Page 120 of The Onyx Covenant

“And you’ll be a terrifying father,” I counter. “The poor child will have the most intimidating protection detail in history.”

“I prefer vigilantly protective,” he corrects, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Someone needs to balance out your tendency toward reckless bravery.”

“It’s not reckless if it works,” I argue automatically, then we make our way closer to where Aria and Kieran stand.

Aria’s voice cuts through our moment. “What are you two whispering about so intensely? You look like you’re plotting something.”

I feel heat rising to my cheeks, but Theron just smiles.

“Just discussing future projects.”

Kieran narrows his eyes suspiciously. “What kind?”

I hesitate, then decide there’s no point in hiding it from our closest friends.

“The kind that might result in your child having a cousin of sorts.”

Aria’s eyes widen comically. “Are you saying?—”

“That we’ve decided to start our own family,” Theron confirms, his arm tightening around my waist. “Sometime in the near future.”

Aria squeals with delight, throwing her arms around me. “Our babies can grow up together! They’ll be the closest of friends. We’ll have joint naming ceremonies and shared first moon celebrations, and?—”

“Breathe, love,” Kieran interrupts gently, though he’s grinning, too. “Let them actually conceive the child before you plan its entire life.”

“Details,” she says dismissively, still clutching my hands. “This is perfect! The two highest-ranking families in both packs raising the next generation together. It’s like something from the ancient prophecies.”

“Wolf, help us all,” Kieran mutters, exchanging a look with Theron. “Can you imagine the chaos? Four of us and two of them?”

“I’m counting on it,” Theron replies, a rare lightness in his expression.

The moon climbs higher in the night sky, its blood-red glow touching every face in the clearing—Umbra and Elios alike. Around us, the celebration continues, but at this moment, it feels like we’ve carved out a pocket of possibility, a glimpse into a future that once seemed impossible.

As the night deepens, more families gather their drowsy children, though many wolves remain, settling in for long conversations around the fires. The musicians play softer melodies now, suited to the quieter mood. Theron’s hand remains at my waist, a warm presence that grounds me amid the swirl of activity.

“Do you think it will last?” I ask him quietly, watching an Umbra elder teach an Elios child a traditional knot-tying technique. “This peace we’re building?”

He considers the question with characteristic thoughtfulness. “Not without effort,” he finally says. “Nothing worthwhile ever comes easily. But yes, I believe it will last and grow stronger with each generation that doesn’t learn to hate first and question later.”

“Starting with them,” I nod toward Aria and Kieran, who are now seated by a nearby fire, his arm draped protectively around her shoulders.

“And continuing with our children,” Theron adds, his voice holding such certainty that I can almost see them—strong, proud wolves who will never know the divisions that scarred their parents’ lives.

I lean into him, suddenly overwhelmed by gratitude for this moment, this night, this man. “Who would have thought the Harvest Ritual would lead us here?”

“I did,” he says simply.

I look up at him in surprise. “You expected all this? The joint leadership, the merger of the packs, us?”

His expression turns serious, eyes reflecting the firelight. “From the moment I chose you, I knew everything would change. I just didn’t know how completely.” His hand traces the curve of my jaw. “But I hoped. Gods, how I hoped.”

The honesty in his voice steals my breath. I rise on tiptoes to press my lips against his, not caring who might see. His arm tightens around me as he returns the kiss.

When we part, I’m aware of several approving glances from nearby wolves. Times have indeed changed—months ago, such a public display between an Umbra and an Elios would have caused outrage. Now, it draws knowing smiles.

“Take me home,” I whisper against his lips. “If we’re starting this challenge tonight, I’d prefer not to have an audience.”

His eyes darken further, a growl too low for others to hear rumbling in his chest. “As you wish.”

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