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My teeth worry my bottom lip as I nod.

“What does that ultimately mean?” I whisper.

“It means that Silas told your mother that you have a pack and a decision has been made,” he says. “Your mother took that to mean that Pack Mayor had made a decision, which is completely on her to assume this. He told Vivian that you wouldn’t be living with her for long.”

“Okay,” I murmur, struggling to figure out why I have to go back at all as Riley puts my boots on.

“Your mother hurt you,” he says softly. “She’s going to have to pay for that. We’re going to be on a flight back today, as well, and you’ll be out of there by tonight. We have to pretend to abide by the law, even if our names are being entered as your pack instead of Silas’.”

“Okay,” I breathe.

Remembering the way Cassidy, Silas, and Cooper have talked about killing my mother, I can only imagine the type of justice that’ll be meted out. Do I feel badly about this?

Absolutely not. The hell she put me through more than warrants it. I want my life back, no matter what it takes.

“She’s always going to try to fuck with my life otherwise, won’t she?” I ask, watching as Riley zips up my boots.

“We aren’t exactly who she wants your pack to be,” he says, standing as he pulls me up. “Your mother doesn’t want Cooper and Ethan in your life at all.”

I can hear what he doesn’t say.It was one of the reasons I was at Weeping Willow.

“I want that place burned down,” I growl. “The hospital, Riley. I want it gone.”

“Cooper wants the same,” he says as we begin walking out of the bedroom. “It’s going to take some planning because there are so many ‘patients’ there.”

“I know,” I say. “A part of me still worries I’ll be sent back, and no one will be able to help me.”

“Never,” Riley snarls. “I swear it. You’ll never go back.”

Those words ring in my ears as I sit and wait with my alphas to be picked up by Silas. My hands cramp from how hard I hold onto Cooper and Riley's hands, but neither complain. Instead, Cooper leans toward me, reminding me of how strong I am.

“I’m tired of being strong,” I whisper. “It’s exhausting.”

Cooper wilts as he nods, pulling his hand away to pick me up into his lap.

“It fucking sucks,” he agrees. “I hate that you have to go back, but if we don’t do things right, Vivian could throw a fit and fuck everything up. The Healthy Pack Organization could choose to block our claim. It’s a power play, but I’ve heard it happen.”

“We can’t let that happen,” Ethan says urgently, picking up the wig I haven’t had to wear in days. He winces as he sees my face, and I can tell that this doesn’t sit well for him either. “I’m burning these things as soon as I can, Nina. We’re going to have a giant bonfire.”

“We need a place to do that,” Riley adds. “Choose a city to live in, Nina. Savannah or Minneapolis?”

“Savannah,” I decide immediately. “I don’t think I’m built for the cold.”

“Do you want a porch?” he asks. Riley is serious.

“Ah, yes,” I say, confused. “What is this?”

“House hunting,” Ethan explains. “Riley has an incredible memory, and he’ll use your answers to help us find a house today.”

“Today?” I squeak.

“Mmhmm,” Cooper murmurs. “We have a pack that needs a home, Princess. We’ve waited a long time for you, and it would be wrong to not give you the space you need. If you hate it, we’ll sell it.”

I gape at them, because I think they broke me.

“Focus, Nina,” Riley says, smirking. “Bay window or casement?”

“Are bay windows the ones that also become window seats?” I ask, frowning as I try to concentrate.