Page 72 of Taken By The Wolves

Scarlet steps forward, fire rising in her. “We brought a child who had no say in what was done before she was born. No one should judge her for her bloodline.”

There’s silence. Chris and Macon exchange looks but stay quiet.

Then our mother speaks. “Her scent is of all of you now. Your bond is sealed.”

“She’s our daughter,” Nixon says flatly. “And Gregory, a rival alpha, wants her.”

That gets our father’s attention.

“You think Gregory knows what she is?”

“He knows the child is female,” I say. “That’s enough to make him come for her.”

Cami leans in, her voice hushed. “He will. The child’sblood sings to those who are hungry for power. You’ve brought her to the right place, but it will not be enough.”

“We need allies,” Nixon says. “From your pack. Or we walk into war with our bear allies only.”

“Bear allies?” Father’s face screws with disgust.

“They’re good men, and they’ll stand with us against a shared enemy.”

“Bears?” Macon says. “You’ve allied with bears.”

Father’s eyes narrow on us all, but when his eyes lock on Ahya, something changes. Finally, he says, “Come inside.”

He doesn’t offer peace.

But he opened the door.

***

The stone threshold under our boots seems rougher than I remember. This house, our house, is filled with echoes that never fade. Matt’s laughter. Our mother’s crying. Our father’s anger. And the silence that echoed behind us after we left.

Now, we bring our mate and a child made from violence and mystery back into our childhood home. Every step inside is like walking through memories we thought we’d buried.

The main room is dimly lit. A fire crackles in the hearth, but the room is as cold and formal as I remembered. No warmth here, only legacy.

Scarlet holds Ahya tightly, her shoulders braced. Our mother trails behind, glancing over her shoulder at Cami, who walks with the sure, steady gait of someone who knows where this is going. Chris and Macon flank our father like lieutenants.

We sit when offered, but the tension doesn’t soften.

“Tell us everything,” our mother says, gaze on Nixon. “From the beginning.”

Nixon rubs his brow and then sighs. “We found a child abandoned on our territory. She had a familiar scent, from a rival pack. Gregory’s mate Aura …”

“Scarlet found her first,” I add, glancing toward our mate. “She protected her before she even knew what she was.”

Scarlet’s voice is steady. “She didn’t need to prove herself special to be worthy of care.”

Cami speaks again. “That instinct is important. That kind of bond, one chosen rather than forged in blood, is stronger. When this child shows her true nature, you will need that kind of devotion.”

Father’s face remains impassive. “And Gregory?”

“He sent two wolves across our land,” I say. “Claimed he wanted to see the child. He’ll come for her. I don’t know what he knows. But he knows enough.”

“There are whispers,” Cami says, tilting her head like she’s listening to something none of us can hear. “Of wolves gathering. Of rogue bears answering his call. His ambition is no longer confined to territory. He wants something more.”

“He wants her?” Nixon’s attention drifts to Ahya.