“It could be. Strong bonds carry strong risks. They can make an alpha reckless. Distracted.” His expression remained unreadable. “Vulnerable in ways his enemies might exploit.”
“And?”
“And strong bonds also make an alpha impossible to break. Give him a reason to fight beyond duty.” The barest hint of approval cracked his stern facade. “Time will tell which you prove to be.”
“A ringing endorsement.”
“It’s the best I offer.” His mouth twitched. “Welcome to the family, innkeeper. Try not to destroy anything else.”
He melted back into the crowd, and Bran Ursa immediately filled the void.
“LITTLE MATE!”
The bear Elder’s bellow preceded his arrival by approximately three seconds. Avine braced herself—and was immediately swept off her feet in a crushing embrace.
“You survived!” Bran set her down, beaming. “The Matrix! The explosion! The claiming! Very dramatic! Bears approve of drama!”
“Thank you?” Avine wheezed, checking her ribs.
“Your alpha did well.” Bran’s voice dropped to what he probably thought was a whisper. “Claimed you properly. No half-measures. The pack respects strength.”
Heat climbed her cheeks. “I think I see Dahlia waving?—”
“Go, go!” Bran released her with a final rib-creaking pat. “Enjoy your night!”
She nearly collided with Orryn Vale in her escape.
The Fae Elder materialized from shadows, his ageless face amused, pale eyes gleaming with secrets. “Innkeeper.”
“Elder Orryn.”
“The first bond of the surge.” His gaze drifted across the party. “Not the last. Watch the Tidewell line in the generationsto come. There is power there that has not yet decided what it wants to be.”
“Is that a warning or a prophecy?”
His smile was ancient and infuriating. “Yes.”
He was gone before she could demand clarification.
She’d nearly madeit to the snack table when the ambush happened.
“Gotcha.” Junie materialized on her left, red hair wild, Glimmer the snake peeking from her collar. Dahlia flanked her right, Marzipan the cat draped over one shoulder. Cassia blocked the escape route, her storm petrel Gust circling overhead. Narla brought up the rear, expression serene.
“We have questions,” Junie announced.
“Personal questions,” Cassia added. “Possibly invasive.”
“You’ve been hiding for three weeks.” Junie continued, herding Avine toward a secluded corner. “Three weeks of mysterious absences and—” She pointed at Avine’s scarf. “—silk accessories.”
“I’ve been busy. Renovations.”
“Horizontal renovations,” Cassia muttered.
Dahlia smacked her arm. “Be nice.” Then, to Avine: “Details. Emotional, not anatomical.” She paused. “Mostly.”
Avine looked at the four of them—her friends, her found family.
“I’m happy.” She spoke simply. “Stupidly, terrifyingly, completely happy. And I know that sounds—” She stopped, her eyes burning. “Theo is present. Really present. In a way no one’s ever been with me before.”
