Page 177 of Pack Plus One

“Cravings already?” Caleb’s eyes light with interest. “What else?”

“Pickles and ice cream,” I deadpan. “The most cliché pregnancy craving possible.”

His expression turns so earnest that I burst out laughing. “I’m kidding! Though I wouldn’t say no to some of Mason’s double chocolate cookies if they’re still in the freezer.”

“I’ll get them,” he says immediately, pressing a kiss to my forehead before heading toward the kitchen.

Alone in the soon-to-be nursery, I place both hands on my stomach, marveling at the miracle happening inside me. It’s still too early to feel anything, but knowing our child is there, growing stronger every day, fills me with a sense of wonder I never expected to experience.

When I glance up, I catch sight of my reflection in the window. My pack mark is visible above the neckline of my shirt. The puzzle piece necklace still hangs around my neck. Both symbols of belonging, of connection, of a journey that began with a wedding invitation and a case of mistaken identity.

“Best plus-one mix-up ever,” I whisper to my reflection, and to the new life beginning within me.

From the kitchen, I hear Caleb calling for Mason, who apparently has hidden the cookies “in a location only he can access.” Jude’s voice joins the fray, followed by Liam’s more measured tones attempting to mediate.

My pack. My family. My home.

As I turn to join them, my hand still resting protectively over our growing child, I can’t help but smile. Whatever comes next—midnight cravings, nursery debates, the inevitable chaos of raising a child in a house full of alphas and one very opinionated beta—we’ll face it together.

Just the way it was always meant to be.