♦ ♦ ♦

Cleo and Kassian stayed for an hour or two after Reign came back downstairs fresh out of the shower, her hair was semi-damp over her shoulder and cheeks rosy from the heat. When she re-entered my office wearing her new clothes from her shopping trip with Fran, I didn't think I could adore her anymore than I already did.

She had a cream chunky knit cardigan wrapped around her body, the sleeves just over the palms of her hands with a blue t-shirt underneath and figure hugging leggings. The most basic outfit but boy did I want to scoop her up in my arms and drag her to the sofa so we could cuddle.

I have no idea when I became so damn soppy but looking at Reign like this sets me off.

She remains quiet unless asked a question, I wasn't expecting her to be leading the conversation by any means. It's obvious that this sort of situation is out of her comfort zone and she prefers to talk when it's just me and her, which I understand.

A part of me loves that she comes out of her shell when she's just with me but I want her to be comfortable in all environments, not just in the safe space of my company. But I know time will come where she can blossom and everyone can see her for who she truly is.

When Kassian and Cleo leave, Cleo gives Reign a hug to say goodbye. She stands slightly flustered when I show them out and when I return to my office a few moments later, her arms are in front of her twisting between the sleeves of her cardigan.

"You okay?" I ask as I shut the door and walk towards her.

Reign nods her head but doesn't say anything.

I frown and stop directly in front of her. "It's okay if you're not, you can tell me."

"No, I am," she says quietly. "Just getting used to new people makes me feel a bit anxious."

Before I can think about what I'm doing, I wrap my arms around her shoulders and pull her body into my chest slowly. I half expect her to push me away but she doesn't, she sinks her head into my shirt and inhales deeply.

The bond glows brighter than ever before, both of our hearts thumping in unison. I place my chin on top of her head and wrap my arms around her shoulders, holding her tightly. One hand clutching the back of her head, she runs her hands around my back and grips at the fabric on my shirt.

"You look so cute today," I comment, which has Reign laughing so much that it vibrates my chest.

"How?"

I pull back slowly so I can look down to her. "What do you mean how?"

"I don't look cute at all," she loosens her arms on me and twists her expression into one of confusion.

"Well I think you do," I say quietly. "That cardigan and those leggings. The pink tint on your cheeks. It's too much for me."

Reign narrows her eyes and then steps backwards. "Too much... should I leave?"

"No," I grab her wrist and her lips flick into a smile. I know she's joking but I have to make sure. There is no way she's escaping from me that easily. "You're not going anywhere."

"Oh," she tilts her head with slight playfulness. "Are you going to keep me hostage in your office for the foreseeable?"

I can't help but chuckle gently. "No but I might throw you over my shoulder and take you to the living room so we can watch a movie together."

Reign places a hand on her hip but there is evidence of a smile on her lips. "Manhandling me already?"

My eyes sparkle in her direction and I trace my finger down the curve of her cheek. "Only if you want me to."

She sucks in a sharp breath and suddenly I'm struggling to comprehend this conversation. Did I really just say that?

Reign clears her throat and drops her head to the floor, hair falling across her face. "We can watch a movie," she clarifies after a few moments. "But I can walk there. No need for being thrown over your shoulder."

"You got it, angel," I exhale and take a step backwards towards the office door.

I open it and wait for her to walk first, she offers me a small smile before slipping into the hall. We make our way to the living room and she collapses down onto the pillows, grabbing the remote in the process.

"Can we watch a comedy?" She asks.

My eyes widen in shock. Never did I think she would want to choose a movie.

"Of course," I nod, sliding in beside her. "We can watch whatever you want."

She smiles and looks down at the remote, I can tell at first she's not sure how to use it but I don't overpower her. After a few seconds she finds the on button and locates the movie selection. I'm just pleased we can be like this together and feel more comfortable than I ever have in my entire life.

♦ ♦ ♦

Reign's laugh could be an antidote. If I'm sad or angry or frustrated and I hear her laugh, it will make everything better instantly. Never have I wanted to record something and hear it on loop without looking like a total freak.

Guess I'll just have to get her to watch more comedies or get those laughs myself, knowing that she's relaxed and happy makes my heart swell. That's all I've wanted is for her to feel like she's at home because this is her home.

"I love that one," she grins as the credits begin to roll. "I can't believe I haven't seen it before."

