Page 9 of Echoes of Us

The sound of laughter and music drifted through the night air long before Willow and Talon rounded the corner of the house.

The scent of grilled food mixed with pine and the faint sweetness of honeysuckle growing wild along the fence line filled her senses.

Fireflies blinked lazily across the open space, their golden glow weaving through the soft string lights, which were draped from tree to tree like glowing ribbons.

It was rustic and beautiful in a way that felt completely at odds with the nervous energy twisting in her stomach.

Willow could feel the weight of eyes on her the moment they stepped into the sprawling backyard.

The chatter didn’t stop, but she caught the subtle shift of voices dipping just enough for her to know she was being talked about.

Packs were like that, she guessed. Protective, curious, and cautious.

Even though most of them knew her, she was still the outsider.

Talon’s hand tightened around hers, steady and sure. His warmth seeped into her palm, grounding her. He didn’t have to say a word. That small gesture told her everything she needed to know. He had her, he wasn’t ashamed, and he sure as hell wasn’t hiding her.

Lights flickered over faces, some she knew and others she didn’t.

Women stood laughing near long wooden tables lined with food as men tossed horseshoes near the edge of the clearing, while kids darted between the trees chasing the glow of fireflies.

Someone had set up a bonfire pit, the flames snapping and sending sparks dancing toward the star-filled sky.

Music played low from a set of speakers—something country, smooth, and familiar.

Willow lifted her chin and forced herself to smile, returning a few curious glances with polite nods. Every instinct told her to shrink back, but she refused. Talon had asked her to trust him, and she would. Even if her heart raced and her palms were damp, she would stand beside him.

Her gaze caught movement near the grill, and her shoulders eased just a little when she spotted Cory flipping burgers like a pro. He grinned the moment their eyes met and waved them over with a spatula, the flames lighting his easy smile.

“Guess we’re being summoned,” Talon murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching as he leaned closer.

Willow couldn’t help but laugh softly, the sound breaking through her nerves. “Lead the way.”

He squeezed her hand again, pride and affection glinting in his eyes as he guided her forward through the crowd.

“Hey, Willow.” Cory grinned, pulling her into a big, brotherly hug that smelled like smoke and grilled meat. “Hope you’re hungry.”

“Depends.” Willow’s lips curved as she leaned back and arched a brow. “Has he gotten any better with his grilling skills?” Her gaze flicked toward Talon, who was already smirking.

“Still see you’re a smartass.” Cory gave an exaggerated scowl before winking at her. “Guess some things never change.”

“She’s perfect,” Talon said, his voice warm and proud as he slipped his arm around her waist. He tugged her close and brushed a quick kiss against her temple.

Cory groaned dramatically, waving his spatula like a weapon. “Okay, enough of that mushy crap before I lose my appetite.”

“You’re just jealous.” Talon snorted, shaking his head.

“Jealous my ass,” Cory shot back, pointing the spatula at him. “You two keep that up, and I’m spraying you both with the hose.”

“Stop playing with that spatula and get me a hamburger, Cory,” a familiar voice called from behind them. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

Willow turned, instantly smiling when she saw Lois walking toward them with her hands on her hips and her usual confident stride.

“Well, look who decided to show up,” Cory said, pretending to look annoyed but failing miserably.

Lois ignored him and went straight to Willow, pulling her into a tight hug. “Glad you made it,” she said warmly.

Relief flooded Willow. She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been until now. “So am I,” she admitted, keeping her arm looped around Lois’s shoulders for a moment longer than necessary.

“Just because you work in a restaurant doesn’t mean you get to tell me how to handle my spatula,” Cory muttered, trying to sound tough.

Lois rolled her eyes, laughing. “Oh, please. You burn toast.”

“Lies and slander,” Cory replied, flipping a burger a little too hard, sending grease popping into the air.

Lois ignored him and turned back to Willow, her tone softening. “Everyone treating you okay?”

“Yes,” Willow said, glancing around at the pack members laughing, talking, and eating under the warm glow of string lights. “We just got here, actually. Whose party is this, anyway?”

“Everyone’s,” Lois said, her eyes bright as she looked up at Talon.

“Our Alpha decided it’s time this place felt like home again.

