Page 143 of Storm

Out in the yard, Jonathan and Alex are deep in conversation, heads tilted close, arms crossed, their bond humming in my chest. But then Alex looks up. Senses me watching. Jonathan feels it too.

And like they planned it, both break into matching grins that make my stomach flip.

“Assholes,” I mutter, but the smile stretches across my face, anyway.

Further out, Rook and Reed are sparring again. Shirtless. Because they hate me. Every punch is controlled, every movement a mix of grace and raw power. Rook ducks low and sweeps Reed’s legs, and when Reed lands with a growl and a grin, somethingtwistsinside me. Rook winks at me over his shoulder. He knows what he’s doing to me.

I can’t help smiling wider.

Rook and Reed... they’ve come a long way. Once at odds, now inseparable, true packmates, their bond strong and unshakable.

Fox’s hand slides to my thigh, squeezing gently. “You’re staring again,” he murmurs.

“They’re literally half-naked and fighting,” I say.

“And you’re in pre-heat,” he counters.

“Still. Rude.”

He chuckles, low and rough, his touch grounding me even as it lights me up. Around me, the world is full—bonds tight and steady, hearts open, peace woven into the chaos. We built this. Wesurvivedto get here.

I rest my hand on my belly again, just for a second.

Not planned. Not certain. But maybe... maybe one more.

Fox’s nose brushes my jaw. “Yeah,” he whispers like he heard me. “I’d love that, too.”

And just as I start to close my eyes, to let the moment wrap around me, something catches my attention—the flicker of the television left on in the outdoor lounge area.

The volume is low, almost drowned by the evening sounds, but a news anchor’s voice cuts through.

I glance over absently, expecting a weather report.

Instead, a suited man fills the screen—grim-faced, flanked by security—standing at a podium. My stomach drops as the words flash across the bottom:

GOVERNOR PLEADS FOR RETURN OF KIDNAPPED NIECE, OMEGA DAISY.

"It's been a year since my niece, Daisy, was taken during the rebellion at the Omega House," he says, his words cutting through the evening air like a knife. "We won't stop searching until she’s brought home." The governor's voice is steady, but there's desperation underneath.

My heart stutters. A year.

The rebellion.

The chaos I created by choosing Pack Kingsley.

I sit up straighter, the weight of it settling into my chest.

Around me, the bonds hum tighter, my pack sensing the shift even before I speak.

Guilt stirs in my gut.

I hadn’t been kind to Daisy. I really was a bitch. She didn’t deserve to be taken—no one does.

"I need to talk to Harley," I whisper, my voice low.

Fox stirs beside me, his hand finding mine without hesitation. His fingers lace through mine, grounding me in the here and now.

"It wasn't your fault,"he murmurs, his voice rough but certain. "You were just trying to survive. To find your way home."