seemed imposing, mysterious – the kind of place that inspired local ghost stories and dares among school

nd second floors. Morning sunlight glinted off numerous windows, and smoke curled invitingly from one of the four chim

s?" Lucas asked, glanc

essing. Twenty-four hours ago, my biggest worry was quart

h his tone suggested he hoped other

m. And how exactly are w

Then we call a pack meeting. Marcus's return aff

urst open. A teenage girl with wild red curls bounded

!" The girl called over her s

as he helped Emma from the truck. W

ha. But we've been waiting forever to meet her properly! I mean, we knew her, bu

three-year-old werewolf librarian, Emma's mind supplied helpfully – appeared in the

ks heat. "Mating c

is ears had turned slightly pink. Ruby, why don't you help bring in Emma's thi

eing in a completely new light. Jack from the auto shop, still wearing his work coveralls. The Ramirez t

he door. Then, with a conspiratorial wink at Emma, Don't worry,

The grand entrance hall opened into a massive living room where oversized couches were arranged around a stone fireplace. Books and magazines

d apologetically as Ruby zoomed past with

sed several voices

ame efficiency she used to organize library books. Then lunch

– living room, dining room, a kitchen that could have serviced a restaurant, and a study that Lucas used fo

utiful space with bay windows overlooking the forest. "At least

pted, enjoying

bond,he finishes quietly. "If you do, you'd shar

to ignore the way her heart raced

the younger pack members stayed. Ruby's room was up there, alon

ned as they descended to the kitchen. "But we always have room

ng enchiladas, assisted by her twin sons. The spicy aroma made Emm

the massive kitchen island. You must be starvi

lling enchiladas she'd ever had placed before her. Lucas sat beside her, his

you know? That you were mates, I mean. Was it love at first sig

ucas grow

Alpha. Five years! And now we find out it's because you marked your mate and then just... left

ose are questions for another time. Right now, Emma

at her. The pack had clearly been curious about Lucas's disappearance, about their

giving it a gentle squeeze. The touch sent warmth spreading through her

terrupted by the sound of

ensed. Lucas was on his feet in

said grimly. "Marcus has been s

ck growled. "

." His gaze fell on Emma. "The pack meeting needs to h

g in the tide of movement, Lucas's hand firm on her lower back

ng from wolf form as they entered. Emma tried not to stare, but it

pairs of eyes focused on Lucas as he took his pl

st night, he attacked Emma's bookstore, making direct

led through the

," Lucas continued. "And he has cho

Emma saw several pair

The bond is currently incomplete, but she is under pack

up. "Set up patrols around t

Marcus is dealt with. But yes, we need patrols. Doubl

the border?one of th

Then we show him exactly why he

a's skin tingle. These people – these wolves – were ready to protect her, not jus

eached back and took her hand, draw

ice remains hers to make, in her own time. But know this – she is the one. My wolf chose her fifteen y

certainty in his voice, the love and devotion he

r start planning those defenses then. And Emma, dear?" The older woman's eyes twinkled. "Welcome to the

barely heard them. She was too caught up in the way Lucas was look

rting to understand exactly what t