“Sometimes beings go rogue. They get power hungry, or they get vindictive. They go crazy. It’s not the fault of the collective,” Violet explains, staring down the argumentative shifter. “That’s the case here. The matter is resolved, just like it was with your brother.”
He purses his lips and darts his eyes away.
“Any other questions?” Violet chirps.
“No, Luna,” the pack replies, and I adjourn the meeting.
They shuffle out of the pack house, leaving me alone with my brothers and Violet.
“You’re too good at handling them,” I tell her, shaking my head appreciatively. “I might just let you run the meetings from now on.”
“No, thanks!” Violet laughs, flopping back down on a chair. “I’ve already got a coven to run.” She stifles a yawn, and I realize how tired she looks.
Steele also comments on her exhaustion.
“I’m going to order takeout tonight and run you a hot bath,” he informs her.
“And I’m whipping out the massage oils,” Jax adds.
“That sounds heavenly,” she agrees with a warm smile, rubbing her eyes and sitting forward. “Don’t blame me if I fall asleep halfway through, though.”
“You deserve it, Violet. You’ve been going nonstop,” I tell her warmly, kissing her cheek. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”
I offer her my hand, and she rises, stumbling slightly. “Oh!”
Concern fuses through me as I look at her, but Jax’s golden eyes brighten.
“Are you okay?” I demand worriedly.
“Just a little dizzy,” she confesses, allowing me to steady her.
Jax’s mouth opens, and Steele’s eyes pop. Understanding floods me as my brothers’ message hits me without either of them stating it directly.
“Have you been nauseous, too?”
Violet freezes, her eyebrows raising as she stares at us. “You don’t think…?”
I sniff the air around her and realize for the first time that her scent has changed. My brothers do the same, and excitement washes through us.
“You’re pregnant!” I breathe, sweeping her up in my arms. “Oh, my gods!”
Jax rains kisses over her, and we all embrace, relishing the thought of our future heir or heirs to the territory with awe and shock.
“I can’t believe it didn’t occur to me before,” she laughs, shaking her head. “I’m…” She pulls her head back and looks at us. “Are we ready for this?”
“Oh, yeah,” I promise. “We’re ready.”
Epilogue
VIOLET
One Year Later
My eyes flutter open at the subtle twitter of a bird. Blinking, I take in the crow perched on the balcony through the open French doors, the bird cocking its head toward me.
“Hello,” I murmur, my voice thick with sleep. “Any messages today?”
As if on cue to my question, a wail bursts out through the baby monitor from the bedside table, and I roll over to answer it.