Page 86 of Cruel Moon

“Because you can’t keep a secret to save your life,” I shoot back, but I’m grinning too hard for it to have any bite.

Brianna crashes into her sister from the other side, tears already streaming down her face. Reid follows more slowly, but his smile is just as bright. The three of them are getting along so well, and my wolf rumbles with satisfaction. Jackson would’ve loved Bridget and Reid. Some days the grief still hits fresh, but watching our family grow helps ease that hollow ache. He always said pack was about more than blood—it was about choice, about love. About building something bigger than ourselves. Standing here now, I finally understand what he meant.

“Dave says we’ll have at least six cabins up before the first snow,” Liam reports, clapping me on the shoulder. “Between those, the lodge, and Banfield Court putting up several families too, everyone will have somewhere warm for winter.”

“Good.” The relief in the room is palpable.

“Speaking of homes.” My mother finally releases Bridget, wiping tears from her eyes. “Have you two thought about whether you’re staying in Bast’s cabin or moving to town?”

Bridget’s eyes meet mine across the room. “The cabin,” we say in unison.

“It’s where everything changed. Where I found home,” she adds softly.

“Spring wedding then?” Rachel asks, already pulling out her phone. “The Faire grounds would be perfect. We could—”

“Let them eat first,” Lila interrupts, laughing. “They’ve got plenty of time to plan.”

“Fine. I’m just saying. We should think about reserving some spaces.”

“We will, Mom.”

My mother starts herding everyone toward the dining room, where enough food to feed three packs covers every surface. It’s chaos again as everyone finds seats, passes dishes, argues over the last biscuit.

Bridget’s hand finds mine under the table. “I love you,” she whispers, leaning into my side.

I press a kiss to her temple, drinking in her scent, her warmth, the perfect feel of her beside me. “Forever,” I promise.

Around us, our family laughs and talks, making plans for winter, for spring, for all the days stretching ahead. My wolf settles, content in a way I never thought possible.

We’re home. We’re together. And this is just the beginning.

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