It used to be that no one came here unless they were summoned by his father.

Now Talon opens it up twice a month for the whole Pack with food, music, drinks, the works. He’s rebuilding what’s been broken.”

Willow looked up at Talon, her chest tightening with emotion. The firelight flickered over his face, catching in his dark eyes. She could see pride there, as well as a strength his father never had.

“Pretty awesome of him, isn’t it?” Lois added with a grin.

Willow nodded slowly, her throat tightening as she looked back at Lois. “Yeah,” she whispered, her heart swelling. “It really is.”

Lois stared at Willow for a long moment before finally grabbing her hand. “Come on, the women are over here.”

“Lois,” Talon’s voice came out low, carrying a warning that made a few heads turn.

“I’ve got her, Talon,” Lois said with a knowing smile. “We’re just going over there. Let her mingle without you glaring holes through everyone’s heads.”

Willow looked up at him, her heart softening at the protective fire burning in his eyes. “I’ll be fine,” she promised, though she wasn’t entirely sure she would be. But she’d fake it if she had to. He was trying, truly trying, to help her fit in. “Go help Cory before he burns the hot dogs.”

Cory cursed in the background, proving her point, and she laughed softly, letting Lois tug her away. She gave Talon one last glance over her shoulder. He looked ready to bolt after her, but she offered her brightest smile before turning back to where Lois was dragging her.

“You think this is a good idea?” Willow asked under her breath.

“I’ll make sure no one shifts and eats you,” Lois said, sounding dead serious before laughing when Willow shot her a glare. “Relax. You know most of these people. But them seeing you away from their Alpha will give them a real sense of who you are.”

“For someone who knows me really well, I’ll ask again... do you really think this is a good idea?” Willow muttered. “You know my mouth tends to get me in trouble sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” Lois snorted as they approached a group of women. “Why do you think I like you so damn much? Hey, ladies! Look who’s back!”

Willow smiled, relieved to see familiar faces. “It’s nice to see you all again.”

“Why in the world would you come back here?” Amanda Shinkle asked, brows furrowing.

Willow’s stomach sank, but she kept her polite smile. “I—”

“New York!” Amanda interrupted with a dramatic sigh. “I’d give anything to live in the city instead of these damn mountains. Seriously, why the hell did you come back to this place?”

“Oh, well, I—”

“Did you see who she came with?” Jazzy Tremble cut in, winking. “I’d say the mountains had nothing to do with it.”

Trisha laughed, walking forward to hug Willow tightly. “Doesn’t matter to me why she’s back. I’m just glad she is.”

The tears threatened again, stinging her eyes, but Willow blinked them away. Trisha McKay had been one of her few true friends here, along with Lois. Jazzy and Amanda had always been kind, but never close.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Trisha said, smiling warmly. “And ignore the whispers, Willow. Most of us want to see our Alpha happy. The rest, the ones still loyal to Arthur Wessex, can hit the road. We’ve got you, girl.”

“Thank you,” Willow whispered, clearing the lump from her throat. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”

Jazzy frowned, shaking her head. “We all heard how Arthur forced you out of town. My father hated that man. I’m sorry, Willow. Poor Talon was wrecked after you left.”

“I was dating a human from town,” Amanda chimed in suddenly.

“Seriously?” Lois asked, eyes wide. “Who?”

“Frankie Milner,” Amanda said with a sigh. “Arthur found out and ran him off. Now, when I see him in town, he pretends I don’t exist.”

“Frankie Milner?” Lois grinned. “Damn, girl, he’s fine even for a human. You’ve got good taste.”

Willow managed a soft laugh, feeling more at ease, until her gaze drifted across the yard. That was when she saw her.

Sandra Roseman. It had always been well known around town that she wanted Talon for herself.

The man beside her was tall, dark-haired, with an air of arrogance that practically reeked of trouble, and he was staring right at Willow.

When Sandra whispered something, the man’s glare only deepened as he began striding toward them.

“Who’s that man?” Willow asked quietly.

Lois’s expression hardened. “Ah, hell. That’s Barron. Arthur brought him in right before you left. He was Arthur’s spy. Arrogant piece of shit who hates Talon and drools over Sandra.”

