Page 22 of Shattered Mates

Roman’s wolf howls from behind us, the sound only serving to increase Adira’s speed. Her tail sashays back and forth as we leave our mate behind, practically floating off the ground as she races toward the pack house.

She only slows once the white three-story structure comes into view, her claws digging into the ground to halt our speed. I shift back to two feet and at least wait for Roman on the porch before going inside.

Embry opens the front door just as Roman’s wolf comes into view again. She laughs next to me. “I thought I was the child in this friendship, but you’re still racing your mate after all these years.”

I grin and shrug. “What can I say? Annoying him is one of my favorite pastimes.”

Roman’s grumble echoes from across the driveway. “One I thought you’d grow tired of, but I think proving me wrong is another favorite of yours.”

I offer my mate a wink. “You’re so smart.”

“Don’t placate me.” He brushes past us and heads inside.

Embry and I follow behind, still chuckling until we get to the dining room and find River and Andie there.

Our best friend is hugging him tightly, a few tears leaking down her cheeks. He returns her embrace just as tightly. “It’s okay, Aunt Andie. I knew what I was doing. What matters now is that we’re all back together again.”

That boy has always been too kind. Though, I shouldn’t call him that. He’s become quite the man, putting others above his own happiness and doing what’s right, no matter how hard that might be.

As he and Andie part, I move in to hug my nephew, but I can’t tear my gaze away from Andie. “You’re…”

Her grin lights up the whole room. “The coven leader.”

Tension presses in on me, and I almost can’t breathe. “Beatrix?”

“She’s fine,” Andie assures me. “The crazy old lady finally retired.”

I search for Foster but don’t see him in the room. “What about the pack?” Andie has been their alpha female for years now. It’s an important role and one that shouldn’t be lost.

“Charlie has been slowly taking that over as the beta female for a while now,” she says proudly. “Things might be messy for a bit, but this was the right choice.”

Considering this is the first time in years that I’ve seen her smile reach her eyes, I have to agree. “I’m happy for you. Now let me see my nephew.”

River opens his arms for me, and I easily settle into them. He feels taller and stronger and… No, I will not cry. There’s been too much of that. River needs happiness today.

“It’s okay, Auntie,” he mutters and just like that, I fall apart.

I’ve always been Auntie to him, something that has made me feel as special as his friendship with my daughter. This boy—no, this man—is the son I never had, and if he hadn’t come home…

I swipe furiously at my cheeks. “I’m sorry.” Then, I let out a strangled laugh. “If you didn’t know how loved you were before, I hope you do now.”

He hands me a napkin from the table and smiles. “I’ve always known, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the welcoming home.”

As I back up to let Roman in, I make eye contact with Jules, who remains a quiet pillar of strength behind her mate. I mouth her a silent “thank you” and she nods in return, her eyes not leaving River for long.

Those two, they’re going to do great things one day.

When I turn back to Andie, Foster is at her side and grinning. “How badass is my mate now? I mean she’s always been a force, but now?” His head shakes as his eyes rake over her, making me almost a little uncomfortable, or maybe jealous, watching. “Now, she’s unstoppable.”

“Let’s just hope she doesn’t also take on Beatrix’s attitude,” Roman says, making everyone laugh.

Briefly, I close my eyes and thank the Moon Goddess. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her believing in my strength. I might not have understood the gift she gave me at first, but now, I can’t imagine my life any other way.

I’m beyond blessed to have the family I have. None of us are perfect, but together, we’re just right. For that I will always be grateful.

Chapter Eleven

River

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