Page 83 of Eclipsed Heart

Groaning, Lucas tugged the ends of his dark hair. “Which means we’re going to need to talk to Zeke since it’s his territory.”

My stomach dropped. I didn’t like the sound of that either. Even if Lynerd was behind my condition, I still didn’t trust Zeke. However, Oregonwashis territory, and tensions were already high. We didn’t need him trying to separate Oregon from the rest of the Northwest. “I say we let him know in the morning.” I didn’t want to give him too much notice.

“Sounds good to me.” Jack clapped his hands and then led my sister to the door. “So, if I have the rest of the afternoon off, my girl and I are going to go running.” He waggled his brows. “While I try to persuade her to finally give in to the mate bond.”

I flinched. “I’m happy she has a fated mate, but I don’t want to know about you trying to get into her pants. Can you leave that out, and I’ll just see and smell the change when you two come back?”

Stevie giggled, her face turning crimson. However, her smile was full of happiness.

My heart sank. I hadn’t thought about it, but when she and Jack did complete their bond, she’d be moving to Washington with him. Though he didn’t live too far away, the idea I wouldn’t see her every day anymore clogged my throat. She was my one constant, and I didn’t want to lose her.

I watched the two of them walk out the door while Lucas, Miles, Phil, Carl, and Dan headed off to be with their families and check in with their packs.

Hey, what’s wrong?Bodey linked, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.Did your sister say something?

I forced my gaze away from the door and toward my mate.No, but I just realized she’ll be moving to Washington. It’s sort of silly that it took me a few days to think of that.

Not at all.He leaned his forehead against mine, cupping my face.There’s been a lot of shit going on, and it’s hard to process the everyday things when we’re facing threat after threat.

Somehow, I suspected that it shouldn’t be that hard for me. I was the queen after all.

“And I thought you and Mom were bad,” Jasmine remarked. “Are those two always like that?”

Michael and Samuel laughed, which had me turning back toward the couch.

“Oh, yes.” Samuel placed his hands behind his head. “Even before they figured out they were fated mates, they would stare at each other like that.”

“Damn straight.” Bodey pulled me so I stood in front of him. He continued, “I fell in love with her without Fate even needing to tell me that she was my other half. Being fated was just the icing on the cake.”

Jasmine’s face twisted in mock horror. “Who is this guy, and what happened to my broody brother?”

“Don’t worry.” Michael patted her leg. “He still broods just fine. Just give him a little time.”

Janet appeared on the back deck, flinging open the door and running straight to Jasmine, who met her mom halfway. They threw their arms around each other.

Janet placed her head on top of her daughter’s, a tear running down her face. “Silly girl. You shouldn’t be here. You’re supposed to stay at school where it’s safe.” But even as she chastised Jasmine, there was joy in her voice.

“Sorry, you’re all stuck with me all the time. Not just when it’s safe.” She fiercely returned the embrace.

If I didn’t know they were mother and daughter, I’d have thought they were sisters. The two of them were almost identical.

“Well, I shouldn’t be glad that you’re here, but I’m thrilled.” Janet released Jasmine and wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “This calls for a celebration. My entire family is home and complete for the first time in months. I’ll make something special for dinner tonight—triple meat lasagna.”

“That’s my favorite.” Jasmine beamed.

Janet winked. “I know, dear.”

Even though a part of me was envious of their easy relationship, a smile stretched across my face. This was the family my mate had grown up with. The kind that loved and supported each other unconditionally. He’d never had to experience an indifferent parent, a sister who hated his guts, or a pack that didn’t deem him worthy. He’d flourished, and I was so damn lucky that he was mine.

Wanting to give them some time together, I eased out of his grasp.

His brows furrowed.Where are you going?

I’m going to talk to Dina and inform her of the plans.

He pushed off the wall.Okay, let’s go.

I shook my head.Stay here with your family.I turned to head out the door.

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