Page 90 of Rhett

“Well…” I paused just to tease out my response.

They all leaned forward, staring at me expectantly.

“Yes,” I said simply.

They all sagged with relief.

Imani slapped my shoulder. “Girl, my heart was racing a mile a minute, waiting for your answer.”

Rose frowned. “But why wouldn’t Nova stay? She’s found her mate. That’s a shifter’s dream come true.”

“Uh, do you know how much shit I’ve been through since arriving here?” I asked Rose. “Rhett wanted to toss me out on day one.”

“Her pendant got stolen by Sam,” Imani said over a mouthful of food.

“Josie attacked her. Owl-shifter warrior-style,” Nyx chimed in.

“And now Sam’s framed her for murder,” Izzy finished.

Rose shrugged. “Still don’t see the problem.”

I gave her myAre you crazy?stare.

“Okay.” Rose held up her hand. “I’ll admit that your introduction to our world was not ideal. But you found your mate.” She sighed wistfully. “I’ve been waiting eons for mine. I just hit forty, and my mother has pretty much given up on the idea of planning my mating ceremony. Now she’s moved on to torturing me with a daily text, giving me the lowdown on which one of her friends’ daughters has found their mate. That shit is depressing.”

“Age ain’t nothing but a number,” I added. “I’m forty, and it doesn’t mean it’s the end of my world. In fact, midlife rocks!”

“Exactly,” Nyx replied, giving me a high five. “All of us in this room are forty and fabulous.”

“I second that,” Izzy chimed in.

“The truth of the matter is, you’re never too old to find love,” Imani added, then patted Rose’s arm. “Your mate will find you.”

“I’m keeping the hope alive,” Rose sighed. “Because when that day comes, you best believe I’ll warrior-princess tackle my mate, making him mine.” She chuckled. “Either way, I’d never let a bunch of crazy people”—Rose pointed in the direction of outside—“keep me from my happily-ever-after.”

“I agree with Rose,” Imani interjected. “The Ridge didn’t roll out the red carpet for me. And remember, I literally had to fight for my man in a duel with a skanky bitch.” Her eyes narrowed. “And I’d do it all again, given the happy life I now have with Quinn. That man loves me as unconditionally as I love him, and that’s all that matters.” She grabbed my hand. “What I’m saying is that you have to decide what you want. You’re either all in or all out.”

My life had been happy—but lonely—before coming here.

But now I had friends and a pack, a loving, supportive grandmother, and a chance of unconditional love with Rhett.

I’m done going it alone.

I deserve love, happiness, and the opportunity to build an amazing life with Rhett by my side.

And I’m not going to allow anyone to steal my joy.

“I never thought I’d find a good enough reason to settle down. All my life, I’ve been the happy-to-be-unattached girl because I didn’t think anyone could be trusted and I thought that I was better off alone. But I feel differently now despite all the drama I’ve experienced since coming to the Ridge. Rhett is mine. And I’m his. So I’ll fight for us because he’s worth it,” I affirmed. “And so am I.”

“Aww,” Rose said with misty eyes. “Group hug,” she demanded while getting up to stand.

“Is she serious?” I squeaked, my eyes darting around.

“Yep,” Imani confirmed. “Hugging is her jam. I learned to just go with the flow,” she finished, hopping to her feet.

Izzy stood, grumbling something about deer-shifters and hug-fetish.

I sat cross-legged, chewing on a grape.