Page 7

They’d played silly games I’d never heard of, and some of them had us laughing hysterically.

One involved passing around toilet paper and everyone breaking off a strip to determine whose would wrap around Hope’s belly and fit the closest. Tak won, but Virgil was chased off when his piece wrapped around her ten times.

The prizes were inexpensive but practical, including a few gift cards to Hope and Melody’s boutique.

Hope’s mother hugged her often, the light shining in her eyes that of a mother on the cusp of transitioning to grandmotherhood. I envied their unbreakable bond.

Even though I had obligations, I found it impossible to leave.

Bear served delicious sandwiches with smoked meats instead of the typical deli slices from the grocery store.

Everyone shared a story about Hope, some of them sentimental, others that made her blush with embarrassment.

After dark, they put on music so we could dance and mingle.

I gestured to a silhouette in an upstairs window. “Is that the teenager you’re keeping?”

Joy buttoned her nursing blouse and turned the baby over to burp. “That’s Cleo. She’s been through a traumatic ordeal, so we’re giving her as much time as she needs. Poor thing.”

“If Tak needs any assistance, let me know.”

While I was curious about that situation, it wasn’t my business to pry.

My role as Councilwoman only stretched so far.

Unless they were committing a crime, a pack’s business was their own.

It wasn’t uncommon to come across runaways or unwanted children.

She might be a distant relative to someone in the house.

Had they been one of the lower-ranked packs in town, I might have been suspicious, but Tak and his people were honest wolves.

The instant I waved at the girl, she disappeared.

Robyn shrieked when Montana dipped her while dancing. She grappled his neck, knocking off his hat before they tumbled to the ground laughing.

They are so cute together. I wonder how he got that brand and what it means. Seems coincidental Robyn also has a burn mark on her left hand. I guess we all have a story.

They didn’t serve any liquor at the event, which I was grateful for. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine once in a while, but it was refreshing to see everyone drunk on happiness.

Once the baby burped, Joy stroked her cheek and looked on her with adoration before kissing little Violet’s tiny fingers.

“What color are her eyes?” I asked.

“Still grey. We’re not sure if they’ll change.

The Relic says some babies are like that, and we’ll know for certain in a few months.

By the way, Tak’s organizing a peace party soon, so be sure to look for that invitation.

I’m so glad you came today. I know how hard it must be to get away from work. ”

“That’s no lie.”

Joy covered her baby’s face with the blanket. “I want to show you something. We’re among family, so they already know.”

My brows knitted. “Already know what?”

Joy smiled at the wiggling bundle in her arms. When she flipped the blanket back, she growled, “Boo!”

What happened next stole my breath. One minute I was looking at a chubby little baby. The next, a white puppy. “What in the world?”

Joy stroked her one black ear and cooed, “I’m sorry, darling.

Mommy’s okay. I didn’t mean to scare you, but I want to show you off to Miss Thompson.

” She let the wolf pup lick her chin. “Violet’s special.

It’s long overdue that we let the Council know about our special girl.

Tak wants to make sure she has your protection. ”

I leaned in close and touched the wolf pup’s beautiful fur. “She’s extraordinary. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before. I once knew of a boy who went through his first change at twelve, but he was an alpha, and sometimes that happens. She’s absolutely precious.”

Little Violet yipped and playfully gnawed my fingers.

“She’s protecting her mommy,” I remarked with a smile.

Joy kissed the air, drawing the pup’s attention.

“She has no control over shifting, but we’ll teach her when she’s old enough.

At least she can heal herself. We found that out when she scratched her face with her little fingernails and her wolf came out immediately, as if she knew to heal her.

We’re so lucky in that regard. I’m just worried people in town will talk about her and conjure up malicious lies. ”

Her concerns for the baby’s safety were valid.

“Joy, you and your baby have the Council’s protection. If you ever encounter any issues or cause for alarm, let me know immediately and I’ll put an end to it. We put children first, and all threats are handled expeditiously.”

When she heaved a sigh, it was as if the weight of the world had fallen off her shoulders.

“Thank you. We’ll probably keep her at home for now.

