Chapter Fourteen

~ Emma ~

So much had changed over the last few weeks. My mother and I were both officially accepted into the James Pack now. My mating ceremony had sealed my spot and my mother’s, as well. Sam surprised us all by deciding to join the Rigton wolves. In fact, a large number of our former pack had split between the James Pack and the Rigton Wolves. Part of me thought Sam needed the space from the rest of us, but he wouldn’t say that. And I wouldn’t ask. Still, we were healing.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Piper said as we sat together on one of the gliders in Raina and Bastion’s backyard.

We were cooking out today. The day was cool but sunny, and everyone was enjoying the nice weather. It would cool off enough by evening for a bonfire, which was already set up and ready to go. The more time I spent with everyone, the more comfortable I felt.

I mostly hung out with Piper. She was quickly becoming the best friend I’d always longed for but never had. We saw each other every day. Conveniently, we lived right across the street from each other. We often spent the day together when our mates were out taking care of pack business. We’d discovered a lot of similar interests, too. Books were a big one. Cooking was another. Mostly, we just laughed and shared stories about our lives. Piper was incredible.

I also spent time with Ivy and her sister, Jasmine. I learned more about my brother through them, too. Jasmine had a big case of hero worship for Cyan, though according to Ivy, he had competition now that Rowan was back. What was easy to see was, the beautiful little girl had most of the males wrapped around her finger. I couldn’t say much though as she had me the same way.

My mom spent most of her time with Han’s mom, who’d joined the pack after Han had mated Bee and Cici had mated Simon. I hadn’t realized Han and Cici were step-siblings. Mom had been the one to tell me. It was eye opening to see my mother blossom and become so animated in the James Pack. I’d never realized how unhappy she’d been in our old pack. Here, she checked in on those who’d left our home behind and joined the James Pack. She made sure they were settled and had everything they needed. I knew she was sad Sam had chosen another group of wolves, but I knew she and Cyan were reconnecting and healing.

“Emma?”

I blinked and glanced at Piper, remembering she’d asked me for my thoughts.

“Happy,” I replied. “I was thinking how happy I am.”

“Oh, that’s great.”

“You’re a big part of that,” I told her. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. That you let me be your friend.”

“As if!” Piper said with a laugh. “I’m the lucky one. I’d never say anything, but I don’t always feel like I fit in with everyone. Michael and I tend to be more private. I’m sure you know how well that goes over in a wolf pack.”

“Especially this one,” I agreed. Everyone was really close. I’d learned there were degrees of privacy, so I understood what Piper was saying.

“I’m not like that with you, though. I feel like I can share anything with you. Not that I don’t feel that way with anyone else. I just…” She stopped and shrugged.

“It’s okay. I feel the same with you. Which reminds me, did you show Michael the picture of the cradle we found? What did he think?” Piper was pregnant with their first baby. She’d been telling me I needed to get pregnant too so our kids could grow up together. If quantity of sex had anything to do with it, I wouldn’t be far behind her. My mates were insatiable, and I’d learned I was, too.

“I did! We’re going to pick it up this weekend along with some other furniture. I figure he’ll have Anthony and Donovan help him put everything together. You and I could throw together dinner, if you’re game.”

“Of course!” The five of us spent a lot of evenings sharing dinner at their house or ours. I’d learned Michael loved board games while my mates were card sharks. Piper and I loved both. Some nights, they’d play video games while Piper and I talked.

“Emma, got a minute?”

I was surprised to see Sam and bounced up quickly to greet him with a hug.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” I assured Piper.

“Take your time,” she urged.

Sam took my hand as we headed away from the others. We stepped out of the yard, before taking a seat on a bench Bastion had set close to the woods. We sat quietly for a moment. I wanted to interrupt the stillness, but I could see Sam was collecting his thoughts.

“Nico’s leaving for a few months. He has some things he needs to take care of.” Sam glanced at me, and I drank in how beautiful my brother was. His hair was darker than mine, but we shared the same green eyes. I wondered if mine had ever appeared as sad as his did. Probably.

