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And then I was in his arms, lifted clean off the ground as he swung me around like I weighed nothing at all.

I laughed — the sound strange and wonderful in my throat, and wrapped my arms around his neck, holding on like I never wanted to let go.

When he finally set me down, he kept his hands on my waist, like he needed to make sure I was real.

“Tell me I'm not dreaming,” he said, his voice rough.

“You're not dreaming,” I whispered, blinking back tears. “I'm here to stay.”

Someone cleared their throat behind us — a deep rumble of amusement — and Cyclone smiled, not letting me go as he turned us toward the others.

“Looks like you’re about to meet the family,” he said, squeezing my waist.

His voice dropped low and teasing, just for me.

“Brace yourself.”

I laughed again, heart full for the first time in years.

One by one, they came forward — tall, rugged men with kind smiles and curious eyes — each offering a handshake, a hug, a welcome.

“You know most of these guys,” Cyclone said, nodding to a towering man with a crooked grin. This is Oliver, Gage, and Raven. You know the rest of them.”

I smiled at all of them. I was now in their family, a life I never thought I'd have again.

The last man, a quiet giant with dark eyes, clapped Cyclone on the back and gave me a knowing nod.

“’It’s about time you showed up,” he said.

The others chuckled.

I flushed, smiling shyly.

“I had some things I needed to finish first,” I said.

Cyclone's hand slid up my back, steady and warm.

“Well, you’re here now,” he said, voice thick with emotion.

“And I’m not letting you go.”

I leaned into him, breathing in the scent of salt and sun and Cyclone, and for the first time in a long, long time...

I believed him.

I wasn’t alone anymore.

I was home.

27

Jude

“So, Jude,” Oliver said, a sly grin tugging at his mouth. “You’re the woman who finally got our boy here to stop pretending he’s married to the job.”

The others chuckled.

Cyclone groaned and rubbed his hands over his face.