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I’m wrapped in satin. A deep moon-silver gown with a neckline that brushes just beneath my collarbones. The crest of the Moonlight Pack, a silver crescent, rests against my hip.

My curls are pinned up with tiny white blossoms, and my lips are painted with a touch of pink gloss. But it’s not the dress or the makeup that makes me feel regal or like some sort of lost princess of the Moonlight Pack.

It’s the way Alaric looks at me from across the garden, like I’m the reason the stars still exist.

I’m still shaking.

Because the last time I stood in this place, I was an outcast. A person who didn’t belong in this type of circle.

Right now, though? I’m the woman they’ve been waiting to have home.

My eyes flick to the elders among the crowd. Some I recognize from the memories where I used to sit in my father’sstudy, listening to the meetings like I could understand what was being discussed.

Elder Tenno nods at me from the front row, his eyes proud.

Elder Matthew? He’s got his usual scowl on his face, but for once, he doesn’t look at me like he’s preparing to spit at me and kick me the hell out, and I guess that’s a win, right?

Lina pulls me out of it when she tugs on my hand, squealing softly, “Daddy!”

I don’t need to turn to know he’s there. I can feel him in every fiber of my being. His scent, that addictive blend of cedarwood and cinnamon, fills the air just before his arms wrap around us.

“You look pretty, princess,” he murmurs as he lifts Lina into his arms.

“And Mommy too?” Lina asks with a mischievous grin.

Alaric leans close, his voice a gentle caress. “Mommy’s not just pretty. She’s stunning.”

My lips part into a smile. “You always say that.”

Every single time.

Hell, I'm sure Alaric would tell us we looked pretty if we wore trash bags and showed up on his doorstep covered in mud.

“Because it’s always true.”

His hand curls around my waist, pulling me flush against his side. I lean into him, soaking up his scent like a sponge soaks up water, because this man has been my lifeline.

The man I thought broke me intentionally, has rebuilt me, given me a daughter, and reunited me with my pack.

“I’m nervous,” I admit, swallowing hard.

Alaric tilts his head, studying me. “You don’t have to be. Everyone here is dying to meet you. You’re not just the lost Luna anymore, Lila. You’re their future.”

My breath catches.

“But what if they don’t believe me?” I whisper.

His fingers trail down my arm. “Then let me be the first to tell you that they wouldn’t be here if they didn’t believe you are Irene. You’re the heart of two packs, baby. And if it gets too much?”

“I’ll tell you and we can go home.”

“Attagirl. Are you ready?”

I nod, but then remembering he likes words more, I say with a smile, “I’m ready.”

“They’ll love you, Lila. Just like I do.”

A minute later, Alaric steps forward and everyone falls quiet. His voice booms through the space ,and it travels down my spine in a tantalizing way.