"Earth to Mika," Silas's voice breaks through my thoughts. "You OK, sweetheart?"
I smile, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "Never better."
After breakfast, we pile into Silas's truck—he still has his beloved Harley, but it's not exactly family-friendly—and head to the lake. It's a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly in a clear blue sky.
At the lake, Aurora immediately wants to go in the water. Silas scoops her up, tossing her high in the air before catching her and running into the shallows. Their laughter echoes across the water, and I feel my heart swell with love.
I wade in after them, the cool water a relief from the summer heat. Silas looks over at me, his eyes full of love and a hint of concern.
"You sure you're OK to be in the water?" he asks, nodding toward my stomach.
I roll my eyes fondly. "I'm pregnant, not made of glass. Besides, the doctor said swimming is good exercise."
He grins, pulling me close with his free arm while still holding Aurora. "Just looking out for my girls," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple.
As we spend the day at the lake, swimming, picnicking, and building sandcastles with Aurora, I'm struck by how content I feel. The woman I was five years ago—always looking over her shoulder, never staying in one place for long—seems like a distant memory.
That evening, as we're driving home with a sleepy Aurora in the backseat, Silas reaches over and takes my hand.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he asks.
I smile, intertwining our fingers. "Just thinking about how lucky I am. How different things could have been if you hadn't found me when you did."
He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. "I'd always find you, Mika. You’re my true mate."
As we pull into our driveway, I see a few of our pack members gathered on our porch. Kade is there with his wife, and I can see a few others milling about. It's not unusual—our house has become something of a gathering place over the years.
"Looks like we've got company," Silas says with a chuckle.
I nod, feeling a warmth spread through me. This is my life now. A loving husband, a beautiful daughter with another on the way, and a pack that's become my family. It's not the life I ever imagined for myself, but it's better than anything I could have dreamed.
As we get out of the truck, Aurora stirring in Silas's arms, I take a moment to breathe it all in. The scent of pine from the nearby forest where the shifters like to run, the distant sound of motorcycles—probably some of our younger pack prospects out for a ride—and the feeling of absolute belonging.
Five years ago, I was running from my past. Now, I'm running toward my future. And with Silas and our pack standing by, I know it's going to be one hell of a ride.
