I curled my fingers around the dock rim, holding on. So much has happened. I can’t get it right in my head.
Love inspires devotion, my darling. The price you pay to live a full life. To give up everything safe and reach for heroic passion. No matter the outcome.
The kind that burns forests down? The kind that fell in love with Bronson Dade, the Alpha of Blackfish, knowing what he was… what he had surely known he’d be facing.
My mother laughed softly, although a trace of sadness drifted with the humor. You were magnificent. A true catalyst.
I wish I’d never heard that word.
The world was on fire, my darling. Our world, and no one could save it but the two of you. She slid a strand of hair behind her ear, the streak of silver. When I’d asked, she said she’d had a choice, and kept the silver in place because… how would she recognize herself without it?
How is Levi? she asked after a moment. Did he ever catch that girl? Brin, if that was even her name.
She’s dead, I said. He didn’t kill her. She got caught in the middle of the fighting.
I’m glad, my mom said, reaching down to stroke her fingers over my hand—a touch more breeze than human. He’s too young for a burden like that.
I sighed, while the image of Levi’s pale, stark expression brought a fleeting grief. He’d been standing with that damn spear gripped in his hand and staring at her body. Mace had wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Said something through the pack bond that had Levi nodding.
How are you, darling girl?
I’m happy today.
She leaned in, wrapping an arm, enveloping me in her vanilla scent. Give it time. Give yourself love… love him and let him love you. How is he?
He’s slowly healing. His wolf ran with Mace’s wolf, Fallon’s. A day ago. The pack wolves joined them. It was a thing to see, the pure joy. The honor they gave the alphas.
You each need hope. Grab it with both hands. You have a precious gift, being true mates… cherish every moment. Every breath.
I’m glad you have that with Bron, mom. I wish you’d had it all along.
I did. She tipped her head to the side while a secretive smile curved her lips. He’s coming.
Bron?
No.
I turned. Grayson was walking across the grass. Raven-black hair lifted in the breeze, the strands gleaming in the sunlight. He looked strong, healthy. His skin once again was tanned and healed, and if I ripped off his shirt, the alpha tattoo would look as pristine and sensitive as something new.
Joy bloomed inside, filling me to overflowing.
Have you ever seen a man as stunning? I asked my mom. Other than Bron, of course.
No answer. She’d disappeared, leaving a faint trace of vanilla behind. I stood, pushed my feet into the waiting sandals. Burn roused and joined me, his tail wagging as we met my mate halfway along the dock.
I cupped Grayson’s face while the dog ambled on ahead.
“I am blessed,” I murmured, a swelling pressure making my throat tight.
He smiled, stroking the hair back from my face. “You’re late.”
“Late? And what plans have I somehow forgotten?”
He laced his fingers through mine. “Do you want to change first? Or go as you are?”
I peeked at him over my shoulder. “I bought a new dress.”
“What color?”
