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There are no watermarks on the ceiling or walls. There is no urgency or threat to listen for. The only sounds I can hear are the peaceful rumbles of my pack snoring.

For a moment, there’s panic, but the pack shifts and starts waking. I’m pulled into Bailey’s arms, and Kingston crawls up on top of us.

“You’re safe now, crazy girl.”

I close my eyes and go back to sleep.

Chapter forty-three

Selene

6 months later

Bailey holds my hand tight as we walk into the benefit. I’m wearing a black lace dress because Mael is obsessed, but a gold choker with blue gems that was a gift from Kingston, and a sapphire ring from Edric and Bailey. The Raines Entertainment staff turn and clap as we enter.

“I’d like everyone to give a hand to Pack Dread.”

The claps get louder as we walk up to the podium, where Bailey has taken his place at the head of the company.

It turns out there is something amazing about having money. We can help people. Like Henry, who is now doing work experience here. A few people have been interviewed and accepted into the company.

It’s incredible.

Bailey has brought us hope, and, by settling into himself as part of our pack and as an alpha-omega, he’s been slowly reasserting himself as the Raines in charge.

We didn’t take the Raines name, though it was discussed at length between the Raines family members. It was an option, but we’re not Raines. Bailey is the person in charge of Raines Entertainment, and Mael is now the president of the Despair MC, with Edric and Kingston as vice president and sergeant-at-arms. But that’s their thing. My neighbourhood is still mine. It’s never not going to be mine.

We have our things, but we haveus, too.

And the parts of us that didn’t fit together or were too much for one person to handle are easier when we are working together towards the greater good.

Bailey steps onto the stage and stands in front of the microphone.

“Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the future of Raines Entertainment. It has been a long time coming, and I think we’ve all needed some time to grow and become who we were meant to be. But this is where we really start to fly. From now on, the Raines name is going to mean creative, honest, loyal, innovative, hardworking, and mean what it has always meant; family.

“Locke Raines is going to mentor young musicians. Fate’s Destiny have signed with us and will be supporting local talent. Charles Raines will be here part time, helping to mentor young people in business, while Sol Leeway will be helping prepare our clients for a star's life. So I’d like you all to raise a glass as we usher in a new year, with a bright new future. Thank you, all of you. Let’s create some amazing music together.”

The cheers are deafening.

I see a few of the Raines family members I haven’t met yet and wander over, my alphas in tow.

Locke Raines looks much less edgy than his music videos. He looks happy, and he frequently checks in with his alphas.

I politely hug him and step back, warily watching his alphas. Erin intrigues me.

“I never thought I’d walk back into this building willingly.”

I’ve heard the tragic story. Bailey had just given me the outline, the same as I can find in any newspapers. The urge to protect him has risen up, and I’m finding it hard to squash now.

Ryn appears and smiles widely at me. I’m still not sure I forgive her for that mess at the shopping center, but I have to try. Fate’s Destiny has signed with Raines Entertainment, much to the shock of everyone. So I’ll be seeing a fair bit of her and her alphas.

Bailey taps my shoulder. I turn, and he holds out his hand.

“Dance with me?”

There’s no one else dancing, but we always did do our own thing.

I grin and follow him out onto the dance floor, where he spins me into a slow dance and sighs into my hair.