Page 17

Grace

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting golden light across the newly constructed buildings of Whispering Pines.

Music drifts through the air, mingling with laughter and conversation as I stand at the edge of the celebration, taking it all in.

The large wooden pavilion—completed just yesterday—hosts dozens of tables laden with food, while children chase each other across the freshly laid grass.

I still can't believe this is real. That we're here. That we're safe .

"You're doing it again," a familiar voice says beside me.

I turn to find Eli, two plates balanced in his hands and that crooked smile I've come to love warming his features. His hazel eyes catch the sunlight, turning them almost golden.

"Doing what?" I ask, accepting the plate he offers.

"That thing where you look like you're waiting for everything to disappear." He nudges my shoulder gently. "It's real, Grace. All of it."

I glance around at the gathering—at the packs and families that have become our community over these past months.

Ryan Thorne and his mate Jenna are helping serve food, while Hannah entertains a group of children with stories.

Across the pavilion, Adrian and Maya are deep in conversation with Theo and several members of the Howling Pines pack.

Even Sawyer has emerged from his usual solitude, sitting at a table with Ethan as they discuss security rotations.

And there—my heart swells—is Willow, racing across the grass with three other shifter children, her laughter carrying on the breeze. Six months ago, she wouldn't leave my side. Now she belongs here as much as anyone.

"I know it's real," I say softly. "I just never thought we'd have this."

Eli's hand finds mine, warm and steady. "Believe it. The first phase of the Sanctuary is complete. We did it."

" You did it," I correct him. "You and Adrian and everyone else who's been working on this for years."

"We all did it," a deep voice interrupts. Adrian approaches with Maya at his side, her hand linked with his. "Including you, Grace."

I shake my head. "I just helped with logistics."

"You did more than that," Maya insists. "You showed up every day, even when you were scared. That's what building something means—showing up, even when it's hard."

Adrian nods, his normally stern expression softened by the celebration. "The administrative work you've done for Theo's security team has been invaluable. You've helped coordinate our defenses, track patterns, establish protocols. The Sanctuary isn't just buildings—it's systems, people, community."

I feel warmth spread through my chest at their words. It's still hard for me to accept praise, to believe I've contributed anything meaningful. But I'm learning.

"There's still so much to do," Adrian continues. "Phase two begins next month. More housing, expanded medical facilities, reinforced perimeter—"

"Adrian," Maya cuts him off with a laugh, "it's a celebration. Save the planning for tomorrow."

He looks momentarily abashed, then nods. "You're right. Tonight is for celebrating what we've accomplished."

As they move on to greet others, Eli squeezes my hand. "Come with me? I want to show you something."

Curious, I follow him away from the pavilion, through the winding paths that connect the Sanctuary's buildings. We pass the community center, the medical clinic, and several of the completed family homes before turning onto the path that leads to—

"Our house," I whisper.

It stands before us, bathed in golden sunset light. It's not large or fancy—a simple two-story structure with a wide front porch and large windows—but it's ours. The home that Eli built for us, for Willow, for our future.

He leads me up the steps, across the porch, and through the front door. Inside, everything is finished now. The hardwood floors gleam, the walls are painted in soft colors, and furniture—a mix of new pieces and items we've collected over the months—makes the space feel lived-in, welcoming.

"I know we're not moving in until next week," Eli says, "but I wanted you to see it complete. Just us, before everyone else comes through."

I walk slowly through the living room, trailing my fingers along the back of the couch. "It's perfect."

"Come upstairs," he says, taking my hand again.

We climb the stairs together, and he leads me down the hall to Willow's room.

The walls are painted a soft green, with glow-in-the-dark stars scattered across the ceiling.

Bookshelves line one wall, already filled with the books she loves.

A window seat looks out over the forest edge, perfect for reading or daydreaming.

"She's going to love it," I say, my throat tight with emotion.

Next, he shows me the guest room, the bathroom with its large tub, and finally, at the end of the hall, our bedroom.

The space is large and airy, with windows on two walls and a door leading to a small balcony.

The bed is made with the quilt Maya helped me select, and framed photos line the dresser—snapshots of our growing family.

"What do you think?" Eli asks, his voice soft.

I turn to face him, taking in the man who has become my partner, my protector, my love. The man who never pushed me to trust him but showed me, day after day, that I could.

"I think I'm home," I whisper.

His smile is slow and beautiful. "That's all I've wanted, from the moment you and Willow arrived. For you to feel safe. For you to stay."

"I'm not running anymore," I promise him, stepping closer. "I don't need to."

He reaches up, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "No, you don't. The hunters are gone, Grace. They've been gone for a long time. And even if new threats come—and they will—we'll face them together. All of us."

I nod, blinking back tears. "I know that now. It just took me a while to believe it."

"You got there," he says. "That's what matters."

We stand there in the fading light, in the bedroom of the home we'll share, and I marvel at how far we've come. From the terrified woman who arrived with nothing but a backpack and a fierce need to protect her sister, to this—to belonging, to community, to love.

"I love you," I tell him, the words still new on my tongue but growing more natural each time. "I didn't think I could ever trust anyone enough to say that again, but I do. I love you, Eli."

His eyes soften, and he pulls me closer. "I love you too, Grace. More than I thought possible."

When his lips meet mine, it feels like coming home all over again. His kiss is tender yet certain, a promise of all the days to come. I lean into him, into the safety of his arms, into the future we're building together.

Outside, I can hear the distant sounds of the celebration continuing. Soon, we'll go back, join our friends, watch Willow play with the other children. Tomorrow, we'll continue working on the Sanctuary, expanding it, strengthening it, making it a true haven for all who need it.

But for now, in this moment, it's just us. Eli and Grace, no longer alone, no longer running.

Finally home.