30. Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

Z oya

Laughter fills the air as I settle into a chair at the long, scarred dining table on the first floor of Wolven HQ. The room feels warm and inviting, so different from the cold, lonely existence I knew with Max. Here, surrounded by Lash and his packmates, I feel a sense of belonging I never thought I’d find.

Fang, the red-headed wolven with a playful glint in his eye, shuffles the cards with impressive speed and flair. “Alright, Zoya, let’s see if Lady Luck is on your side tonight. Ever played Texas Hold ‘Em?”

I shake my head, grinning. “Nope, but I’m a fast learner. Bring it on, Fang. I might just clean you out.” Although it’s a ridiculous thought that I could beat these players, I feel emboldened to joke with them. It feels terrific to come out of my shell, feeling strong and empowered after surviving that horrible confrontation with Max.

Dare, a quiet, observant wolven with a gentle smile, chuckles. “Don’t worry, Zoya. We’ll go easy on you… at first.”

“Dare, are you… daring me to beat you?”

Everyone laughs at my joke, which makes me feel even more comfortable in this room filled with wolven males.

Lash wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. Leaning into his warmth, I savor his solid, comforting presence.

“You’ve got this, Starlight. Just watch out for Fang’s tells. The man’s an open book.” He swipes his nose in a gesture I don’t understand.

“Hey!” Fang protests, clutching his chest in mock offense. “I’ll have you know my poker face is legendary. Inscrutable. Mysterious. The stuff of myths and legends.”

Dare snorts. “More like the stuff of fairy tales, mate.”

As the males banter back and forth, I can’t help but marvel at the easy camaraderie between them. It’s clear they’re more than just packmates—they’re brothers in every sense of the word.

Lash must sense my thoughts, because he leans in close, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re one of us now, Starlight. Part of the family, the pack.”

Emotion wells in my throat, and I have to blink back sudden tears. “Thank you,” I whisper, turning to press a soft kiss to his cheek. “For everything.”

As we settle into the game, I quickly pick up the nuances of betting and bluffing. Beginner’s luck seems to be on my side, and I even manage to win a few hands.

Lash was right about Fang’s tells. His nostrils widen when he has a good hand.

“Whoa, watch out!” Fang laughs as I rake in another pot. “Zoya’s on fire tonight.”

Lash grins, squeezing my knee under the table. “That’s my girl. Smart as a whip and also beautiful.”

I feel a blush heat my cheeks at his praise, my heart fluttering. I’ll never tire of hearing his sweet words or basking in the warmth of his affection.

Fang eyes me with newfound respect. “Looks like we’ve got a natural in our midst. Zoya, my dear, you could make a killing at the casino.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I think I’ll leave the high-stakes gambling to you guys. Besides, I have other plans for my future.”

Lash leans forward, curiosity sparking in his silver eyes. “Oh? Do tell, Starlight.”

I feel a sudden flutter of nerves. I’ve never shared this dream with anyone, not even Lash. But here, in the warmth and acceptance of this makeshift family, I find the courage to give voice to my secret hopes.

“I’ve always loved baking,” I begin, my fingers fidgeting with a poker chip. “Back in Ukraine, I used to imagine having my own little bakery someday. Nothing fancy, just a cozy spot where people could come for a pastry and a friendly face.”

I shrug, feeling a bit sheepish. “It’s a silly dream, but—”

“Hey.” Lash cuts me off gently, reaching out to take my hand. “There’s nothing silly about having a dream, Zoya. Especially one as sweet as yours.”

Dare nods, his smile warm and encouraging. “Lash is right. You’ve got a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. That’s a rare thing in this world.”

Fang grins, winking at me. “Plus, if your baking is half as good as your poker skills, you’ll have lines around the block in no time!”

Fury, who used to be the angriest male in the pack, pipes up from where he’s lounging on a couch. “Bro, have you tasted those kolaches? Baked by the angels.”

Warmth bursts in my chest as I’m overwhelmed by their unwavering support. “You really think I could do it?”

Lash squeezes my hand, his gaze locked with mine. “I know you can, Starlight. You can do anything you set your mind to. And I’ll be right beside you every step of the way.”

Looking around at these incredible males, my heart feels as though it might burst with love and gratitude. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d find a family like this, a love like Lash’s. But here I am, surrounded by warmth and laughter and unconditional acceptance. And for the first time in longer than I can remember, I believe anything is possible.

Even a little Ukrainian bakery, filled with the sweet scent of pastries and the sweeter sound of laughter from the people I care about most in this world.