Two months later

The first snowfall blanketed Jerrik’s backyard, the trees dusted with white. Quite a beautiful sight. In the city, winter came in a disgusting mess of sloppy roads and icy sidewalks. But out here, I could enjoy the view.

I sat in one of his patio chairs, bundled up in a thick blanket. Catsanova sat in my lap, purring up a storm, his eyes half-closed as I stroked his chin. In the two months since we’d met, he’d become my constant companion. Much like Jerrik. We’d barely stepped foot outside his house, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Gabriel had even made an effort to visit. It’d been tense as all hell, but they’d muddled their way through it. Every now and then I’d caught the tightening of jaws and flashing of eyes, but they’d restrained themselves for my sake. And I’d shown my appreciation by baking them a couple dozen delicious cookies that they’d devoured in record time.

I had hope. One day, their status would no longer matter.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the house—the tell-tale sound of Jerrik’s combat boots. I listened as the back patio door slid open, and smiled when he laid his arm against the back of my seat.

I tipped my head back and met his gaze. “Hi.”

He leaned down and kissed me, lingering for a moment before taking his own seat at my side.

“Where’ve you been?” I asked.

“Talking with Gabriel, believe it or not.”

Catsanova read the sudden tension in my body, his eyes popping open as he mewled at me.

“Don’t worry, dove,” Jerrik said with a light laugh. “We worked something out.”

“Okay…”

“He’s created a new position in the pack for me.”

Oh, God. I couldn’t say why, but the image of Jerrik dressed up as a jester darted through my head.

“Nothing so bad as what you’re thinking,” Jerrik chuckled. “He wants to create a spy network. To ensure that what happened with Benjamin never happens again. I have connections, more than even he knows about. So, he wants me to head up this new division.”

Relief loosened my muscles and Catsanova settled back in, kneading my lap.

Jerrik shot him a glance, his mouth curving upward. “Traitor.”

“Hey, you said he was a lady-killer. He’s only proving you right.” I scratched behind Catsanova’s ears and was rewarded with a long, contented purr. “So, this is a good thing, right? This job?”

“Well, I already have enough money to live a couple dozen lifetimes, but it’ll give your father and I a chance to work together. Maybe come to an understanding. The wolf in him doesn’t believe I have no interest in taking over the pack. It’s an instinct thing.”

I nodded. I knew how that worked.

“I think it’ll be good,” Jerrik announced, his focus straying out into the trees. “It’s beautiful out here.”

I hummed and leaned back in the chair, my head resting against his arm. “I like it here.”

“Really? It’s not too far away from Gabriel or Lucy?”

My eyes slipped close as I shook my head. “It’s just perfect. So serene. I feel like I can just be me here, you know? Not the heir. Just Reagan.”

“Good.” Jerrik shifted his position, his fingers twining with mine.

Yes, I could definitely spend the rest of my life right here and never worry about anything ever again. I leaned over and rested my head against his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent.

Jerrik slid something on my finger.

My eyes popped open and I stared down at my hand, my heart screeching to a dead stop at the sight of my mother’s engagement ring sparkling up at me. “Jerrik…what…”

He slid off his chair and knelt before me, his hands gripping mine. “Reagan, before I met you, I knew only misery. I was trapped in this endless cycle of torment and loneliness. I thought I’d been cursed by my gods. But then I saw you. I knew right then and there that you were meant for me. Before you, I was nothing more than the shadow wolf. And then you swept into my life and burned away all the darkness. For the first time in countless centuries, I feel alive. I feel loved. And I’m happy. If you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life making you feel the same way.”

“Jerrik…”

“I told Gabriel this was my intention. And he gave me this ring to give to you. He said it was the ring he gave your mother.”

I nodded, my pulse thundering in my ears. This was the last thing I’d expected when waking this morning. And now, I could barely find the words.

“I want to marry you, dove,” Jerrik said. “And your father gave his blessing.”

A watery laughed spilled from my lips. I pushed Catsanova aside and lunged toward Jerrik, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I wouldn’t have cared if he’d said no.”

Jerrik drew back. “So, that’s a yes?”

“Of course it’s a yes.”

The tears I’d been fighting against slipped down my cheeks. And for the first time ever, I didn’t care. Jerrik grinned at me, his face igniting with true happiness. He brushed away my tears, then leaned in and kissed me.

Excitement bubbled within me. I broke from the kiss and leaned back, still laughing at the sight of my mother’s ring on my finger. So beautiful, the way it sparkled in the winter sunlight.

“I need to tell Lucy,” I babbled. “She’ll be so excited! Another bachelorette party.”

Jerrik laughed. “Just no cakes this time.”

“I’m thinking strippers,” I teased.

Growling playfully, Jerrik sat back in his chair.

I picked up my phone and turned on the screen. “Oh, she just texted me a few moments ago. A picture of something. I can’t make out what that is. The sun is too bright.”

Jerrik leaned over and cupped a hand over the top of the phone, casting a shadow over the screen. The picture came into focus and we both sucked in a sharp breath at the same time.

Lucy had sent me a photo, all right. My eyes narrowed in on the two pink lines. Beneath it, she’d written: So, I’m pregnant.

I shot Jerrik a stunned stare. “Holy shit.”

Guess today was full of surprises.

* * *