Page 57 of The Alpha Option
Del glanced into the room then blinked again. This time his gaze went to the mark on Cassidy’s neck. “Oh, wow. Congrats, you two.”
“Thanks.” Jace nodded firmly then caught Del by the arm and tugged him into the room. “You’re staying for breakfast.”
“Ummm, but I’m not sure…”
“Mr. Jace? Colt shifted into a wolf. That’s not fair. He can eat way more piggy stacks if he’s a wolf,” Blaze complained while Colt let out a series of delighted yips.
Jace laughed, tilting his head toward the chaos in the kitchen. “Come on, Enforcer. You can help enforce the rules around here.”
He pushed Del ahead of them toward the table. The man went willingly, eager even as he found a chair next to five-year-old Ace.
Cassidy held Jace back before they took their own seats, her curiosity rising far enough she whispered in his ear. “What’s up with them?” She flicked a finger between Stacy and Del.
Stacy picked up her chair and moved it a few inches farther from Del. Then she turned her back on him and became intensely interested in helping Blaze build an enormous piggy stack.
“No idea. Blue might know, but for now, I think we’re safe to let it roll.” Jace kissed Cassidy quickly then raised his voice. “I’m ready to take on all challengers.”
The rest of the meal was full of good food, laughter, and a sense of family Cassidy was thrilled to experience.
She took a slow evaluation of the group. Her two best friends—here in a new place, ready to face the next stage of their adventure. They had begun to set down roots, even though they still had a long way to go to make the lodge a viable resort.
They had to get the approval of the Wilson pack—she’d realized that meant wolves, and not the Jasper ones—before next spring. It was doable, whoever it was they needed to impress.
Especially if the newcomers at the table were a part of the solution. Blue, with his quick smile and gentle heart. Del, who’d turned out to be rock solid and fearless when he needed to be.
Marvin, the nanny moose—who could have guessed?
And Jace.
Cassidy met his gaze, and the spot on her neck tingled. Inside, something wild stretched. Her wolf? It was all so exciting, and she still had so much to learn about that part of her.
But it was Jace who made her heart skip a beat—his steady blue gaze like a slice of the sky, brushing her with the sweet, glorious freedom of fresh air and wilderness. His heart right there for her to see.
His love. Amazing. Wild.
Perfect, and all hers.
The whole change of circumstance made her grin. She’d been looking for a new place, better options. Could never have dreamed the Alpha option would be hers.
She slipped up to the table, settled in Jace’s lap, and stole the final piece of bacon off his fork.
He waggled his brows at her then kissed her, ignoring the sound of small boys groaning dramatically at the public display of affection.
Yup, Cassidy thought as she pulled back and grinned at her mate and the others gathered at the table. It wasn’t an option she’d ever dreamed of—
It was better.
Epilogue
The kids were herded outside by Blue, Jace, and Marvin to run off steam after eating far too many piggy stacks. Stephanie and Cassidy had vanished for a moment, headed to the office to check the delivery dates for supplies.
Which left Delaney Vezina—ousted pack Alpha, new pack Enforcer—a little bemused as he stood at the kitchen sink, hands in the dirty dishwater, scrubbing the breakfast cookware.
It was humbling yet perfect. Because the other person still in the room was Stacy, working silently as she cleared the table and stacked plates in the dishwasher.
God, he’d been a fool. The past weeks, every time he’d scented Stephanie, Del had wondered why she seemedalmostright. Now it was crystal clear—it hadn’t been Stephanie he’d been waiting for.
It was Stacy.Shewas his fated mate.
