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I nodded. "We can't have any secrets. That's how we all got into this situation in the first place. If you join us, then you're one of us."

Jayce studied us, his gray eyes cold and calculating. "I'll agree to this trial period on one condition. I get to run things my way. My pack stays separate from yours. That means I don't have to follow your rules or laws. My wolves don't have to abide by your pack rules."

Samson grunted. "That's already how we work. I run my pack a little more progressively than these two, but since Scott has taken a mate as well, and an outspoken one at that, his pack is changing too. Joe, on the other hand..."

"Hey," Joe protested, smiling. "My pack is just fine. Besides, if we're all working together, then individual pack rules won't matter."

Jayce leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment before he nodded once. "Okay. That's agreeable to me." He looked between the three Alphas. "But why are you willing to do this?"

Samson answered first, folding his hands on the table. "Because having your pack so close to our territories without any communication or connection is a danger to us all. We don't want to fight you, but we're not going to risk being blindsided if you need help or cause trouble."

"Understood."

From there, Jayce signed all the necessary paperwork, and we explained to him just what being part of our alliance would entail. I knew the terms weren't ideal, but I could sense his excitement, and I hoped that we'd made the right decision.

I walked Jayce out when we were done, leaving Joe and Samson to talk privately. I was glad we'd gotten everything settled, because I wanted to get back to Nayeli as quickly as possible.

Jayce paused at the door, giving me a calculating look. "You're serious about all this, huh?"

"Of course," I said, frowning at him. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Jayce shrugged. "I'm still not used to being around Alphas who take this sort of thing seriously.

It's a nice change of pace. Look, I know you like me the least out of everyone, but I wanted to extend an offer to you.

There are a few members of my pack who are very skilled in magic, and if your mate would like some assistance growing her power, they can help. "

I wasn't sure how I felt about Jayce or his pack, but if there was anyone in his pack who could give her the guidance she needed, then I'd swallow my pride and accept his help. "Fine. I'll tell her, and if she's interested, she'll be in contact."

Jayce nodded and stepped back. "I appreciate you coming to me directly. I hope we can make this work."

He walked away, and I took a deep breath. Now that we'd managed to get Jayce on board with the alliance, I was hopeful we could return to normal. Well, as normal as things could be for us.

***

That night was the first time Nayeli felt up to going out, and I wanted to make sure she enjoyed herself.

There was something eating at me inside, something I had to say to her, and with the alliance solidified, I was feeling confident.

I wanted to tell her exactly what I thought of her, and I wanted to see her reaction.

We skipped the restaurants and picked up takeout instead, spreading a blanket on the beach to eat while we watched the sunset. I'd gotten us Italian to make up the meal we'd missed after the library incident. Nayeli was all smiles as she dug into the lasagna.

The air had a touch of coolness to it, but not enough to bother us. The sky was a mixture of soft pinks, purples, and oranges, and it lit Nayeli's hair like a watercolor painting.

"This is nice," she said happily, leaning back against me.

I pressed my lips to her ear. "I wanted to do something special for you. For both of us."

She hummed softly. "For both of us? That sounds promising."

I smiled, pressing another kiss to her neck.

I hadn't told her why I'd decided to take her out here, or what I was about to say, but I hoped she would be just as happy as I was.

After everything that had happened with the darkness at her old house and Jayce's pack, I was more determined than ever to give her the world.

Oddly enough, I felt nervous. I was never nervous.

I cleared my throat as I went over the script in my head.

"I've been thinking about us. I know we've done everything backwards, but it's worked, hasn't it?

" I felt myself start to ramble. "I mean, through all the magic and danger and whatever.

..we've made a good team. What if we...ah. ..were a team forever?"

She blinked at me, clearly not following. "What do you mean?"

"Sell your apartment. Move everything into my place. I don't care if it looks like Comic Con threw up in there; I want you to make it your home, too. Because I don't want you to leave. Ever. I want you to be mine forever." I paused and swallowed hard. "I know I sound like an idiot right now..."

"An idiot that I love."

Stunned, I looked down at her, pulse racing. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me, Scott Nevada," she said, giving me a wide smile. "And it feels really good to finally tell you that."

My heart was pounding so loudly I could barely hear myself think.

"I heard what you said when I was still knocked out at my old house. You told me you loved me then, and it helped me climb out of the darkness. So here's me saying it back: I love you."

I laughed, kissing her soundly. "So you already knew, huh? Looks like I'm the awkward one this time around."

I felt Nayeli smile against my mouth. "I'm glad you finally told me. I love you, Scott. I love you so much."

I pressed my lips against hers, pouring all of my love into that kiss.

My heart felt like it was going to explode, and I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer to me.

I rested a hand on her belly, spreading my fingers wide.

She wasn't showing yet, but it just felt right to include our pup in the moment.

I loved this woman more than anything, and I'd never let her go. Not now, not ever.

"I love you too, Nayeli Jones."

"Nayeli Nevada," she corrected with a giggle.

"Ah, that's right. Nayeli Nevada. It had a good ring to it, doesn't it?"