Page 131 of This Pack of Ours

“I can’t stop thinking about what could have gone wrong,” he added quietly. “How they could have got you, or killed Kit. I don’t know how to make that right, and I understand if you don’t trust me now.”

“Jhin,” I said softly, taking his hand. “We both thought Vander was dying, and Itoldyou to go. If you hadn’t been there, I would have run to him myself, and I’m not strong enough to send an alpha flying.”

“But I still?—”

“Stop,” I said, much more firmly. “What would you tell Ez if he did the same thing? Or Vander? You did the best you could. We were all stressed and overwhelmed, and we can’t punish ourselves for that.”

He hesitantly looked up at me again, letting our eyes meet.

“Is this why you’ve been avoiding me?” I asked, and his face twisted into a guilty grimace.

“I just… didn’t know how to make it right,” he said.

“Okay, well next time, talk to me sooner, alright? I just thought that you—that maybe—you didn’t want me there,” I finished quietly, my voice breaking. He snatched up my other hand, his eyes wide.

“No! I never meant for you to feel that. I want you, Juniper. I…need you. I think I’ve needed you for a long time, and I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Good,” I said, forcing back a sniff. That was all of them. I got to have the whole pack, and Kit did, too, and it was so perfect.

Jhin stood, pulling me to my feet and tugging me close. He tilted my head up and leaned down. His lashes were still wet with his tears, making his eyes glitter as he gazed at me.

“May I kiss you, Juniper?” he asked, and I smiled.

“Yes,” I whispered, and his lips met mine in a new promise of love and safety. His hand was secure on my back, the other tipping my chin up as his soft hair brushed my face. As I leaned into him, it felt like he was surrounding me with his tall frame and his comforting blackberry and sage scent. I lost myself in this moment, until I felt him pulling away, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“You’re so beautiful, Juniper,” he said, and this time I let the words settle deep within me, bringing a smile to my face.

“So, are we going through these documents?” I said, patting the pile of papers. He blinked at me.

“Actually, I was really hoping to see an octopus?" he asked hopefully.

* * *

It was evening, and Jhin took my arm in his as we walked across the plaza. Instead of going toward the exit, he steered us toward the aquarium’s super fancy restaurant. It had just opened in the last few months, around the time their oldest beluga had passed. Not that I kept track or anything.

“Wait, really?” I asked as we approached.

“Really.” He gave his name at the front, and we were led past the fountain and to the balcony at the back.

Kit was sitting by himself at a table, dressed in a navy silk shirt and dress pants. He jumped to his feet as we approached, banging into the table and almost spilling the water glasses. He straightened, tugging on his cuffs, and took my hand from Jhin’s.

“Hi,” he said, pressing a little kiss to it. I heard a whistle and turned to see Ez, who was sitting with the rest of the pack at a booth nearby. Vander smacked the back of his head and Adrian smiled, giving a small wave. Jhin slid into the table beside them, winding his arm around Vander, whose cheeks went a bit pink.

Kit pulled out my chair, and I sat down, straightening my dress carefully as he took his seat across from me. I started a bit as a waiter appeared from seemingly nowhere and asked if we wanted any drinks. I shook my head, not sure what to order, but Kit ordered both of us a glass of wine.

“Thanks,” I said as we were left alone again.

“Okay, so here’s a tip,” Kit said. “I know entreessoundlike they should be an appetizer but they’re actually the main meal.”

I opened the menu and stood up abruptly when I saw the prices.

“What the fuck?” I hissed at Kit, and he laughed and tugged me down again.

“It’s okay, we’re all covering it. It’s not bad once you split it five ways.”

His hand curled around mine and he gave me his beautiful smile.

“Juniper, I’ve always dreamed of being able to take you to a fancy place like this, because you’ve always deserved it. And now the pack has made it possible, so don’t worry. Alright?”

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