When Jackson and I come out of my room a little while later, in fresh soft clothes and all cleaned up, the party is in full swing. I laugh to see my family so heartily celebrating my homecoming, and my newly mated status, and Jackson’s addition to the family, and the end of the war.
But still, my wolf howls a little when it becomes immediately apparent that one little thunder cloud isn’t here, lurking in the corner and glaring around at everyone, pretending not to have any fun at all.
I sigh, leaning against Jacks and taking a long sip of my wine. He tightens his arm around my shoulder, looking down at me. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say on a soft sigh, my eyes still moving over my wonderful, happy family. “Just…missing Junie. Wishing she was here.”
He hums his understanding and tightens his arm, sending a great deal of warmth and love and support down the bond. I smile up at him, truly appreciating that he doesn’t try to convince me not to be sad or worried for her. He just hears me, and understands, and wants to comfort in whatever way he can.
“Hey, I love you,” I say softly, my face breaking into a smile as I gaze up at him.
His own face breaks instantly from serious repose to happiness, such a drastic change that shifts his whole face from…well, frankly from terrifying to lovely. He grins at me, stroking a hand long over my still-damp hair.
“I love you too, tiny,” he says on a happy sigh. “Very much. Now come on, let’s go tell everyone the King of Atalaxia is dead.”
“You don’t think they know?” I ask, my eyes wide.
“It wasn’t on any of those tabloids,” he murmurs, ushering me into the room. “Who knows what the hell is going on. Let’s go find out.”
We join the warm, well-lubricated party and, to my great joy, four newcomers soon join us – two of whom I was expecting and two who are very much a surprise to me. I give Elias and Benny warm hugs and kisses, asking after Pippa – who truly is feeling her pregnancy at this point – before moving very quickly to the other two, curious about their presence. Jackson stays with Elias and Ben, wanting more details.
“Hi, Dr. Hank!” I say, laughing a little as I stand on my toes to hug the doctor, who is indeed quite tall for a human. “It’s so nice to see you! I didn’t know you were here!”
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