Page 115 of Pack Baby for the Silver Foxes

Maeve hid a smile in her coffee cup.

The conversation moved through practical things. Trusts that protected the babies without making me feel like an incubator with bank details. Medical consent that kept my father out if he tried to interfere. A simple document making it clear that where I lived, studied, and gave birth was my decision.

I’d expected the words to make me feel trapped.

Instead, slowly and against my better judgment, they felt like locks being changed on a house I’d never been allowed to own.

“And if Callum challenges any of this?”

Pax’s expression sharpened. “Then he does it in a jurisdiction where Mary has representation, documented support, and a very clear paper trail showing a pattern of coercive behavior.”

Mateus glanced at Artem. “Along with certain witnesses who would make his version of events difficult to sell.”

Artem’s smile was faint. “I do enjoy being useful.”

“That’s not the word I’d choose,” Maeve murmured.

Mac looked up from drawing a potato person on his napkin. “What word?”

“Handsome,” Maeve said without missing a beat.

Gregor snorted.

Artem looked pleased enough that Ivan muttered something in Russian under his breath and earned a kick from Maeve under the table.

For a while, I forgot to be afraid.

After dinner, the men moved to the sitting room with coffee, and Maeve took Mila to the guest room they were using for the evening. Mac fell asleep on Gregor’s chest in front of the fire, one hand still gripping the sleeve of his sweater.

I stood in the doorway and watched. Hudson came up beside me. “Too much?”

“A little.”

“Do you want them gone?”

“No.” I glanced toward the sitting room, where Pax was arguing with Mateus. “They’re useful.”

“High praise.”

“Don’t let them know.”

Lincoln joined us, his hand settling at my lower back. “You ate well.”

“That sounds like something you’d say about a horse.”

“A cherished horse.”

I elbowed him gently.

He bent and kissed my temple, and I should have made a joke. I didn’t.

I leaned into him.

Hudson’s expression changed to quiet and careful.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing.”