My hand brushes down the back of her head, grazing my fingers across her strands of hair. "It's hilarious," I comment. "Pretty sure there is a second movie, we should watch it when we've got a spare evening."

Reign's eyes light up instantly and she sits up onto her knees. "Yes, I would love that."

"Anything for you, angel," I say quietly, studying her lips. "How are you feeling now?"

She nods and tucks blonde hair behind her ears. "Better, thank you."

That rushes my wolf with relief, at least I know I can help with when she's feeling anxious by distracting her with movies. "So I've been thinking," I say and Reign's blue eyes fixate on mine. "I said before we would do it on your terms but I think it would be a good time to do it soon."

"Do what soon?"

"Tell the pack that we are mates."

Her pink lips part but nothing falls from them. She laces her fingers in front of her and holds them down to her thighs. "Oh," is what she says.

"If you're not ready we don't have to, it was just a suggestion."

Reign's chest inhales a long breath but then she shakes her head. "No, you're right. We should tell everyone. It might help me settle in completely. People might not look at me like I'm an alien."

My lips fall into a deep frown. "Who has been making you feel uncomfortable, Reign?"

She's startled by my tone, her head shakes and I resist the urge to curse. "It doesn't matter, I expected it after stealing their stuff. When Jesse's watch went missing. I know people were talking about me, who I am, why I'm here. Maybe this will clear things up and your pack can attempt to understand me."

"Our pack," I correct her. "But if we tell everyone and people are still giving you grief, tell me. I won't stand for bullies, especially not to you."

"Okay," she nods in agreement.

"Promise me that you will tell me," I grab her hand and run my thumb across her knuckles. "Promise me."

She flicks those gorgeous blue eyes between mine. "I promise."

I raise her hand and press a delicate kiss to her hand, shivers rocketing through my arm and straight to her heart. Even her skin erupts into a show of goosebumps which has us both shaking from the growing bond.

Oh it feels so damn good. She feels so damn good.

When I drop her hand she stares at me dumbfounded. My eyes slip down to those precious lips, oh how I wish I knew what they tasted like. I breathe in so deeply because if I think about her mouth for a second more, I might just pass out on the floor.

"We can tell them today," Reign snaps me out of my trance.

"Today? Are you sure?"

Reign purses her lips and nods. "Yes, sooner the better. It might make me feel like there is no more weight on my shoulders. I hope so anyway."

"I hope so too."

Later into the evening I ask for the pack to meet me downstairs at seven o'clock, Reign is nervously standing beside me but I grip onto her little fingers for support. Milo, Fran and Jesse stand at the front of the pack. All of them know what's about to happen and they're smiling back at me with encouragement, for Reign too.

"First of all thank you for coming down to hear what I have to say," my voice booms across the large kitchen. "I've been wanting to tell you guys this for a while but the timing wasn't right. Now we feel like the time is right."

My fingers squeeze Reign's again and she looks up at me with a soft smile. "All of you know that we have had someone come to stay with us for the last couple of weeks," I say as my eyes flick across the packs engaged expressions. "You might know her as Lily but her real name is Reign and the reason why she is here is because we are mates."

I can tell this is a shock to some considering mouths are open and eyebrows are raised.

"Reign will become my Luna, your Luna once we have completed the mating process but we are taking things slow currently," I say and Fran nods with support. "So I'd appreciate it if you put in the effort to help Reign feel at home, we're all a family and we all look out for each other. I expect respect from each and every one of you."

"Yes, Alpha," they nod in response.

Reign's head rests on my arm and it makes me feel warm and gooey inside, a feeling that I have never felt before but I am living for it. She's showing me affection in front of everyone and I've never wanted to smother her in my attention more.

"Of course we will throw a party, a celebration to bring Reign into the pack with style. But right now we're focusing on other things and we can save that for later." I glance at Milo whose expression drops because I know how much he loves a party. "But that is all, I hope you can respect us, be happy for us."

"Welcome, Reign," a young girl steps forward at the front of the crowd which then sets off a choir of 'welcomes'. There is a ghost of a smile on Reign's lips at the idea of being recognised and appreciated.

Acceptance flows through my body, racing through every one of my veins in a staggered fashion.

When the kitchen filters out, Fran steps forward and grins. "Woo, congrats guys. Officially official now."

