Page 137 of Mask and the Magnolia

I climb forward and get close enough to hug her, relieved and thrilled to see my best friend, and so much more grateful for her than I’ve ever been before.

“Go love on your pack.” Eve wipes her nose and playfully pushes me.

“Just no banging until we get you to your final destination.”

My eyes shift to the driver and all it takes is one look and I know without a doubt that’s Maisie Severe.

There’ll be time for that story later.

Because right now, I do need to love on my pack.

Facing my men as the first tear rolls down my cheek, smiling despite the way I start to cry.

“I’m sorry,” I sob as I lunge toward Korvin, grabbing Isaak as I go before I try reaching for Des and Calix, too. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it. I didn’t?—“

“We know, little flower,” Des says as he wraps an arm around me, pressing a kiss to my temple.

“And none of it matters.” Isaak nuzzles my neck and takes a deep breath. “The only thing that matters is that we’re together now.”

I nod as I cry harder, hugging each of my mates, exchangingI love youswhile holding them tight and kissing them with everything I’ve got.

Over and over. For as long as I can, until we’re tired and crashing for the first time in who knows how long.

I can’t stop touching them, can’t stop scenting them. I can’t get close enough. I want to crawl inside them and stay there forever, safe and protected, and loved more than I ever thought I’d be.

We even manage to get into a position that allows me to do that, to make contact with all four of my mates as we breathe a collective sigh of relief and I finally feel like I can relax.

Almost.

I turn toward Korvin, the only one of my boys still completely with it since the other three have already started to nod off from the adrenaline crash.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, reaching up to cup his cheek. “Aren’t you going to try to rest?”

He looks at me a little longer before those gray eyes wander, moving over Des at my other side, then down to Isaak and Calix who are essentially laying on top of us. He meets my gaze as I frown, my anxiety starting to creep in until he gives me a small smile.

“I never thought I’d have this,” he whispers as he starts to settle in beside me.

I smile as he repositions so he’s touching all of us. “Me either.”

Korvin shakes his head as he leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips as he closes his eyes. “Not just a pack. Scent matches and fate bonds. Forever.” He kisses me again then rests his forehead against mine. “I’ve never had anyone do what you did, Magnolia.”

Lifting my hand to his cheek again, I smile as I ask, “Love you enough to sacrifice themself for you?” Korvin nods and my smile grows. “That’s the thing, honey. When someone loves you that much, it’s not a sacrifice. You justdo.I’d give my life for each of you and I’d never question it, never hesitate or regret it because you’re the four pieces of my heart. You are my everything, I would do anything for you and I know you’d do the same.” I kiss his lips, softly, slowly, trying to convey everything I’m saying. “A love like ours, it’s as easy as breathing, and so is anything and everything that comes with it. And that’s how it’s going to be forever.”

Forever and long after.

TWENTY-FOUR

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

MAGNOLIA

Five months later

Ihonestly didn’t think I’d like camping but I do. I like it a lot, actually.

There’s something to be said for being in the great outdoors, all that fresh air and isolation.

Granted, I’m not sleeping in a tent. I don’t have to pee in a bush.