Page 82 of The Hunt Begins

“Make her stop.” Wadim buried his face in Zara’s neck, though laughter filled his voice.

“For tonight,” Fane said, grabbing everyone’s attention, “we will set the blades aside, sheath the claws, and be thankful that we have another day to fight. Tonight is for the pack. Tonight is to celebrate those who were lost and have been found. Tonight is to lift up Kara for her bravery and what she endured. One more of our enemies has fallen. Tonight we offer thanks to the Great Luna.”

Their collective voices agreed with their alpha as Peri used her magic to put a drink in everyone’s hand. Fane lifted his glass, and they joined him. “For Nick, for Kara, and for Peri. For Tenia, Torion, and even Skender. And as always, for the pack,” Fane called.

“For the pack,” they said as one.

Peri watched as the mood of the room returned to its former lighthearted state. Fane sat back down, and Jacque resumed her spot in his lap. Jen draped herself on the love seat, her head lying on the side closest to Decebel, who stared down at her with ridiculous adoration. She saw Sally rub her stomach with one hand and lay her other on Titus’s back. Costin leaned over to lay his hand on hers. Wadim’s fingers ran absently through Zara’s long hair as he talked with Adam, and Crina leaned against Adam with a contented look in her eyes as she, too, seemed to soak in the momentary respite.

There was still so much to do and figure out. Peri still didn’t know what Serapha meant with her veiled information about how the draheim was connected to Peri’s life. They didn’t know if Cain was with Alston, or if he’d gone off on his own to build a vampire army, or even how many Order members were still left. They didn’t know what would happen with Skender, and Peri had a new perspective after what she’d learned. But she didn’t know if it would change anyone else’s mind. The other healers were hurting and wouldn’t be able to heal until they could see Kara, and Peri didn’t know when Nick’s mate would be ready for that.

Lucian took her waist and turned her to face him. He lifted her chin to look up at him, and even after all she’d said, he still looked at her as he always had, like she was a miracle he didn’t deserve.

“Let it lie for tonight, mate. Be here with me. Be present in the now because we aren’t promised more.”

So, for once, she listened to her mate and followed his lead. He kissed her and then led her over to an empty seat on one of the couches. Lucian pulled her down into his lap, and she settled against him. Her eyes met Jacque’s, who was across from her. Peri felt warmth flow into her and knew it was Jacque sending love through the pack bond.“You’re where you belong,”the alpha female’s voice said quietly in her mind. Peri nodded.“I’m home.”

To be continued…