Miles stepped forward, brushing a gentle kiss against my temple. His voice was warm against my skin. “You never needed permission, Lili. But I’ll keep reminding you until it sticks.”
My heart swelled, full and tender, and I gave him a grateful nod before pushing the door open. The familiar scent enveloped us immediately, comforting and warm. It smelled like baking and safety and the kind of mornings I never thought I’d have. The house was alive with quiet movement—the faint clatter of dishes, the low hum of music from the sunroom, the comforting sound of a home with people in it.
My people.
My Alphas.
I barely stepped through the doorway before Christopher appeared from the hall, a kitchen towel slung over his shoulder and flour dusting the front of his dark button-down. His sharp eyes scanned me, then Miles, and back again—assessing, always, but not unkind.
“You’re back,” he said, voice tinged with something that sounded like relief, even if he tried to mask it with nonchalance.
“We survived,” Miles replied with a grin, setting our bags down near the stairs. “No bears. No sprained ankles. Just some intense s’more debates and stargazing-induced revelations.”
Christopher’s gaze lingered on me, narrowing slightly. “How was it, really?”
I held his gaze and smiled, not bothering to hide the warm flush creeping up my cheeks. “It was… unforgettable.”
A knowing smile curved at the edge of his lips, but he didn’t press. “I figured. Come on, I made lemon scones and there’s a fresh pot of coffee. Julian’s been pacing the study like a man possessed—he’ll come out once he hears your voice.”
I laughed and followed him toward the kitchen, Miles close behind. The house, which had once felt too large, too perfect, now wrapped around me like a well-worn sweater. Comfortable. Lived in.Mine.
The kitchen was bathed in sunlight, a plate of scones sat on the island, still steaming, their sugary glaze catching the light. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air, curling into my chest and grounding me further in the moment.
“Sit,” Christopher said, already pulling down mugs. “Fuel up before Julian starts interrogating you.”
“I don’t interrogate,” came a voice from the doorway. Julian leaned against the frame, his usual crisp suit replaced with soft gray slacks and a navy shirt that fit just a bit too well. My mouth might have gone dry. He looked relaxed in a way I rarely saw—and the soft amusement lighting up his features when he looked at me made my breath catch.
“But,” he continued, “Iamgoing to require a detailed itinerary. Preferably with timestamps.”
I grinned and slid onto the bench beside the table, accepting the mug of tea Christopher handed me. “Of the hike? Or of the emotional breakthroughs?”
“Both,” Julian said simply, crossing the room. He came to a stop in front of me, his hand reaching out like instinct. I met him halfway, rising to wrap my arms around his waist.
He held me tightly, pressing his cheek to the top of my head. “I missed you.”
“I was only gone a day,” I murmured into his chest, but I didn’t let go. “But… I missed you too.” When he finally eased back, his eyes searched mine. I let him see everything—the peace, the joy,the soft glow still humming through me from everything Miles and I had shared under the stars. I watched his expression shift as he saw it, his usually sharp features softening.
“You look different,” he said softly. “Lighter. Freer.”
“That’s because I am,” I said, voice low and certain. “For the first time in a long time, I feel like I know who I am. And who I want to be.” Before Julian could respond, the sound of bare feet padding across the tile drew our attention.
Nicolaus. His dark red curls were tousled, a white t-shirt hanging loose over his lean frame. He looked like he’d just woken up from a nap—rumpled and unfairly attractive. His eyes flicked around the room until they landed on me. His entire expression shifted.
“Welcome home,” he said softly, walking toward me. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the crown of my head. My heart fluttered at the simple, tender gesture.
“Good morning,” I replied with a smile as he settled onto the bench across from me. And just like that, we were all there. The four of them, each so different, and each impossibly important. I looked at them one by one, warmth radiating through me. I felt grounded. Whole.Home.
I bit into a scone, the buttery crumble melting on my tongue, and glanced up to find all four of them watching me with varying degrees of amusement and heat.
“So…” I said, licking a bit of glaze from my thumb. “Any plans for the rest of the day?”
Julian arched a brow. “You’re not too tired after your wilderness adventure?”
I gave him a pointed look. “Depends. Are you asking if I’m too tired for a long bath, a good book, and maybe…” I paused for dramatic effect, “some slow kisses before dinner?”
Miles nearly choked on his coffee. Julian’s lips twitched. Nicolaus’s brow shot up as his mouth curved in a slow, knowing smirk. And Christopher?
He stepped closer, leaned down until his lips were at my ear, and whispered, “I was hoping you’d say that. Because we’ve all been patient, Lili… but I’d really like my turn to finish whatyoustarted.”
