Logan,Fang, and Ivan help clean up afterwards, and I can’t stop smiling.
“So? Final thoughts?” I ask excitedly.
“I think this is something the community needs,” Ivan says, grinning. He pulls me into his arms, and I rest my head againsthis chest. His apple scent swirls around me deliciously, and I sigh contentedly.
“I think you’re going to help more people than you realize,” Logan adds.
“Also, I think we’re going to have another family member,” Fang adds, and I step out of Ivan’s arms and turn to him.
“Huh?”
A smirk forms on Fang’s face. “I’ve seen the way Bean looks at you,” he teases. “And the way you look at him.”
I open my mouth to argue, but Fang nods his head behind me. When I turn, Bean is pressed against the glass door, looking directly at me and meowing.
“He’s the best cat,” Ivan adds. “He would love the packhouse.”
“I…well…what about?—”
“Stella and Trooper could use a younger cat in the house,” Logan interrupts me. “Also…I mean…I’m literally a veterinarian.”
Fang cackles while Ivan smirks.
“I know that,” I hiss. “Besides, who says I even like Bean?” I demand.
“One, because you love cats,” Fang says easily. “Two, because you have a bunch of different nicknames for him when you talk about him.”
“No, I don’t?—”
“Beans, Beanie Weenie, Beanie Baby, String Bean, Itty Bitty Beanie Weenie,” Ivan names off, counting on his fingers. “I could keep going, babe.”
“Also, Piper and Blairmayhave clued us in,” Logan says kindly, his brown eyes gentle. “If you want, Bean has a home with us.”
My throat goes dry.
“I want to say yes,” I croak. “But what if it gets bad again? What if I panic again, what if I shut down?—”
“Then we’ll be there,” Ivan says. “And your friends will be there, and so will this support group. Remember? You’re not alone.”
I have my pack’s support, and the mating bond reminds me that I’m stronger than I realize.
My family has grown. It’s not just Avery anymore, it’s also a pack of three Alphas that see me for me, and love me because of who I am, not in spite of it.
So maybe, sweet little Bean deserves a family like that, too.
With one last look back at the tiny cream boy, I nod.
“Let’s get Stella and Trooper a little brother.”
EPILOGUE
BEAN
I knewshe was my Mama the day I met her.
She found me in the dirt, trying to eat something bitter, and instead filled my belly with warm milk.
She even fed me from a bottle!