“Well, looks like I’m on his shit list too,” Willow murmured, squaring her shoulders as he approached.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Barron’s voice was low, sharp as a blade.

“I was invited,” Willow said evenly, forcing calm into her tone. “Hello, Sandra.”

Sandra’s eyes widened in confusion. “Hi, Willow.”

“You’re human. You don’t belong here,” Barron snapped, stepping between them.

“And you’re a rude asshole who doesn’t decide where I belong,” Willow replied, her voice smooth and unshaken. She shot a glance at Lois, who was grinning ear to ear. “I warned you about my mouth.”

“The Alpha invited her,” Lois said coolly, looking from Willow to the man. “If you’ve got a problem, take it up with him.”

“I have no respect for an Alpha who brings his human whore into our pack,” Barron sneered, then started to say something else until Talon’s fist stopped him when it slammed into his mouth.

The women screamed as Barron crumpled, but Talon was already there, grabbing him by the collar and hauling him into the air with terrifying ease.

“How dare you speak to my mate that way?” Talon’s voice rumbled through the night, low and lethal.

“Your mate?” Barron spat blood, glaring. “So your father was right. You’ll destroy this pack for a human.”

Talon hit him again. And again. Then threw him toward Cory, his chest heaving. “I’ll deal with him later,” he growled, eyes glowing gold before shifting back to brown.

“He ain’t going nowhere...yet,” Cory growled as he held Barron in place.

When Talon turned to Willow, the entire yard was silent. She knew what was about to happen, and she was afraid, but not for herself. She was afraid for him.

“You don’t have to do this,” Willow whispered, her hand trembling in his.

“Yes, Willow, I do,” he said softly, his gaze locked on hers.

After a few minutes, Willow nodded with a tilt of her head and a smile. “I trust you,”

Talon leaned down and kissed her softly, then turned toward the crowd, his voice carrying across the yard.

“I am your Alpha. I’ve done everything I can to undo the damage my father has caused.

I’ve treated each of you with respect, listened to your needs, and fought for fairness.

” His grip on Willow’s hand tightened. “But I will not allow anyone to dictate how I live my life. My father tried, and he failed. He tried to destroy the one good thing I had by threatening her, by driving her away with lies and fear.”

Willow’s heart ached as he looked down at her, emotion flickering in his eyes.

“But he didn’t succeed in the long run,” Talon said firmly, his deep voice carrying across the hushed yard.

His gaze swept over the silent crowd, radiating dominance and devotion with every word.

“And no one will succeed now. You are free to leave if this isn’t the pack you want to belong to.

I will not force loyalty. But know this.

..Willow Campbell, soon to be Willow Wessex, is my mate.

And she will also be my wife, in the human way. ”

A ripple of surprise and murmurs spread through the crowd, but Talon didn’t waver. His golden eyes softened as he turned back to Willow. Then, without hesitation, he knelt before her.

Gasps broke through the silence. Time itself seemed to still as he pulled a small box from his pocket, the glint of the diamond catching the string lights swaying in the trees.

Looking up at her with fierce tenderness, he said, “Willow Campbell, will you not only be my mate in the ways of shifters, but also my wife in the ways of humans?”

Her breath caught. For one trembling second, all she could see was the man she’d once loved and lost, the one who had haunted her dreams and now stood before her, offering forever.

“Yes,” Willow whispered, her voice strong despite the tears in her eyes. “Yes, Talon. Always yes.”

A smile spread across his face as he rose to his feet.

He slid the ring onto her trembling finger, the diamond flashing like captured moonlight.

Then, before she could even blink, he pulled her against him and kissed her deeply, completely claiming her not just as his mate, but as his heart in front of everyone.

The crowd erupted around them, some cheering, others whistling, and laughing, filling the night with warmth and wild celebration. Some shouted Talon’s name. Others chanted hers. A few even wiped away tears.

Willow barely heard any of it. Her world had narrowed to the strength of his arms, the heat of his lips, and the steady beat of his heart against hers.

She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, or if every Shifter in that yard would stand by their Alpha’s side. But she knew one thing for certain...she had found her way back to where she was meant to be.

And this time, she wasn’t running.