Page 47 of Curses and Casualties (Hunters Hollow #3)

I wake to the sound of my phone buzzing with a message and just stare up at the ceiling for a moment.

The morning sun streams through the windows of our bedroom, casting everything in warm golden light.

I can hear the sounds of our ever-growing pack outside.

Laughter from the kitchen where someone’s making breakfast for the communal dining hall, the splash of young wolves playing in the lake, and the distant sound of Ethan leading the morning training session.

But it’s all joyful noise now, not the sharp barks of orders and submission that used to echo through these lands.

When I reach for my cell to read the text, I find Ryan’s side of the bed empty but still warm, which means he’s been gone less than an hour.

Through our bond, I can sense him in his office, probably reviewing the requests we’ve been getting from other packs wanting to learn about our ‘new model’ of leadership.

The Soul Bond really did create ripples throughout the supernatural world. Just like the ancient texts promised.

I scan the contents of the message, stretching languidly and smiling as Luna’s contentment mingles with my own. She’s so much stronger now, her voice clear and present but never overwhelming. We’ve found our balance.

“Good morning, love,” I murmur into the empty room, knowing Ryan will feel my affection through our bond. “I have news.”

‘Good morning, love,’ his voice responds in my mind, warm with the smile I can picture. ‘ I’ll meet you in the kitchen. I have coffee ready.’

With my cell in hand, I pad out in one of his oversized t-shirts, bare feet silent on the wooden floors. The kitchen is one of my favorite spots in our cabin, with warm stone counters and a breakfast nook where we can watch the sunrise over the mountains.

Ryan’s standing at the counter, steam rising from two mugs as he adds honey to mine.

The sight of him still makes my heart skip, even twelve months later, even with the complete mind-meld connection we share, there’s something about watching him do these simple, domestic things that fills me with overwhelming love.

He’s wearing jeans and a long-sleeve t-shirt that hugs his shoulders in ways that make me want to drag him back to bed, but more than that, he looks.

.. peaceful. The constant tension he used to carry has melted away.

His wolf and human sides are completely integrated now, Kane’s strength balancing Ryan’s compassion in perfect harmony.

“Heart,” I say, accepting the mug but setting it down on the counter without taking a sip, “do you remember how we got kinda... stuck when we were having sex a few weeks ago?”

Ryan nearly chokes on his coffee, his cheeks flushing pink. “Jesus, Georgia. Good morning to you too.”

I grin at his embarrassment. Even after everything we’ve been through, he still gets adorably flustered at times. “You know what I mean. When you...” I gesture vaguely toward him.

“When I knotted you,” he finishes, his voice dropping to that growly tone that makes my knees weak. “Yeah, I remember. Surprised the hell out of me too.”

“Right? So...” I move to take a sip of my coffee but think better of it, instead just sliding my phone between my hands to keep my fingers busy. “I’m guessing it works the same way as with regular wolves. You know, when a female is in heat.”

Ryan sets his mug down very slowly, his eyes sharpening with sudden focus. “You think you were in heat?”

I shrug, trying to play it casual even though my heart is hammering. “I mean, it makes sense, right? Who would’ve thought that me being extra horny was actually a biological imperative?”

His mouth curves into that devastating smirk that made me fall for him in the first place. “That’s because you’re always horny, love.”

“Of course I am!” I gesture toward his whole…him. “Have you seen who I’m mated to? I’d have to be dead not to want to jump you every five minutes.”

He laughs, the sound rich and warm, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. The hope and wonder starting to build in his eyes.

“Georgia,” he says, my name a question as much as a statement. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

I take a deep breath, willing my racing heart to slow. “I’m two weeks late. And I’ve never been late. Like, ever.”

His eyes widen, the blue darkening to midnight as his pupils dilate. He’s at my side in an instant, hands hovering over my abdomen as if he’s afraid to touch.

“Really?” he whispers, and the vulnerability in his voice nearly breaks me.

“Really,” I confirm, placing my hands over his and pressing them against my belly. “I went to see Owen about it yesterday, and he texted the blood test results through this morning.” I show him the text on my phone.

Owen: Congrats, sis-in-law. HCG levels confirm what we suspected. You’re pregnant. Come by today for a proper check-up. And tell that brother of mine I can’t wait to be an uncle, but to please teach his pup not to bite.

Ryan’s face transforms, a mix of emotions flickering across his features—shock, wonder, joy, and finally, a fierce protectiveness that makes his eyes flash with that rainbow shimmer.

Then he drops to his knees in front of me, pressing his forehead against my stomach. I run my fingers through his hair, enjoying the silky texture and the way he leans into my touch like a cat seeking affection.

“A baby,” he breathes against my skin. “Our baby.”

