Instead, the others look like they’ve been expecting this to happen, one way or another.
When I look back at Zane, my heart softens.
“What do you say?” he asks lightly, giving me the choice.
For once, the decision feels clear and free from any traps or consequences.
“I’ll stay,” I say, quieter than intended, but still just as steady.
At that, Zane smiles and nods before gently guiding me closer. “Good…welcome home.”
The emotions swell inside me the moment his arms wrap around me in a warm, solid embrace that betrays just how much all of this means to him, and I sink into it without thinking twice.
A few encouraging words and claps from the others around us instill me with even more faith in this decision. I catch Zeke and Dominic whoop while the others chuckle, and it makes a bigger smile crack across my face.
All the while Zane holds me, I feel as the old motivations I was gripping onto so tightly gradually ease away.
The need for revenge and the constant drive to prove myself to people who never cared in the first place fade, and while it’s not entirely gone, it’s too small to control me now.
I don’t need it anymore, not like I thought I did.
When he pulls back just enough to look down at me, I catch that look in his eyes that would make anyone wonder what happened to the real Zane. Luckily, I’ve known this part of him for a long time.
For once, I don’t fight the warmth there, or his obvious want to keep me close. I need it just as much now.
The kiss he places on my lips is slow and gentle, like a quiet claim that doesn’t require a full ceremony.
We both choose to ignore the others, savoring it despite how briefly it lingers. When we pull back, I register the unfamiliar presence still with us, and I glance behind me.
Rhea’s still standing where I left her, looking like she doesn’t quite know what to do now that everything’s over, and now that no one is threatening her. By all means, she’s free, but doesn’t move.
I move toward her without thinking. “It’s okay, Rhea…they’re gone now.”
She blinks at me as if the words don’t quite register. “I…”
I recognize that look all too well, and it stirs more empathy in me. I soften my voice for her. “You’re not with them anymore. They can’t touch you.”
Her gaze flicks around the clearing at the bodies, the other wolves, then back to me. She swallows hard. Briefly, something unspoken passes between us that borders on understanding. We’ve shared a similar experience, just under different circumstances, and that feels like enough to connect us.
Behind me, I hear movement, and Zeke steps in first. He keeps his expression open and unthreatening.
“We’re going to need to ask you a few questions,” he says, not unkindly. “About the others and anyone else they might’ve had.”
Rhea tenses, but I offer her a hand.
“They’re not going to hurt you,” I say. “I can stay with you, if it helps.”
She hesitates at first, then nods and looks a little more relieved. It’s a start, and in all honesty, that’s what all of this feels like.
***
Later, after the situation has been handled and Rhea has given the guys as much information as she can, I find myself standing a few feet away from Sera back in town, just outside the house.
She’s holding Fern and rocking her gently to keep her from fussing while the sun sinks low and a warm breeze tousles her hair. Her attention is focused entirely on the small bundle in her arms that squirms every once in a while.
For a second, I consider walking away and leaving her to it. It would be easier and safer, but I don’t. I step closer instead and muster up the courage.
“Sera.”
