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“Yes,” she pushed against him, “Come on.”
Lance walked into the Pride House first. Hand on the small of his mate’s back, he guided her to the large living room. He liked the feel of the soft ivory sweater she wore over dark brown leggings and knee-high boots.
The fire was roaring and the curtains that covered the sliding doors leading outside were open, revealing the gorgeous snow-covered yard. A couple of Tigers prowled outside, playing in the white fluff, and Annalia gasped. He had to remember she wasn’t used to such sights, even if she was one of them now.
“Hi!” the Nari walked in with two babies on her hip, and promptly handed one over to his mate, “I’m Elissa, and you are Anna, right? Would you mind? Celia has been cranky all day.”
“Not at all,” Annalia smiled at the little cherub, her nerves disappearing at once.
Lance nodded his thanks and Elissa winked as she handed little Milly to him. The Nari was a kickass female and knew exactly how to break the ice.
“Thank you both, I made some snacks earlier,” she smiled, “I’ll just get them.”
“Sure, thanks,” his sweet mate answered.
They sat down on the rug with the precious cubs and Lance pulled a chest filled with toys over so they could play. Little by little, more of the Pride came in to meet her.
They were an amazing family. He knew and recognized that as fact. Grateful for the way they’d arranged this so as not to overwhelm Annalia, Lance cleared his throat and nodded his thanks to Hunter and Elissa. They’d brought in a couple of trays filled with homemade goodies.
“Wow, these are great,” Annalia took a second bite of the small beef and potato stuffed empanada.
“Thanks, I was a personal chef before I became the Nari,” Elissa grinned, “now, I am the personal chef for the whole Pride.”
“Thank the gods for that,” Reg laughed with his arm around his very pregnant mate.
“Amen,” Brayden said, holding his own little cub, “We used to take turns, and it wasn’t good.”
“Hell, I made a mean chili,” Lance insisted.
“Yeah,” Hunter laughed, “If by mean you mean terrible.”
They laughed and chatted pleasantly for over an hour. Couples came and went until it was just the two of them and the Neta and Nari once more.
“Annalia, we understand you have experienced the Puspa, and are now a Shifter,” Hunter began, “as Lance’s mate, you would have been an honorary member anyway, but since you are now a Shifter, we would like to officially welcome you to our Pride.”
“That means you are family, sweetheart,” Elissa teared up and pulled the younger woman in for a big hug.
“Thank you,” Annalia swallowed.
She wasn’t used to that sort of thing. He knew from the way she talked about life with her sister. Sandra and Glenn were not exactly dripping affection. But his Annalia deserved that and more.
She would get used to it, he promised himself. Because like it or not, she was his now, and he was going to spoil her rotten with how much he loved her.
Love filled him as his mate’s eyes overflowed while she returned Elissa’s embrace. The Nari whispered words of comfort, promises of friendship, and most of all, told her she belonged there with them.
“The Pride is a family like nothing you have ever known. We have our squabbles, but we will always have your back.”
“Thank you, I, I don’t know what to say,” she wiped her eyes.
Lance knew what she was feeling. Through their matebond, he was keenly aware of her emotions. Truth was, he was quite overwhelmed himself.
The Pride had not only welcomed his mate with open arms, but they cared for her already. It was there in the link that connected all the Tigers of Maverick Point. He’d never been so honored in his life.
Except, of course, when she’d said yes.
Mine.
