After Dallas was dropped off at his cottage, the six of us came together at the tiny house. To my surprise, my aunt greeted me at the door holding my robe. At the moment, I was only wearing Quinn’s shirt.

“Get in here. What kind of outfit is that?” She shook her head at me, but I couldn’t help but notice she and Quinn high-fived on his way inside.

“She refused to shift,” he explained. “She didn’t want to take off the ring and she had no clothes of her own.” He chuckled. “The gentlemanly thing to do was lend her my shirt.”

Aunt Jo gave him the side-eye. “You know you love having her wear your clothes. All men secretly do.”

Quinn leaned close, and whispered, “I have to admit, every time she skipped down the path, my shirt played peek-a-boo with her ass. I will carry that memory with me to my dying day.” He slapped a hand over his chest.

I laughed then dashed into my bedroom to dress. A million thoughts were racing through my mind and I didn’t want to forget any of them. This had been a huge day for the pack. We had much to discuss, many decisions to make. I patted my pocket. Some were simple, others would be more challenging. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, then brought Quinn his shirt. “Listen, eye candy, we need to keep it PG around here. The girls are barely eighteen.” I winked.

“Please, we’re graduating in a few weeks, then we’ll marry at the next moon,” Lennie grumbled.

Tanner threw an arm around her shoulders. “You do know that we have to have the Alpha’s approval in order for this to happen.” He stared at me seriously. “So, what do you say, Alpha? Can we marry next moon?”

At first, I studied them, then I peeked over at Shelby and Gideon. From the look on her face, I could tell she was eager to be mated as well. I glanced up at Quinn, who stood behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist. “What do you think?”

He kissed my neck. “I’m dying to have you to myself. Why wait? Let them marry tomorrow,” he joked.

Blowing out a breath, I leaned back against his chest. “Here’s my thought. You were born together; I rather think it would be beautiful if you married together. This may very well be the last together you’ll ever have since Shelby will go off and join the March Pack after.” I laid a hand on my chest while I came to terms with the realization. The thought of not being with them every day saddened me deeply. Somehow, this felt different and more final than my absence while I was in college.

“I love the idea!” Shelby squealed. “Would you mind sharing your day with us?” She clasped her hands together while she waited for Lennie’s reaction.

With a huge smile, Lennie reached across the table. “I think it would be perfect. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Then she turned to Tanner. “Oh man. Do you mind?”

Tanner squeezed her tightly. “I’m game as long as Gideon doesn’t object.”

Holding up his hands, Gideon shook his head. “Far be it from me to ruin this love fest.” Then he faced me. “But I was hoping I could invite my family. I know it’s not the way things are typically done, but we make our own traditions around here, right?” He grinned.

“We sure do. And I’d like nothing more than to have a long, warm relationship with the March Pack. I never want to lose my sister.” My eyes watered and I swiped at them. “Sorry, I think I’m just tired and overwhelmed and…”

“Human,” Quinn murmured against my shoulder. “You’re allowed to have feelings. Being the Alpha only means while deciding what’s best for everyone, you need to consider the feelings of the rest of the pack too.”

I sniffled. “I suppose.” Then I stood up straighter. “I know we have had a really busy last twenty-four hours or so, but why stop there.” I laughed and reached into my pocket. “Things change. Life goes on. That’s how it has always been and always will be.” I pulled out the Beta coin and held it in my palm. “Not so long ago, Tanner, we were fighting, battling for superiority, for control. Lately, however, you’ve seen the error of your ways.”

Quinn coughed. Gideon laughed. My aunt absolutely snorted.

“I’m joking.” I closed the distance between me and Tanner. “It’s way more than that. See, you’ve become the one member of the pack I could entrust everything to, and not only my sister. You’ve proven your loyalty, your willingness to follow directions, and your ability to make decisions. Good ones.” I winked. “I know this isn’t a fancy ceremony like we’ve had in the past, but we’ll do fancy later. It’s important that you understand what you mean to me and the Phoenix Pack right now.” I picked up the coin and held it in front of me. “I’d like you to be my Beta, Tanner. Would you be willing to take on this responsibility? I know I’m a lot of work.” I grinned.

Tanner stood while Lennie wiped the tears from her eyes. I had to look away because I felt particularly fragile at the moment. “Alpha,” he murmured, “I’m honored. I’ll make you proud.”

I passed him the coin. “You already have.”

“I’ll make sure you never regret this.” He reached out and gave me a quick hug.

“I believe you. I don’t know why I ever would.” Then I stepped back closer to Quinn before giving my aunt my attention. “This brings me to Aunt Jo.”

She withered under my attention. “Savvy, I think I know what you’re going to say.”

I laughed. “I don’t think you do.”

“You’re going to ask me to join the pack and move in here.” Aunt Jo sighed.

“Actually, I’m not.” I shrugged. Her mouth gaped open. “I understand that you’re not ready for that kind of move. I completely respect your decision, but I need you to respect my need to protect my family.” I blew out a breath. “You’re not as young as you used to be.”

“Thank you for that,” she grumbled.

“I know how the weather affects your arthritis. I’m concerned. I don’t want you on your own, far away from us, who want nothing more than to keep you safe, and get a chance to love you.” I squatted in front of her and held her hands. “We need you, Aunt Jo. So, I’d like to set you up in your own place, somewhere in Asheville. You choose, somewhere you can come and go as you please, but you’ll also be able to set up your lab and production facilities. Build your dream and your business here, with us.”

At first her lips were tight, her smile grim, but then it changed. “You’d do that for me?”

“Absolutely.” I gave her hands a squeeze.

“Well, if it means that much to you, the least I can do is stay.” She offered a half smile.

“It really does,” I stood and murmured, “thank you,” as I backed away.

“I hate to ruin the moment, but what happened with Dallas?” Tanner’s hands were fisted on the table.

“I know how much this troubles you, the idea of a traitor in our midst. I’ve decided we’re going to have a council hearing, with us and the elders. We’ll have an opportunity to question him. He’ll have an opportunity to defend himself. Then, together, we’ll figure out how to deal with him. We need to change the way we do things, then maybe we’ll never have to go through this again.”

“I think that’s a really smart idea.” Tanner nodded.

I glanced out the window. The sky was beginning to lighten. There was still one thing I wanted to do. “I’m not sure what the rest of you plan to do, but I’m going for a drive with Quinn.”

“You are?” His brow furrowed.

“I am.” I laughed as I held out my hand. “Come with me.”

“You lead, I’ll follow, my Alpha and future wife.” He squeezed my hand.