Page 133 of Knot That Difficult

I don’t munch on coffee grounds when I’m stressed anymore, either.

I look at my pack, and they help keep me grounded within the bond.

There’s no more sleeping on the floor or curled tightly into a ball—I share a bed with the three of them, and I take up all the space I need.

This is my life now, and sometimes, I can’t believe it.

As I head over to the cookie trays, River pulls me into a hug.

“Hey, kiddo,” he says. “Are you having a good birthday?”

“Hell yes! Did you try the caviar yet?” I ask.

He makes a face. “Caviar? No, I’m good. You and Skye can keep that shit.”

“It’s not shit,” Landon pipes up helpfully. “It’s fish eggs.” Then he hugs me. “Happy birthday, Devyn. Thanks for having us.”

“Of course! You guys are family!”

Did they really think I wouldn’t invite them?

Skylar and April care about their packs, which makesmecare about them.

I glance outside the sliding glass door and frown when I see Connor talking to Tammy on the patio, his expression intense. I grow even more concerned when Tammy wipes a tear from her face and wraps her arms around him.

“Hey.”

River’s voice turns my attention from the scene outside.

“Thanks. For making my cousin happy.” He looks physically pained to say it.

I blink. “Of course. I love him.”

“Yeah, well, he’s become a better detective because of you, too. You make him ridiculously happy, and I’m trying to just…be a better cousin, all right? So, thanks.”

“Aww,” Landon says, and River narrows his eyes at him.

“Shut the fuck up,” he hisses, but I grin.

Best. Birthday. Ever

Then Skylar and April come up to me, each of them taking one of my arms.

“We’ll be back,” Skylar calls to everyone, and my best friends lead me outside onto the patio, where Tammy, and now my entire pack, is waiting.

There’s a manila envelope in Tammy’s hands.

“Hello?” I ask, looking between my pack. “What is going on?”

I twirl the ring on my finger nervously.

But Ben looks fondly at me, his eyes soft. Ace is smirking, and Connor just gives me a small smile.

I look at Tammy. “Is everything okay? Why are you crying?!”

“They’re happy tears, honey,” Tammy assures me, then hands me the envelope. “This is your birthday present, if you want it.”

If I want it?

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