Page 69 of Alpha Fate

“You know I am. What you’ve been feeling since Sierra arrived…that’s how I feel about Savannah. Like everything is falling into place. I don’t want to wait another second to make it permanent.”

At last, he nods. “Well, congratulations then. I’m happy for you, brother.” He reaches across the desk to clasp my shoulder. “Never thought I’d see the day you settled down.”

I chuckle. “Me, neither. But Savannah…she changed everything. You know what it’s like for us. She-wolves rarely come our way. And to find one I’m compatible with seemed impossible. I didn’t think I’d ever find a mate, but now that I have her…” I trail off, unable to put the feeling into words.

Jagger nods in understanding. “I know exactly what you mean. Finding Sierra was like that for me, too.”

I’m glad he’s finally admitting it. The man tries to be an impenetrable wall, but I know he’s not. He has a heart, just like the rest of us. It just took the right woman to find it.

We share a look of perfect understanding between two mated wolves.

“I’d like to formalize things before the pack, make it official,” I go on. “And apply for a family unit here. I was hoping you could help make that happen a little more quickly.”

“You looking to jump the queue again, Heller?” His smile is dry.

“You don’t ask, you don’t get.” I grin.

“Sure. I get it.” Jagger purses his lips. “It should be too much of an issue, really. With Titer moving in with his kids, we’ll be able to shuffle things around. I’ll get the ball rolling today. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to get you set up in a unit near mine and Sierra’s.”

“Great idea. They’ll be good company for each other, help each other get settled in. They’re both still new to the pack.” I like the way he’s thinking. As much as I know Savannah’s excited about this, it’s going to be a big adjustment for her. And there’s still the matter of finding her family.

But who knows when that’ll happen? Until then, I’ll make sure this feels like home to her.

“Perfect. I really appreciate it.” I stand and clasp his arm in gratitude.

Jagger grips my arm firmly. “I’m happy for you, brother. You deserve this.” His tone is gruff but sincere.

I give him a level look. “You think so?” Barely a week ago, we were at each other’s throats.

“I do, Heller. You’re a good man. I know we’ve had our differences, but you’ve proven yourself. More than once.” He drops my arm and looks down before looking up again. “I was wrong before. Letting you go in there alone, not sending a rescue party immediately. I shouldn’t have let that happen.”

“Water under the bridge, Law. Besides, if I hadn’t ended up in that Leadmills cell, I never would have found her.”

“Silver lining, huh?”

“There always is one.” I truly believe it. I’m not some new-age guru, but I’ve always felt the Universe had mysterious ways of making things work for the best. There’s a plan for me. It involves Savannah. I like that thought.

I head for the door, eager to share the news with my mate, when Jagger calls out.

“Sure you’re ready to give up the bachelor life?” He smirks. “Once you settle down, everything changes.”

“I’ve been ready for a long time,” I reply seriously. “Just had to find the right one. And now that I have her…” I shrug, unable to explain the completeness I feel.

Jagger nods in understanding as I leave, barely able to contain my excitement at starting a life, a family, with the she-wolf who has captured my heart so completely. My mate. My everything.

I can’t wait to share the good news with her.

Chapter 23

Savannah

I sit on the edge of my bed, a hand fluttering to my still-flat belly.

What now, Savannah?

The room is quiet, the kind of quiet that presses down on you with the weight of your own thoughts. My heart’s a hummingbird trapped in a cage, fluttering against the ribs that hold it captive. The revelation throbs in my mind, pulsing like a second heartbeat: I’m pregnant. With Cole’s pups.

“Oh, God.” I cover my face with my hands, trying to block it all out.

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