"So when's the party?" Milo leans on the counter, I raise my hand to push his shoulder so he stumbles.

"Shut up," I shake my head in disbelief. "If you want a party so bad, have one of your own."

Milo's face lights up. "Done!"

"Not here though," I warn him. "Not at the house."

"What? Oh come on, Ev. You can't tease me like that," he grumbles, dragging a hand down his face.

I shoot him a look. "No. I said no."

Milo tuts and rolls his eyes like a child, I find Reign smiling at his response. At least someone is entertained by his immaturity.

"How does it feel, Reign?" Jesse asks politely.

"Good," she nods. "I feel like I don't have to hide in the shadows."

"You never had to hide in them in the first place," Jesse tilts his head and Fran snakes an arm around his back, holding him tight.

The corner of her mouth flicks. "Thanks, at least now I have a bit more breathing space because everyone knows what's really going on."

Everett. Kassian's voice floats through my mind. We have a situation and we need your help.

Reign instantly notices my change in stance and steps in front of me.

What's going on?

Witches. Our witches are in trouble. We need backup to protect the house, we're not sure what's going on but we don't want to take any chances. Nella is giving us information as we speak.

We'll be there.

"What's going on?" Reign asks with concern.

"Kassian and Cleo, they need our help."

"Shit," Milo curses and pushes his body from the counter. "I'll gather the pack."

"I'll help," Jesse follows him out of the kitchen.

I glance at Fran and she walks closer towards us. "Make sure tha–"

"Can I come?"

Reign's little voice catches me by surprise. "No," I tell her and she furrows her eyebrows.

"Why not?"

A sharp exhale of breath shoots down my nose. "Because I don't want you to get hurt. You'll be safe here."

Reign recoils from my words. "I've fended for myself for almost six years."

Six years? I thought it was three.

"Fended for yourself or not, I don't want you to get hurt. You don't know what you'll be getting yourself in for and I am not risking that." My voice comes out a lot harsher than intended but Reign doesn't move away.

"I want to help," she folds her arms across her chest and I tilt my head. There is no way she's challenging me right now.

My gaze turns to Fran and she nods. "If she wants to go, Ev. let her go. You're equals. Aren't you? You can't dictate what she can and can't do."

Reign smiles back at Fran for supporting her. My stomach twists in knots at the thought of her being in danger, if something happened and I can't help or do something. I will never be able to forgive myself.

"Everett," Fran snaps me back to the conversation. "She is her own person. She can make her own decisions."

I look down at my beautiful mate and my heart thrashes in my chest. Fingers trembling at the idea, she hasn't trained with the pack before. She doesn't know anything about our protocols or our rules.

"I'll keep her close," Fran pitches in again. "You can trust me."

"Fine," I struggle to get the word out. "But if you do anything stupid or anything to put her or yourself in danger, I'll be fucking furious."

Fran holds up her hands. "You've got my word, brother."

When my eyes float down to Reign's breathtaking eyes, I stroke my finger across her cheek and clench my throat. "Please, please don't do anything that could put you in harm. I need to come home with you tonight." I whisper as Fran makes a subtle exit.

She clasps a hand over mine and holds it in place on her cheek. "I will come home with you tonight," she says in response. "I just want to feel more involved. I want to feel like I am a part of this pack, danger or not."

I want to curse for her loyalty to me, to my pack and everything I've worked hard for. Those are the qualities I've always wanted in a mate but knowing that anything could happen to her makes me feel severely uneasy.

Especially when I haven't had her that long. The thought of her being ripped from me so easily sends my wolf crazy but I trust my sister and I trust Reign to listen to my orders.

"Do me proud, angel."

♦ ♦ ♦

Read the rest of the book, epilogue, bonus chapters and the first few chapters of Milo's story over on Patreon!

www.patreon.com/dreammcatcher
Link is also in bio!

Author's Note

Hello my loves! What did you think of this chapter?👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼

I love Everett being protective but then putting that aside for Reign to be independent and make her own decisions is giving me all the green flags. What do you guys think is going to happen?🫣

Eeeeeeekkkk. I'm so excited to share the next chapter!🥹🥹🥹🥹

Don't forget to leave a vote, it really means everything to me!

Love Savanna x

Insta: SavRose.x
Patreon: dreammcatcher
Tik Tok: SavannaWritess