Page 156 of Knotting the Cowboys

"It's technically temporary until you sign to finalize it," Mavi explains, moving to crouch in front of me so we're at eye level. The document rests on his knee, innocent-looking for something that represents such a massive commitment. "But it's considered an engagement period, so no other Alpha can make a claim on you. It gives you legal protection while you decide if this is what you want."

"It also means Blake can go fuck himself," Austin adds with vicious satisfaction. "He shows up here again talking about claims and rights? We can have him arrested for harassment of a pack-bonded omega."

I stare at them, these three incredible men who've upended my entire world in less than a week.

"You guys did this for me?" The whisper barely makes it past the lump in my throat. "You filed pack paperwork, made yourself legally responsible for me, without even knowing if I'd want?—"

"You're our world in all aspects." They say it in unison, like they planned it, though knowing them it's probably just their pack bond making them synchronous. The words hit me like a physical blow, sending fresh tears cascading down my cheeks.

"Oh, sweetheart," River murmurs, reaching out to thumb away the tears. "Don't cry. This is supposed to be a good thing."

"They're good tears," I manage, hiccupping around the words. "I just—I never thought?—"

"We know," Austin says simply. "That's why we did it. So you'd never have to wonder again if you're wanted. You are. Desperately."

Luna chooses that moment to fully surrender to sleep, going completely boneless in my arms.

Her soft snores join Cole's in a bizarre little symphony that makes me laugh through my tears.

This is my life now—fairy lights and baby snores and men who file paperwork to protect me before I even know I need protecting.

I shift Luna carefully to one arm, freeing a hand to reach for each of them in turn. River first, pulling him down so I can press a tearful kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you," I whisper against his skin, feeling him shiver at the contact. "For the flowers, for tracking Blake, for not giving up on me."

"Never," he murmurs back, catching my hand and squeezing gently.

Austin next, having to stand on my tiptoes even with him bending down. His arms come around me and Luna both, careful not to wake her.

"Thank you," I breathe into his ear. "For recording this, for fighting for me, for calling me sweetheart like you mean it."

"I do mean it," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Every time."

Finally Mavi, who's still crouched in front of me, watching with those intense green eyes. I lean forward, Luna secure between us, and rest my forehead against his.

"Thank you," I whisper into the space between us. "For the protection, for the lights, for carrying me when I couldn't walk on my own anymore."

"Always," he says, the word a vow. "As many times as you need."

I turn to look at Cole, still dead to the world in his chair. Even in sleep, he looks like he's standing guard, positioned where he can see both the door and the window.

My protector, even when unconscious.

"Can you—?" I gesture to Luna, and Austin immediately understands, taking her from my arms with practiced ease. She doesn't even stir, just transfers her grip from my shirt to his, tiny fist holding tight.

I pad across the room on silent feet, the new cushions soft under my bare soles. Up close, I can see the exhaustion written in every line of Cole's face, the way his hand still clutches that price tag like evidence of his dedication.

This man who growled at Blake in the middle of town, who defended me with crude words and perfect timing, who then came home and built me a nest because I never had one.

I lean down, careful not to wake him, and press the softest kiss to his temple. His skin is warm under my lips, and he smells like leather and sawdust and home.

"Thank you," I whisper against his temple, letting my lips linger for just a moment. "For everything. For seeing me. For claiming me in front of the whole town. For knowing what I needed before I did."

He doesn't wake, but something in his expression softens, the worried crease between his brows smoothing out.

I allow myself one more moment, just breathing him in, then straighten to find the other three watching me with expressions so tender it makes my chest ache.

"Welcome to the pack," River says softly, and even though I haven't signed anything, haven't made it official, I feel the truth of it settle into my bones.

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