Page 68 of The Right to Bear Claws
"Here, let me," Elias said, taking the pendant from her trembling fingers and moving behind her to fasten the chain around her neck. The moment the wood touched her skin, it pulsed with warm light, recognizing its new bearer and settling into place with obvious satisfaction.
"Perfect fit," Thorin said with pride. "I wasn't sure about the measurements, but the wood knows its purpose."
"How did you have time to make this?" Kaia asked, clearly overwhelmed by the craftsmanship. "We only decided on the claiming yesterday."
"He's been working on it for two weeks," Finn said with a grin. "Ever since it became obvious you two were heading toward a bonding. Thorin's good at reading the signs."
"We all were," Magnus added, loading plates with enough food to feed a construction crew. "Elias hasn't been subtle about his intentions."
"Thanks, Dad," Elias said dryly, but he was too happy to be truly annoyed.
“Speaking of family and intentions,” Kaia started. If I am Elias is the last one to get a mate, where are all of yours?”
The Vane men looked around each other with mischievous smirks.
“Oh, they’re around. They’re out now, mainly because we like to initiate you into the family, then when it’s too late for you to back out, you get to meet the wives,” Finn said.
“They’re not that bad,” Elias whispered. “They’re just… a lot.”
They settled around the expanded table, and Elias marveled at how naturally Kaia fit into the family dynamic. She laughed at Finn's terrible jokes, engaged Thorin in serious conversation about woodworking techniques, and listened to Magnus's stories about the old days with genuine interest.
"So what's next for you two?" Thorin asked around a mouthful of pancakes. "Besides the obvious honeymoon period."
"I want to formalize my role as the town's dream counselor," Kaia said, surprising Elias with her immediate answer. "Work with Miriam and the Council to establish proper protocols for helping people process nightmares and trauma."
"That's a wonderful idea," Magnus said approvingly. "The town could use someone with your specialized abilities."
"And I'll keep working construction during the day and Night Guard duties when needed," Elias added. "Though I might cut back on some of the longer patrols now that I have more reason to come home every night."
"Smart man," Finn said with a knowing look. "Happy wife, happy life, right?"
"Finn," Thorin warned, but he was smiling too.
"What? I'm just saying, now that our he’s all domesticated, maybe the rest of us can stop worrying about him wandering around like a lost bear."
"I was never lost," Elias protested.
"You were absolutely lost," Magnus said matter-of-factly. "Wandering through life without purpose, doing good work but never quite finding your place. Now look at you." He gestured toward where Elias sat with his arm around Kaia. "Centered. Complete. This is who you were always meant to be."
The words hit deeper than Elias expected, carrying the weight of paternal wisdom earned through decades of watching his children grow and find their paths.
"Speaking of complete," Kaia said softly, her hand finding his under the table, "I never imagined family could feel like this. Safe and warm and... chosen rather than obligated."
"That's exactly what family should feel like," Magnus said gently. "Biology creates connections, but love creates bonds. And you, sweetheart, are definitely loved."
"Group hug," Finn announced, jumping up from his chair. "Come on, don't make it weird. We're having a moment here."
Before either Elias or Kaia could protest, they found themselves surrounded by Vane brothers, pulled into an embrace that smelled like sawdust and coffee and unconditional acceptance. Through their bond, Elias could feel Kaia'soverwhelmed joy, her amazement at finding herself in the center of such fierce, protective love.
"Okay, that's enough," Thorin said after a moment, though his voice was suspiciously rough. "We're going to make her think we're completely sentimental."
"Too late for that," Kaia laughed, wiping tears from her cheeks. "But I love it. All of it."
"Good," Magnus said with satisfaction. "Because you're stuck with us now. No returns, no exchanges."
"I wouldn't want to return this," she said, looking around at the faces surrounding her. "Not for anything in the world."
Later, as they prepared to head back to town, Elias pulled his father aside.
