We're mapping symbiotic relationships between mundane and supernatural species, tracking how ritual sites affect water chemistry, documenting migration patterns influenced by convergence points. The Institute funds the research. I get salary and resources. Everyone wins.
And I get to study complete data sets instead of working blind.
The walk to Wolfstone Abbey takes longer than it used to. Pregnancy has altered my balance, changed the way I move through space. Finn stays close, one hand at the small of my back, adjusting his pace to mine without comment.
The ancient stone structure rises against the evening sky, windows glowing warm with firelight and the gathered presence of the entire pack and the Brotherhood. When we enter, the room falls briefly quiet before Eliza crosses to greet us with the easy warmth she's shown since I first transformed.
"Lila." She hugs me carefully, mindful of my belly. "You look beautiful."
"I look pregnant." But I return the embrace, grateful for her friendship. The journalist who married an alpha wolf and became pack has been invaluable these past months, translating shifter culture when my scientist brain gets lost in the supernatural politics.
Declan stands near the massive fireplace, his grey wolf just beneath the surface, storm-grey eyes tracking every person in the room. When he sees me, he nods once in acknowledgment and respect. Months ago I was an outsider investigating deaths in his territory. Now I'm pack.
Jax leans against the far wall, watching the gathered crowd with the wariness that never quite leaves him. The wolf shifter is alone among mated pairs, but when his gaze lands on me, his expression gentles.
Kian and Catriona occupy the sofa near the windows. The tiger shifter has one arm around his mate, the island's Chief of Police who transformed from human to shifter after he claimed her. She's laughing at Rafe's commentary, her hand resting on her own belly.
My scientist brain processes the observation. Catriona is pregnant. Early, from the way she's carrying herself.
Rafe catches my gaze and smiles, golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Moira sits beside him, dark hair loose around her shoulders, the sea witch who runs Flynn's Inn and commands water with the same ease I'm learning to command air currents. She confirms what I've already concluded.
"Early still." Moira's voice carries pride. "But family should know."
Family. The word settles over the room.
Grayson and Isla stand by the table covered in maps and research data. The bear shifter and his selkie mate have been helping me track the waters' recovery, combining his centuries of knowledge with her scientific training.
Isla sees me looking and crosses to stand beside me, gray eyes warm. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired. Uncomfortable. Experiencing intermittent Braxton Hicks contractions." I accept the glass of water she hands me. "But ready to meet my daughter."
"Soon." Isla squeezes my hand. "And she'll have so many aunts and uncles invested in keeping her safe."
The room fills with conversation as more arrive. Allies from the supernatural community. Humans who've earned the pack's trust. Chief MacLeod coordinating between worlds with the efficiency that's made the island stronger than it's been in generations.
Declan calls for attention, and the room quiets immediately. His authority comes from respect earned through blood spilled and survival achieved.
"We've fought battles on this island." His voice fills the space without needing volume. "The Fomori entity that tried to corrupt our waters. Maritime Development Corporation attempting to dredge sacred sites. Trafficking rings exploiting supernatural creatures. Mikhail's syndicate conducting ritual murders and building power to destroy what we protect." He pauses. "We lost good people along the way. Friends. Allies who stood their ground."
The crowd responds with quiet remembrance, grief mixed with pride.
"But we won. Every threat. Every enemy. We stood together and we won." His gaze sweeps the room. "Not all of us found what we were looking for. But all of us found family."
Jax's expression doesn't change, but recognition flickers in his grey eyes.
"We've built balance here between supernatural and human. Trust earned through action. A community that protects itsown." Declan's eyes find mine, then move to Catriona. "And a future that extends beyond survival."
Kian pulls Catriona closer, his hand covering hers on her belly.
"A new generation beginning. Hope replacing survival mode. That's worth celebrating."
The room responds with raised glasses. Voices overlapping in toasts and laughter and the comfortable chaos of family gathered.
Pain lances across my belly then. Not Braxton Hicks. Different. Sharper.
The first real contraction.
I set down my glass carefully, breathing through the sensation while my mind catalogs duration and intensity. First babies take hours. This is just the beginning. Plenty of time to finish the celebration, return to the cave, prepare.
