Page 66

When we turn onto the main street, I’m surprised to see a giant “Welcome Home” banner stretched out across the road, tied between two huge trees.

People, my packmates, line the street and cheer as we slow to a crawl.

“Your pack welcomes you,” Austin says with a smile.

I give a little wave and try to calm my racing heart. When we park, people swarm the car, forcing Austin to use his Alpha influence to get people to back up.

Cleo clings to me, peering out at everyone with interest.

The former Alpha Malakai and Luna Elizabeth come rushing out to meet us. I hesitate for only a moment, unsure of the kind of welcome I will get now that they know I kept their granddaughter from them. Austin told me that they were overjoyed by the news when he told them, but I’ve still been anxious. However, as soon as Luna Elizabeth draws near, I know I needn't have worried. Her face is warm and welcoming as ever, a potent reminder that I’m trulyhome.

“Yelena, you’re home,” Luna Elizabeth says, crushing me to her chest in a bear hug. “Thank the Moon Goddess.” I wrap my arms around her as well, hugging her tightly.

When we pull back, I tug on Cleo’s hand and pull her forward. “This is Cleo,” I tell her.

Luna Elizabeth’s eyes fill with tears as she crouches down in front of Cleo.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” she says warmly. “I’m Elizabeth, your father’s mama. If you wanted, you could call me Nonna.”

Cleo studies her seriously for a moment before breaking out in a huge grin. “Nonna!” she exclaims, rushing to give her a hug.

Elizabeth embraces Cleo lovingly, tears of joy in her eyes as she holds her granddaughter for the first time. I look over to see Austin looking on with pride. My heart swells at the sight of his mother bonding with our child. Malakai looks on, his face a mixture of pride and uncertainty as he watches his granddaughter frolic and play. He’s never been one to be emotionally effusive, but something tells me that Cleo will have him wrapped around her finger in no time.

The reunion is interrupted by a commotion near the edge of the crowd. The pack parts to make way for Vincent, Austin's beta, who approaches with a grave expression.

I hurry to Austin’s side.

"Alpha," Vincent says urgently. "We must speak right away. The threat may be more serious than we realized."

Anxiety floods my veins, and I look to Austin. His face darkens and his smile disappears. Former Alpha Malakai looks alarmed as well.

Shit. What is happening right now?

Austin nods curtly at Vincent before turning back to me and Cleo.

"I'm sorry, my loves, but duty calls,” he says, motioning for his mom to come over. “Mom, can you help them get settled?” he asks.

She nods, but I turn to Austin with worry in my eyes.

“Tell me she’s going to be safe,” I whisper urgently. “Tell me the threat isn’t against Cleo.”

He kisses my cheek tenderly.

“Take Cleo and get settled back home. There was an unusual scent at the borders. Unknown wolf or wolves. We’re going to check it out, and then I’ll be home. You and Cleo will be safe here. I swear it.”

I don’t like the idea of an unknown wolf sniffing around our perimeter, but it does happen from time to time. With Cleo and I only recently arrived back on the pack’s land, it feels particularly ominous.Is it truly a visiting wolf or a rogue passing by, or is it a sign of something more nefarious? Could the news that Cleo is the new Seer have spread that quickly? Are they pushing at our boundaries because they want to get to her?

These questions, and more, press on my brain, almost to the point of overwhelming me. I look over at Austin and take a deep breath.Our mate is the Alpha. He will keep us safe.

My wolf whines in agreement and I manage a small smile and then go up on my tiptoes to kiss him quickly.

“Be safe, my love,” I whisper in his ear.

He squeezes my hand. “Always, my Luna.”

With that, he quickly shifts and bounds off, followed by Vincent. I watch them until they disappear beyond the tree line.

Elizabeth puts her arm around me reassuringly.