“The first of the next generation,” I say, tears pricking at my eyes. “Born of a true Soul Bond.”

“Hello, little pup,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my belly.

“You’re going to be an amazing father,” I whisper, cupping his face in my hands.

He stands slowly, pulling me against him with infinite gentleness, as if I might break. “And you’re going to be the most incredible mother.” His voice cracks slightly. “I can’t believe this is real.”

“It’s real,” I assure him, going up on my toes to kiss him softly. “We’re having a baby.”

Through our bond, I feel the moment it truly hits him. The overwhelming rush of love and protectiveness that makes his wolf surge to the surface. His eyes flash that brilliant rainbow, and suddenly I’m glowing too—Luna’s joy radiating from my skin in silver waves.

“The pack needs to know,” he says, already thinking like an Alpha. “This changes everything. A Soul Bond baby?—”

“Will be the most protected child in supernatural history,” I finish with a laugh. “Between you, me, Ethan, Owen, and especially the úlfhéenar when they visit, this kid won’t be able to sneeze without someone checking if they need backup.”

Ryan chuckles, some of the intensity fading as humor takes over. “Poor kid doesn’t stand a chance of getting away with anything.”

“Speaking of the pack,” I say, settling into his arms, “we should probably tell them before rumors start. You know how wolves are with scents.”

“They’ll smell the change on you within days,” he agrees. “Probably sooner. Enhanced senses and all that.”

I lean back to look at him, taking in the wonder still shining in his eyes. “Are you ready for this? Really ready?”

“Are any of us ever ready to become parents?” he asks, then grows serious.

“But yes. More than ready. I’ve been dreaming about this—about seeing you grow round with our child, about teaching them to shift, about watching them grow up in this new world where wolves get to choose their path instead of being separated by creation status.

They could be a simple forager if they wanted, or they could work to gain respect and sit on the new council.

Whatever sets their heart alight will be the path they get to follow. ”

“I love that. But what about those two a.m. feedings and diaper changes that’ll come first?” I tease.

“Even those.” His grin is soft and genuine. “Especially those. Every unglamorous, exhausting, wonderful moment of it.”

My throat tightens with emotion. This man, who started as a broken, isolated wolf convinced he was nothing more than a vessel left to be consumed by madness, is now talking about raising our child like it’s the greatest privilege in the world.

“I love you,” I whisper, meaning it with every fiber of my being.

“I love you too. All of you.” His hands settle over my stomach again. “And I already love this little one more than I thought possible.”

A knock at our front door interrupts the moment, followed by Ethan’s voice calling out, “You two decent? We’ve got pack business to discuss.”

Ryan and I look at each other, and I can see the same thought in his eyes that’s in mine—perfect timing.

“Come in,” Ryan calls back, though he doesn’t let go of me.

Ethan enters the kitchen with his usual easy stride, but stops short when he sees us. “What’s going on?” he asks slowly.

“I don’t know. Do you smell something?” I ask, prompting Ethan to sniff the air. His nostrils flare slightly, and his eyes go wide.

“Holy shit,” he breathes, looking between us. “Is that...? Are you...?”

“Pregnant,” I confirm with a grin. “Surprise!”

Ethan’s whoop of joy is so loud it probably alerts the entire pack. He crosses the kitchen in two strides and sweeps me into a careful but enthusiastic hug.

“This is incredible!” he says, setting me down and immediately turning to Ryan. “Congratulations, man. Both of you. This is—this is everything we hoped for when you completed the bond.”

“The first Soul Bond baby in centuries,” Ryan says, pride clear in his voice.

“The pack is going to lose their minds,” Ethan grins. “In the best possible way. Should I...?”

“Go ahead,” I laugh. “Call everyone together. Might as well make it official.”

As Ethan heads off to gather the pack, I turn back to Ryan. He’s watching me with such pure love and contentment that it takes my breath away.

“No regrets?” I ask, thinking of everything we’ve been through—the danger, the fear, the impossible choices we had to make.

“Not a single one,” he says firmly, pulling me close again. “Every moment of struggle led us here. To this kitchen, this morning, this news. To the life we’re building together.”

Outside, I can hear Ethan’s voice calling the pack together, excitement buzzing through his words.

Soon we’ll step out onto our porch and announce the news to a chorus of congratulations and celebration, planning and protective instincts.

Our child will grow up surrounded by this kind of love and loyalty.

But for now, it’s just us. Ryan and Georgia, Kane and Luna, and the tiny spark of new life growing inside me. The Soul Bond that started with a desperate attraction in a magical cave has become something even more beautiful—a family, a future, and hope restored to an entire supernatural world.

“Ready to face the madness?” I ask as footsteps approach outside

“With you?” Ryan kisses my forehead tenderly. “I’m ready for anything.”