“Bridget? Brianna?” His voice breaks on our names.
“Reid,” we breathe in unison, and then we’re all moving at once. His arms wrap around both of us, and the moment he holds us, the floodgates open. It’s not just the recognition of shared blood—it’s the feeling of belonging, of finding something we didn’t even know we’d lost.
I cling to him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket as Brianna burrows into his other side. My vision blurs with tears as the weight of everything—the battles we’ve fought, the wounds we carry—crashes over us all at once. But there’s no room for sorrow here. Not now. Only the fierce joy of knowing we’ve found each other.
We have our whole lives to learn everything we missed.
“Two sisters,” Reid whispers against our hair, his voice thick with wonder. “I have two sisters.” We laugh through our tears, feeling the same amazement.
We’re not broken pieces anymore. We’re whole. We’re family.
Reid pulls back slightly, his hands firm on my shoulders as he studies me. “Lawrence didn’t send me a picture,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “But the moment I saw you both…” He shakes his head, his lips curving into a faint, lopsided smile. “I just knew.”
A tear slips down my cheek, and I swipe at it, laughing softly through the lump in my throat. “Me too.”
Brianna sniffs loudly, her face blotchy but beaming. “Mom would be proud we found our way back together.”
Reid pulls her close again, his large hand cradling the back of her head. “Yeah, I think she would.”
I feel Bast behind us, his love steady and constant as the sun on my skin. His hand brushes mine lightly, a quiet reminder that he’s here too, part of this family we’re building. I reach for him, threading my fingers through his, pulling his strength into the overwhelming tide of emotions coursing through me right now.
“Reid, this is my mate, Bast.”
Reid turns and offers his hand.
Bast takes it with a smile. “Welcome to the family, brother. It’s good to meet you.”
“Thank you.”
Here we are—family—standing together. For the first time in my life, I feel unshakably whole and exactly where I’m meant to be.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Bast O’Connor
Beginning of Forever
Pine and rain cut through the window. But Bridget’s breathing drowns it all out. She’s pressed against me, dark hair splayed across my chest. Sunlight hits the emerald marks on her throat—the ones that kept her alive. The ones that bound us deeper than anyMathaircould know. The bond thrums between us like a war drum. Our hearts beat as one.
That knife wound’s almost gone. Nothing but a pale pink line on her side now. My wolf wants blood when I think about it. But seeing her here kills the rage—sleeping safe in our bed. Our territory. Where she should be.
Home.
My fingers trace idle patterns on her hip. She’s wearing one of my shirts again, the soft cotton riding up to reveal smooth skin.Mine. The word still sends a primal thrill through me, even after a week.
“You’re brooding again.” Her voice is sleep-rough, sexy as hell.
“Not brooding.” I nip at her shoulder, drawing a soft gasp. “Just thinking about how fucking lucky I am.”
She shifts against me, those incredible green eyes glowing as she meets my gaze. I feel her contentment and her absolute certainty that this is where she’s meant to be. No more shadows of duty or fear. Just us.
“Pretty sure I’m the lucky one,” she says, pressing closer. Her scent wraps around me like the best kind of drug. “Got my sister back. Gained a brother. And you.” Her fingers trace the marks on my collarbone that mirror hers. “You never gave up on me.”
My wolf rumbles with satisfaction. “Never will.” I roll us so she’s pinned beneath me, drinking in the way her breath catches. “Know what today is?”
“Besides the day you’re apparently determined to keep me in bed?” The sass in her voice makes me grin.
“One week since you chose us.” I brush my lips against that spot below her ear that makes her shiver. “Since you proved every one of their lies wrong.”
