“This is going to work,” says Dawn as I turn off the engine of my car. We’re at Tally’s house to meet with her alpha and his wife. Tally swears they are on my side, and I’m here to find out what they think I should do.

“I sure hope so,” I say, and we get out of the car.

It’s been six weeks since Cade and I were ordered not to see each other, and my life has been surreal. Word travels fast in a clan, and what I did was met with mixed reviews. Older clients cancelled appointments, and there are definitely werebear who look the other way when I pass them in the grocery store. It’s been strange to go from one of the most valuable members of my clan to someone people shun. I hate to admit how much it stings.

But there have been a lot of heartfelt thanks sent my way as well. The warriors are a tight-knit circle, and they all express their gratitude when they see me. Ryan, one of Cade’s close friends, even developed a sleeping problem so he could come see me for a potion and give me an update on Cade’s progress. He managed to heal within a week, and according to Ryan, Cade has thrown himself into his work with a clear mission to get whoever attacked the warriors.

Dawn and I step into Tally’s kitchen. The scent of cinnamon and apple is in the air, and I notice she has pieces of pie set out on two plates along with tea for Dawn and me. She gives us both a big hug and holds me longer than usual. When she looks at me, she says, “Jean Luc and Izzy are totally on board, and we’re going to figure this out. I promise.”

I nod and take the dessert Tally hands me before I walk into the living room to meet with her leaders. Marcel gets up from a chair and comes over to kiss my cheek. “Bella, so nice to see you.”

“You too.” I set my food down and walk over to Izzy, who kisses my cheek as well. Because she’s close with Tally, we’ve seen enough of each other to be friends. Jean Luc, though, still scares me a little with his alpha status.

He takes my hand between his and says in his French accent, “Bella, love is a crazy thing, and sometimes it comes from unexpected places.” He smiles at his wife. “I found ma cherié when I was out clamming one morning.”

Izzy laughs and shakes her head at him, and I say, “I think I need to hear this story.”

“Over wine some night, I’ll tell you the whole tale,” says Izzy. “But we have something more pressing to discuss right now.”

I sit down across from Izzy and Jean Luc on the sofa. Dawn, Marcel, and Tally take the other chairs in the room. The piece of apple pie I was looking forward to is suddenly unappetizing, and I don’t pick up my plate.

Jean Luc says, “I met with the alphas of the Northeast Kingdom to discuss the ramification of werebear and magicals being together. They all see the benefits, but not all are ready to let it happen in their clan.”

I take a deep breath to prepare for what Jean Luc is going to say next, and Dawn mumbles, “Bet it’s my clan.”

“Not so, Dawn,” says Jean Luc. “Tori is half human, and she thinks adding magic into the Veilleux bloodstream is a good idea.”

I close my eyes because it’s what I feared. I already figured Carly, who shares the alpha position with her husband, Brady LeRoux, would be on board, considering her progressive ways. So that leaves Marion. I say, “Marion doesn’t like it.”

“Your alpha is a very wise woman, Bella,” says Jean Luc. “She is aware that you and Cade together would produce powerful warriors for the next generation. But she’s also concerned about the members of your clan. She doesn’t believe they’ll be in favor of allowing what has always been taboo to happen.”

I nod. My clan is full of old money and plenty of werebear who believe it makes them better than others. As elitists, they care what other clans think. “Much of the older generation in my clan are averse to change,” I say. “Many of them won’t come see me any longer because of what I did.”

“Whoa,” says Dawn. “I’m the one who did it.”

“We did it together,” I say to her. “Besides, I’m the one who is bonded to one of the best Robichaux warriors. Cade is considered a big deal any female would be lucky to have. It’s easy for them to think I did this on purpose.”

“They don’t know you very well,” says Tally.

“I get it,” I say quickly in their defense. I love my clan. They’re my family, and it’s hard for me to hear others judge them. “From the outside, the idea that Cade and I have a soul-mate bond sounds like something crazy that could never happen. I understand the caution.” I look at Marcel. “You know what I’m talking about.”

He says, “I do. Tally and I have faced nonbelievers too, but I don’t think Jean Luc is done yet. Hear him out.”

Jean Luc smiles at me. “You know, some find my accent sexy.”

Izzy slaps his arm and chuckles.

“It gives me an edge.” He winks at me. “I think Marion Robichaux likes me.”

I can’t help but smile at Jean Luc showing his playful side, although the Marion I know has never shown me a flirty side.

Izzy lets out a small jealous growl, and Jean Luc grabs her hand as he says, “I convinced her to give you and Cade a chance to prove the bond exists.”

“You did?” I put my hand on my chest and let out a breath of air as tears of happiness fill my eyes. “Oh my gosh, thank you. Thank you so much.”

“You’re very welcome. Your two months are almost up, no?”

“Next week.”

“Marion insists she be present when you and Cade see each other again. She will determine if you do indeed have a soul-mate bond that wasn’t manufactured.”

“That’s wonderful!” Dawn cries out as she jumps up and comes to hug me. “I knew this would work out.”

I smile at her, and Tally says, “This is fantastic. Oh, Bella, I can’t wait to throw your baby shower.”

I laugh and then wipe a stray tear off my cheek as I say, “I think we’ve got a few steps before I get pregnant, don’t you?”

“Exactly,” says Dawn. “Like wedding-dress shopping. And goodness, Tally. What are we going to wear as bridesmaids?”

“Matron of honor, thank you very much,” says Tally.

I sniff as more tears of joy roll down my cheeks, and I gaze at Jean Luc. “Thank you so much. If you ever need anything from me, I’m yours.”

“You’re welcome, Bella. But I think you would have done anything for me even if I hadn’t helped you. I know what kind of person you are.”

“This calls for a celebration,” says Tally. When Marcel frowns at her, she says, “C’mon. I spend my days making macaroni and cheese and eating it because I’m too lazy to make something better. I’m always looking for a reason to drink champagne.” She waves her hand at him in a shooing motion. “Go get two bottles from the garage fridge for us.”

Marcel looks at Jean Luc as he stands up. “Did you see that? She just spelled me, because so help me, I’m compelled to go get those bottles. You sure you want to let Cade make this mistake?”

“I did not spell you, Marcel, father of my children. Jeez. What’s it take for a woman to get a drink around here?”

We all laugh, and when Marcel brings back the champagne, we spend time celebrating the news. But even though everyone believes Cade and me together is a done deal, I’m not so sure.

When Dawn and I are upstairs in the guest-room beds, I stare at the ceiling and wonder how I’m supposed to prove to Marion my love for Cade is more than human. I let out a sigh.

“Talk to me, Bella. What has you so worried?”

“Marion doesn’t like change any more than most of my clan does. She’s not going to be looking at Cade and me, hoping to see soul-mate love. She’s going to be looking for a reason it’s not there.

“Then I’m coming with you,” says Dawn. “But I already know in my gut it’s not going to be a problem. Marion won’t be able to deny your connection. I’m sure of it.”

“I wish I had your optimism.”

“I wish you’d trust me. I was right about the cards, and I’m right about this. I promise. Besides, you believe in intentions the way I do. Intend that this is going to go smoothly, and it will.”

“Okay. Okay,” I say, and I close my eyes to dream about being with Cade forever.