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Derek’s low growl was answer enough.

Marcus watched his brothers disappear into their respective wings, then allowed himself one more moment outside Kai’s door. Inside, Scout snuffled in his sleep, and Kai made that small, content sound that never failed to make Marcus’ wolf want to purr.

Home, his wolf rumbled. Safe. Ours.

For the first time since that desperate night ten years ago, when they’d marked a too-young mate and watched him disappear into the darkness, Marcus fully agreed.

Morning light spilled through the manor’s windows, painting the kitchen in warm gold as three alpha wolves tried very hard to act normal while their mate devoured Jorge’s breakfast creations. Kai sat perched on a barstool, sleep-rumpled and adorable, completely oblivious to the silent conversation happening over his head.

His bruises are completely gone,Derek noted through their pack bond, watching Kai reach for more bacon.Even the deep ones from the Knox alpha.

Overnight,Marcus confirmed, hiding his frown behind his coffee cup.That’s not possible. Not for any wolf we know of.

Look at his eyes,Caleb added, not even trying to hide his staring.The gold flecks are brighter this morning. Like actual molten gold.

“You’re all being weird,” Kai announced without looking up from his plate. “Is this a wolf thing? The staring? Because it’s creepy.”

“We’re not staring,” Caleb protested automatically.

Kai arched an eyebrow, somehow managing to look imperious despite his rumpled sleep clothes and bedhead. “You literally haven’t blinked in five minutes.”

“He’s got you there,” Jorge called from the stove, clearly enjoying the mighty alphas being called out by their tiny mate. “Very creepy, boys. Maria would be ashamed.”

“Maria’s making lists of everything Kai needs,” Derek reported, skillfully changing the subject. “I think she’s planning to rebuild your entire wardrobe.”

“Oh God.” Kai’s horror was palpable. “Please tell me she’s not going shopping. I’ve seen her taste in curtains. Everything’s either ruffled or has tassels.”

“Don’t worry,pequeño.” Jorge flipped another perfect omelet onto a plate. “I’ve convinced her to stick to basics. Though she did insist on at least one formal outfit. Something about proper pack dinners?”

The three brothers watched in fascination as Kai’s nose scrunched adorably at the thought. Their mate had no right looking that cute while demolishing his third helping of breakfast.

His appetite’s increased too,Marcus observed silently.Power building requires more energy.

But what kind of power?Derek wondered, tracking the way Kai’s skin seemed to glow in the morning light.

First Pack blood doesn’t do this,Caleb reminded them.We’ve never seen anything like?—

“Seriously, stop with the weird telepathic wolf thing,” Kai interrupted, pointing his fork at them accusingly. “I can tell when you’re doing it. You all get this constipated look on your faces.”

Jorge’s laughter echoed through the kitchen. “Ah, finally someone says it! I’ve been telling them for years they look constipated when they do that.”

“We do not,” Marcus said with all the dignity he could muster, which wasn’t much with Kai grinning at him like that.

“You really do,” Kai assured him, then paused thoughtfully. “Though on you it’s more of a brooding romance novel hero look. Very Mr. Darcy discovers text messaging.”

Derek choked on his coffee while Caleb dissolved into laughter. Even Marcus couldn’t help his smile, especially when Kai looked so pleased with himself.

“I hate to interrupt this fascinating discussion of our facial expressions,” Marcus said, rising from his seat, “but I have a council meeting to attend.”

“Town council stuff?” Kai asked around a mouthful of bacon, clearly remembering the many times Marcus had mentioned his civic duties over the past weeks.

“Something like that,” Marcus replied smoothly, moving around the counter to press a kiss to Kai’s temple. Their mate smelled of sleep and safety and home, with an underlying hint of that strange power that seemed to grow stronger by the hour. “Try to keep my brothers out of trouble while I’m gone?”

Kai’s snort was distinctly unimpressed. “Pretty sure that’s above my pay grade.”

“You don’t have a pay grade,” Derek pointed out.

“Exactly my point.”