Page 101 of Claimed By My Exiled Alphas
“Thanks to Jace finding those wild ramps last week,” I said. “They really elevated the sauce.”
Cassian appeared in the kitchen doorway as I was pulling off my chef’s coat. “Ready to head home? Jace texted that he and Hollis have dinner waiting.”
Home. The word still sent warmth through my chest every time I heard it.
We’d moved into Hollis’s grandmother’s house eight months ago, after two months of renovation that had transformed it from a memory into a living space. Four bedrooms, a kitchen big enough for all of us to cook together, the garden that Hollis tended with patient care. We’d added a proper nest room on the second floor, a space dedicated to pack bonding that felt sacred and safe.
The house on Maple Street had become everything Hollis’s grandmother had hoped for. Filled with life and laughter and the daily proof that family could be chosen.
“Let me finish the prep list and we can go,” I said, making notes for tomorrow’s opening crew.
We walked home through October evening air that smelled like wood smoke and falling leaves. A year ago I’d arrived in Hollow Haven broken and scared, convinced I’d never trust anyone enough to be vulnerable again. Now I walked hand in hand with one of my alphas, bonded permanently to three men who’d shown me what healthy love actually looked like.
“The special election results came through today,” Cassian said as we turned onto Maple Street. “Patricia Davidson is staying on as mayor, but they elected three new council members to replace the ones who took bribes.”
“Good,” I said. “The town deserves better representation.”
“Gerald Whitmore is staying on too. He’s apparently become the voice of environmental protection on the council, working closely with Wes on conservation initiatives.”
“Who would have thought,” I murmured. “The man who called our pack formation greed now advocating for progressive policies.”
“People can surprise you,” Cassian said, squeezing my hand.
The house came into view, warm light glowing from the windows. Through the bonds I felt Jace and Hollis inside, felt their anticipation of our arrival. After a year of being bonded, the connections between us had deepened into something both powerful and comfortable. We could sense each other’s emotional states, coordinate without speaking, know when someone needed support or space.
We walked in to find the dining room table set for four, candles lit, and the scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. Hollis was plating what looked like his grandmother’s famous pot roast recipe, the one he’d been slowly recreating from memory. Jace was tossing a salad, using greens he’d foraged that morning along with vegetables from our garden.
“Perfect timing,” Jace said, grinning at us. “Dinner’s ready.”
We settled around the table, the four of us in our usual positions. Me between Jace and Hollis, Cassian across from me where I could see his face. The meal was simple but perfect, comfort food made with care and shared with people who mattered.
“The bistro was packed tonight,” I said between bites of pot roast that tasted exactly like home. “Maya said we’re fully booked for the next three weekends.”
“That’s incredible,” Hollis said warmly. “Your hard work is paying off.”
“Ourhard work,” I corrected. “I couldn’t do any of this without pack support.”
“Speaking of support,” Jace said, and through the bond I felt his nervous excitement. “I have news. Wes offered me a promotion. Lead ranger for the northern territory, which means more responsibility but also more influence over conservation policy.”
“Jace, that’s amazing,” I said, reaching across to squeeze his hand. “You absolutely deserve it.”
“It means longer hours sometimes,” he admitted. “More time away from home during peak season. I wanted to check with all of you before accepting.”
“Take it,” Cassian said immediately. “We’ll adjust schedules to make it work. That’s what pack does.”
“Agreed,” Hollis added. “This is a huge opportunity. We’ll coordinate around it.”
Through the bonds I felt Jace’s relief, his gratitude at having a pack who supported his professional growth instead of seeing it as competition for attention.
“I have news too,” Hollis said quietly. “The bookstore’s expansion is finally complete. I’m adding a dedicated omega section, resources for people who’ve come to Hollow Haven seeking fresh starts.”
“Hollis, that’s wonderful,” I said. “Your grandmother would be so proud.”
“I think she would,” he agreed, looking around the dining room that had once been hers. “She always said this house was meant for people who needed it. I think we’ve honored that.”
After dinner we cleaned up together, the coordination so natural now that it barely required thought. Jace washed while Hollis dried. Cassian put away leftovers while I wiped down counters. Four people moving in sync, comfortable in our shared space and shared life.
“Living room?” Jace suggested. “I found this documentary about wolf pack dynamics that I think we’d all find interesting.”