“And?” I prompted when he didn’t continue.

“I’m going with him. I…need to go.”

“What do you mean? Are you coming back?” I felt an edge of panic and tried to remind myself he wouldn’t be missing this time.

“I need some distance. I was there, Em. When they killed Johnathan. I was there and couldn’t do anything to stop them. Couldn’t help him. He was…gone when I managed to break free, and I knew if I didn’t leave, I’d be next. So I ran. Johnathan died, and I ran.”

“Sam.” I put my hand on his shoulder, leaning into him.

“I need to get away for a while. Knowing that you and mom are safe now, that you’re with Cyan and dad is gone, makes me feel less guilty.”

“You have nothing to feel guilty about. Johnathan would have wanted you to run. He’d want you to live. For all of us to live.”

“I know,” Sam agreed. “In so many ways, he was the best of us.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “But you’re not too bad, either.”

“Brat,” he said with a shoulder check. His lips twitched up in a brief smile.

I leaned closer. “I love you.”

“Love you.” He dropped a kiss on my temple.

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow. I’ll text. Maybe, send some pictures if we go anyplace interesting.”

“I’d love that. Does Mom know?”

“I told her this morning,” Sam said. “She’s happier here. I always knew something was missing. Knowing Dad’s brother was her true mate, that she had to give up Cyan to save his life. I can’t imagine having to make those choices. I’m amazed by her strength.”

“She’s an amazing woman.”

“And you’re just like her,” Sam whispered. “Look at you. All grown up and mated to two wolves. Jonathan would have liked them.”

I wiped at the tears in my eyes. “Do you really think so?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“I’m going to miss you, and you better text and call. I want photos and gifts, if you go somewhere super cool.”

“Spoiled much?” he teased.

“Happy,” I countered. “I didn’t know I could be this happy.”

“You deserve it. Now, I see Donovan headed this way which means Anthony won’t be far behind. How the hell they always know when you’ve stepped out of sight is uncanny. Did they manage to put a tracker in you?”

I laughed but honestly, I wouldn’t put it past them to try.

“Don’t give them any ideas,” I warned, making Sam laugh.

“Sam,” Donovan said as he joined us, pulling me up and into his chest before tilting up my chin and kissing me until I swore I was floating on air.

“I’ll leave you two to it,” Sam called as he stood and headed back toward where the others were gathered.

I watched him and Anthony exchange words as they crossed paths, heading in different directions. Sam laughed at whatever my mate said, and it made me think of all the times his laughter had floated around me when we were kids. He was always the mischief maker. He’d certainly kept Johnathan and I entertained. Our mother, as well. It was hard to reconcile that playful boy with the serious male who was leaving now.

“You okay?” Donovan asked when Anthony joined us.

“He’s leaving.”

“He told us earlier,” Anthony admitted. “He wanted to talk to you,” he added, already knowing I’d ask why they hadn’t told me.

“Do you think he’ll be okay?” I cuddled between my mates, reveling in their touch. It was funny how people often equated home with a place, whether it be a building or a city or something similar. I’d learned home was a feeling, one you had when you were with the people who meant the most to you. The ones you loved with all you had, and the ones who loved you back just as hard. For me, that was here, with Anthony and Donovan, with my mom and Cyan, Ivy, Jasmine, Piper and Michael, and all the members of this amazing pack of wolves who were now my family.

“He’ll be fine,” Donovan said. “He needs to discover that for himself. When he does, he’ll be back.”

I nodded, knowing he was right.

“Hungry?” Anthony asked, linking our fingers together and tugging me back toward the laughter and chaos.

“Starved.” But the look I gave my mates let them know it wasn’t food I craved.

“Oh, baby,” Donovan warned. “You’re playing with fire.”

“Cool night,” I whispered as they caged me between their bodies. “I could use some heat.”

“Oh, love,” Anthony whispered. “We’ve got all the heat you need.”

Yes, they did, and I couldn’t wait for them to make me burn. All night long.