There was a chorus of yeses and ayes from the gathered Weres. I glanced around them. There were fewer than before. I guessed that almost half the pack was gone. But I was shocked to see Tadhg and Elizabeth in the crowd. I’d figured they’d left, but they’d been victims of Saoirse’s lies, too. I hoped they found a way to heal with their loss, but it’d take time.
“We are,” Feidhelm said when the Weres had quieted again. “There’s a good portion of us who didn’t know what was happening or were too low in power to do anything about it. But we’ll need you at home for more of the time.”
That was reasonable and not a huge surprise. What do you think? I asked Donovan.
This is my home. I can’t abandon them. Not when they’re asking for my help.
Then I’ll support you. We’ll fix this pack and make this our home.
He gripped my hand. I’ll talk to Sebastian about how
to leave the Seven.
I’m sorry.
No. It’s for the best. It’s time for me to come home again. Maybe even start a family.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, buddy. I needed a while before I was ready for any of that.
Ready?
Yeah. This was it. I blew out a breath. My family was here, standing together. Max gave me a nod of approval. Miles looked a little sad, but he still smiled at me when I caught his gaze. I’d be giving up my family and my home pack.
I turned to my friends. Tessa gave me a thumbs-up. I’d talked it over with her. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen with St. Ailbe’s anyway. It wasn’t a safe spot for the school now, and with Dastien already graduated, and a few other developments… She might not be there anymore, either.
Everything was about to change.
Life was unpredictable and every time I thought I had it figured out, it went crazy. But I was getting used to it. I might be moving on from one life, but I was gaining a whole lot. Especially my mate. There was something terrifying yet exhilarating about starting a new chapter in life.
Donovan was my true mate, my perfect complement, and I was ready to start our journey together. Let’s do this.
“I’ll be your alpha full-time with my true mate, Meredith Murry, by my side.”
Meredith Murry? That sounded… Perfect.
“We welcome her with open arms and open hearts.” The pack said the traditional words in unison, approving me as their pack’s mate.
Feidhelm stepped up and handed me a crystal goblet. It held a drop of blood from every member of the pack, plus a good dose of Donovan’s blood and some other magic stuff that would join me to the Irish pack. This part had to be done before Donovan and I could finish our bond.
The goblet shook as I brought it to my lips. “Bottoms up.” I drank the mixture down in one gulp.
I dropped the goblet as the magic coursed through me, making my knees weak. The world spun and I closed my eyes Donovan held me to his chest to keep me from hitting the ground as the Wayfarer bonds snapped, leaving me feeling adrift for a second before the Irish pack ones slammed into place. I pressed my forehead against Donovan’s chest as I focused on breathing. As the new bonds settled in, I tried to get my bearings.
Donovan was right. His pack’s ties were weak and tattered. They’d been neglected for a long time, but they’d heal. We could fix it.
You all right? Donovan asked as he tilted my chin up to look in his eyes.
Yes. I smiled up at him. I’m fine.
I couldn’t believe the pack that was so notoriously unwelcoming had actually accepted me. I’d only had to battle a fey monster and get half of them kicked out to win their favor.
Cheers echoed into the night. Max whistled and I laughed at him. Even if I wasn’t a Wayfarer anymore, my family would always be in my heart.
My father stepped up to us. He brushed a quick kiss on my forehead and whispered in my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
I laughed. I nearly died getting here, but I’d survived. I was kind of proud of me, too. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Have you both approached of clear heart and clear mind?”