Page 85 of Freed Wolfsbane

Realizing I haven’t said anything, I shake myself out of my daze. “I don’t need anything. I was just planning to wear this dress. I stashed a pair of sneakers on the patio, so I’ll change once we get there.

Bastian laughs, the carefree sound making my heart squeeze. Over the past few years, Bastian’s dropped the mask he wore for so long. Now, when he’s laughing or smiling, it’s because he’s happy, not because he thinks that’s what people want from him.

“Sounds about right for you. I’m surprised you wore the heels in the first place. Let’s get to it, then.” I start walking over to the designated portal spot on WHU grounds when Bastian calls, “By the way, have I ever told you how much I love you, pretty girl?”

I spin back around to grin at him. “A time or two. I love you, too, Bastian.” He hurries to my side and plants a quick kiss on my lips that’s over far too fast for my liking. Then, he captures one of my hands in his, swinging it as we walk. Saint grabs the other one before Malachi or Xander can, much to their disgruntlement.

It’s slow going moving through all the students and families, because pretty much every wolf wants to talk to us. Over the years, I’ve grown closer with a lot of the pack, so I’m happy to chat with them as the sun starts dipping low in the sky.

After thirty minutes or so, we make it to the portal spot. Saint opens up a portal to the Wyldhart courtyard. I step out into a flurry of activity. Abbie, Vale, Molly, James, Kit, Fi, and various pack members are running around stringing up lights, laying out tablecloths, arranging chairs, and more to get ready for the party.

We jump in to help wherever we can. Before I know it, the last of the decorations go up and people start trickling in.

Xander walks up to stand behind me where I’m watching everything from the edge of the patio. He wraps his arms around my waist and rests his chin on the top of my head. “I know parties aren’t your scene, but is this one too bad?”

I snort because as much as I protested it, I’m actually enjoying it so far. “Nah, it’s not bad. It’s actually pretty nice having all the people I love in one place for once.”

Our busy lives make it pretty challenging to gather all of us together, so I’ll enjoy having everyone here while I can.

Chuckling at my response, Xander is quiet for a long moment before rasping, “Love you sweetheart.”

Even though it’s been years, it still makes my heart skip a beat every time he calls me sweetheart. With a sappy smile on my face, I tell him, “Love you too, Xander.”

We stand there for a long moment, just watching the party without feeling the need to say anything.

I spot Ava talking to a group of boys her age, and I can’t believe that my little sister is seventeen. She’ll be a senior in high school next year, and she’s already started applying to colleges. Ava wants to become a vet that specializes in horses, and I’m so excited for what the future holds for her.

After finishing up eighth grade at boarding school, she decided to come back to high school in Wolves Hollow to be closer to all of us. She’s thrived here and has no shortage of friends and male admirers. I scowl as one of the guys Ava’s talking to puts his hand on her lower back, way too close to her butt. While I know she’s already started dating, it’s still weird to see guys trying to make a move on my little sister.

Luckily, at least for me, Annabel runs over to Ava and grabs her hand, distracting her from the boys chatting her up. Ava bends down to talk to her before laughing and letting the eight year old tug her in the opposite direction. Shooting an apologetic smile at the guys, Ava happily follows the girl who has become a little sister to both of us.

In the three years since we freed her from the facility, Annabel has blossomed and has as normal of a life as she can. Her family has settled in with our pack and started a new life in Wolves Hollow, too. Sure, they all carry the scars of what happened to them, but it doesn’t stop any of them from living life to the fullest, which is all I want for the little girl who stole a chunk of my heart in a matter of minutes.

“I think Dad wanted to talk to you when you get a chance,” Xander tells me, tearing my focus away from Ava and Annabel.

I look around and spot Vale sitting on the wall where we’ve had many heart to hearts. He’s staring out at the forest contemplatively. Figuring now is my best shot to talk with him before he’s pulled away by someone needing something, I reluctantly step out of Xander’s arms.

Before I can get very far, Xander snags my hand and pulls me back to face him. He swoops in for a quick kiss that leaves me wanting more. He smirks at my frown before striding off to join up with his brothers and Saint.

Shaking my head at him, I wander over to Vale. I sit on the wall and swing my legs to the other side. “Xander said you wanted to talk to me? Is everything okay?”

Vale glances at me in surprise. He must’ve not heard me approach, too lost in his thoughts. He chuckles at my worried expression. “Nothing’s wrong, Bee. I just wanted to check in with you and see how you’re doing.”

I blow out a relieved breath that there’s no crisis I have to solve. “I’m actually doing pretty good. This party is a lot better than I thought it would be. It’s… nice being surrounded by people who care about me. Things were pretty lonely after Mama died, and I never thought I’d have a family again, let alone all these people.”

My chest aches as I think about all the years that led up to me finding my mates. There are good memories with Ava and my mom sprinkled through those difficult fourteen years, but they’re hard to look at with all the pain surrounding them. It’s gotten easier to remember those times as the years have gone on, though.

Grabbing my hand in one of his, Vale gives me a comforting squeeze. “You were never truly alone, Bee. There were so many people who loved you, even when you didn’t know it. And we’re all so endlessly proud of you. Abbie, the Wards, and I have watched you grow into a strong, compassionate, and confident young woman who can do anything she sets her mind to. You should be proud of all you’ve accomplished and the life you’ve built.”

I duck my head at his kind words. The lump in my throat makes it hard to respond, so I don’t say anything for a moment.

“You think there’s any chance Mama, Papa, and Dido ever peek at what we’re doing, wherever they are?” I eventually ask. My voice comes out more vulnerable than I intend, but I can’t help but think about my parents and the Phoenician queen who gave up everything to save me.

I imagine all the big events in my life will be bittersweet like my graduation is, the joy tinged with longing and wishing they were here to see it.

Vale wraps an arm around me and pulls me into his side. His voice is choked up when he says, “I have to believe so. I have to believe that Evie, Connor, Leo, and Wyatt are living the happily ever after they never got up in the clouds somewhere. I hope Dido’s doing the same with her mates, too. They’d all be so damn proud of you, Bee. I hope you know that.”

My chest squeezes uncomfortably, hoping Vale is right. Life has had its ups and downs. Through it all, I’ve tried so hard to be the type of person they’d want me to be. I don’t know if I’ll ever know if I’m succeeding, but I have to hope that I am.

I don’t say anything as we watch a shooting star streak across the inky sky in comfortable silence.

I hope you guys are proud,I whisper to my parents and Dido in my mind as I stare at the constellations my mom loved so much.You guys don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’ve found where I belong and am surrounded by so much love it’s hard to believe at times. I hope you have a chance to be as happy as I am… I love you.

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