!”
She jumps over the railing and rushes across the yard to us, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug. I cling to her, shaking. This woman has become more than a friend; she’s my sister. I love her dearly.
Taren reaches me next, followed by Neal. Then the others, one by one. Each of their hugs is full of warmth and acceptance. Forgiveness. Gratitude. Love.
Forest’s solid arms are shaky as he hugs me, eyes watery. “Welcome home.”
Jasmine is near the end, but I can’t meet her eyes. “I am so sorry,” I say, voice breaking. “I didn’t mean—”
She cuts me off by pulling me into her arms. Her warm hand cups the back of my head as she kisses my temple. “I’m just glad you’re home, Toby.”Her voice cracks. “You’re my son now, you hear me? You’re family. We all feel that way.”
The words undo me. I press my face against her shoulder and cry. Not from shame this time—but from the fragile, impossible truth that, somehow, I’m still loved.
When she pulls away, she grips my face and kisses my forehead. Two more people approach after Jasmine. Evan hugs each of us quickly, then Jericho pauses in front of me. His eyes are wet with unshed tears. We crash together at the same time. He and I have been through hell because of the coven, yet here we are, standing.
“Thank you for not dying on us,” he murmurs. “Seriously, man. It’s a relief to see you.”
I hug him tighter. “You too.” How was I ever afraid of him? Jericho is an amazing friend. A brother.
