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TWELVE

The ride home was painfully silent. We each focused on our anxiety around returning home, our stale scents tattling on us in the small space. We didn’t know whether or not she would still be there, but somehow that didn’t matter. We were all desperate to know how Ciro’s night went.

Atlas pulled the car into the driveway incredibly slowly. If I didn’t know any better, I would say he’s trying to bait us into losing our minds. But no, one look at his face tells me he’s just as stir-crazy as we are. The vehicle comes to a stop, and Uriah gets out quicker than I’ve ever seen him.

Our grumpy friend has been very impatient these past few weeks. It would be more amusing if I wasn’t acting the exact same way.

We make our way into the house, trying to act nonchalant while simultaneously shitting bricks. The living room light is at full mast as we enter to find Ciro sitting on the couch. Alone.

“Sorry guys,” he tries to say sincerely, but his lips betray him. He’s still giddy as hell from his night with Stacia, and I don’t blame him one bit.

Our prime nods his head and crosses his arms. “That’s okay. All in due time,” he reassures us before putting a hand through his hair.

“If it makes you guys feel any better, she was very affected by the state of this room,” Ciro says.

“Really?” Uriah says, hope shining in his eyes.

“Yeah, she was trying to hide it from me, but I think she was more relaxed here. We had a really cozy evening.”

I take a seat beside Ciro, taking in his words right before something itches my nose in the most delectable way. I sniff the air a few more times, looking around for its source. When my gaze comes upon my favorite white blanket, a slightly embarrassing gasp escapes me.

My eyes widen and fly to Ciro. He’s looking at me with a naughty smirk before nodding his head, confirming my suspicions.

“No way,” I whisper as I fist the blanket delicately.

“She was quite enamored with it, actually. She said she was cold and asked if she could use it. You’re welcome.”

Atlas laughs. “Who knew leaving your stuff lying around would actually turn out to be a good thing?”

I bring the fabric to my nose slowly, awaiting the gloriousness I know I’ll find embedded in the fur. Her smell hits me full force from the very first inhale.

Mine.

I find vanilla and lavender freshly mixed in with my coconut scent. I feel myself harden embarrassingly quick at the blend of our fragrances. They work so well together, I almost want to cry at the beauty.

I look up to find all of my pack mates watching me, both concern and joy in their expressions. I wrap my arms around the blanket and give a small growl to cover up any self-consciousness.

“If there was any more doubt, that alone would confirm it,” Atlas says, a proud smile on his face. “You going to be okay, Kenny?”

I nod, trying not to show the blatant emotion on my face. “Definitely,” I say. “On a completely unrelated note, can you all promise me that you won’t wash this blanket until I say it’s okay?”

They all give small chuckles and agree. I feel the emotion full force, and cuddle the blanket in my hold. “She’s ours,” I say in disbelief. “She’s really ours.”