Atticus is quite the overprotective father and promised he won’t let anything happen if we leave the house.

It would be nice to visit Cici’s bookstore or even have lunch at the Rabbit Lounge.

We’re just not sure what might scare her into shifting. ”

“If you want my opinion, I think it would be a good idea to share the news. The sooner the town knows about her, the better. She’ll be a child for many years, and it’ll come out eventually.

It’s better if you control the narrative.

” I eased back in my chair. “This is only an opinion, but gossip has a way of shaping people’s beliefs before they make an informed decision.

As soon as you feel comfortable, take her out and let people meet her.

Have your Packmaster there to show everyone that he loves and accepts this baby.

People are afraid of what they can’t see with their own eyes.

How could anyone not love that sweet face?

The bookstore would be a great place to go first. It’s quiet, small, and she’ll get used to new sights and sounds.

You’ll have this whole town looking out for her before you know it. ”

“I’m sure you’re right. I guess we’re overprotective parents.”

Atticus broke away from his conversation before striding toward us. It was nice seeing him away from the club in a social setting. He seemed like a new man.

He placed his hands on Joy’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “I heard my name. How’s my beloved wife?”

She reclined her head to accept his kiss. “Tired.”

He collected the wiggly pup, who excitedly licked his face and whined. “Do you want to lie down in the cabin? I’ll watch Violet.”

“No, I’d actually like to sit here for as long as I can stay awake,” she said with a wry smile. “Violet just fed, so that means she’s fast asleep by now. Gypsy’s up for the entire night.” She cast a glance my way. “We sometimes call her wolf Gypsy.”

“Papa has you now. Let’s give your mother a rest.” Atticus strolled off, attracting admirers who doted over the little one. Catcher trotted into sight and walked alongside them, his tail wagging as he sniffed the wolf pup barking at him.

“He seems like a great father,” I said, surprised that a Vampire would want to raise children.

“Atticus is my soulmate.” Joy yawned and ran her fingers through her hair.

“I don’t know how I would’ve ever done this without him.

Whenever she goes to sleep, her wolf wakes up to play.

So it’s literally a twenty-four-hour job.

Atticus doesn’t sleep, so he takes care of her when I can’t.

And the pack watches her when he goes to work and I’m too tired. ”

“Did he say cabin ?”

“It’s past the heat house over there,” she said, pointing behind me. “The house is noisy at night, and Atticus needs a quiet place to relax his mind. He adjusted his work hours to join us during meals, and we have lots of fun activities before bedtime.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“Movie night, game night, music, talking, Virgil’s variety hour.

Tak also likes getting a fire going outside for us to gather around like we did in the early days.

My packmates are wonderful. Occasionally someone volunteers to take Violet so Atticus and I can have time alone.

It’s nice. She gets to bond with her packmates, and we get?—”

“Adult time,” I finished with a playful wink. “Motherhood must be challenging.”

“I’m just thankful to have a family who loves her as much as I do.” After straightening her blouse, she stood. “I’m sorry to abandon you, but I am dying to use the powder room.”

“Me too. Lead the way.”

Solar lanterns and twinkle lights illuminated the property. Once inside, Joy hustled into the bathroom straight ahead.

She gestured to the back corner on my left. “There’s a bigger one at the end of the hall.”

I walked down the shadowy hallway. The first door I passed was closed, so I kept going until I located the bathroom around the corner.

After using it and freshening up, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and wished I’d worn something other than dress slacks.

I’d been in meetings all morning with my colleagues, and then I had to speak with a local Packmaster prior to coming here.

I loved styling myself for each occasion, and this wasn’t the right outfit for an outdoor baby shower.

After removing a small stain from my cream-colored blouse, I stepped into the hallway.

Voices from a nearby room caught my attention while I was making my way out. Curious, I entered the spacious kitchen, passing a cooking fireplace on the right on my way to the connecting dining room. I had visited their house a couple of times but never got the full tour.

“That’s it for me.” Krys scooted back his chair at a square table by the entryway. A candle flickered from the sudden movement. “I’m gonna ride out to the bar.”

“Not if her father wedged your bike in the garage like a sardine in a can,” Lucian pointed out.