Page 85 of The Princess and the Pack

Hawthorn isn’t motivated by legacy and lineage like our father was, and he would never have purposely put us in a dangerous situation. I don’t blame him for this in the slightest.

“Thorn,no. You couldn’t have known this. None of us did. Cillian only learned by accident. Had he not eavesdropped on his father’s conversation, we could still be living in the dark.”

He frowns, unconvinced. “I would never seek to tear you from your pack, Ivy. So long as you’re happy and cared for, I’ll stand behind you. Not only as your brother but as an ally—as the King of Lucernia exalting the bravery of Namara’s new queen.

Fresh tears well in my eyes, and I launch myself into my brother’s embrace once more. It’s such a relief to know Thorn is exactly the alpha I’ve always known him to be. Not once has he failed to demonstrate the selfless, unconditional spirit of love.

“There there, dear,” he mutters, patting my back until my sobbing subsides.

I sniffle, wiping the tears from my cheeks. “Thank you.”

“No, Ivy, thankyou. Because of your courage, our kingdoms will be changed for the better.”

“There are those who may not welcome the change.”

I’m still nervous about what could befall my siblings because of this. Regardless of Hawthorn’s support, there are many kingdoms who may respond poorly. If my actions were to rob my siblings of the chance to marry, I’m not sure I could forgive myself.

“People are stubborn,” he admits, smiling. “But they are also self-interested. Once they learn of the benefits: longer lives, compounded wealth...and the other moresalaciouselements…” My brother coughs, his cheeks red with embarrassment for having to speak of this with his sister. “They will come around.”

“You truly believe that?”

He nods. “I do.”

I laugh then, grinning widely. The lightness in my chest is a welcome, freeing thing. For days I’ve juggled guilt and elation, excitement and apprehension. Today, it seems, I can just allow myself happiness for this new life I’m forging with my wonderful alpha mates.

“You will love them, Thorn.”

“If you love them, so will I, little sister.”

“And the others—what do they think?” With all this excitement, I’ve yet to ask about my other siblings.

Thorn chuckles. “Sage feels as I do. And Cillian has spoken to Aspen and Lily who are in your corner. The twins…well…they will revel in the influx of alpha attention as I’m sure you can imagine.”

I frown, noting his purposeful exclusion of Rose.

“And Rosie? Is she angry?”

Hawthorn scratches the back of his head, averting his gaze. I thought my sister might be livid. For all she hates alphas, I can only imagine she’s losing her head over the fact that I have bonded with three.

“Rose doesn’t know,” he breathes.

“What do you mean she doesn’t know?” How can he say that when he’s spent a week with her?

“Well, I only learned when we arrived back in Namara.”

I don’t understand. Would she not have learned then as well? “Thorn? You’re speaking in riddles.”

My brother pauses, further stalling and making me sweat. He’s usually so composed and quick with his words.

“Rose is still in Glenndyre—with Blair.”

I raise my brows.Thatis an interesting development. “By choice?”

He sighs. “I suppose you could say that, but I don’t know, Ivy. She was so peculiar while we were there. I’ve never seen her behave in such a way. And the way Blair was carrying on...I thought maybe he was similar to Cillian. That perhaps he and Rose were?—”

“A scent match?”

Hawthorn nods. “But then she would screech and say she hated him, as she usually does. And on the day we were set to leave, she locked herself in her chambers. Wouldn’t even come out to say goodbye.”

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