Chapter 91: A Home Earned
My heart thundered against my ribs as we walked back toward the packhouse, the early evening sun dipping behind the distant hills. The high from training still coursed through my veins, leaving me breathless and vibrating with a strange cocktail of exhaustion and exhilaration.
I had fought. Really fought.
Not in desperation or terror, like I had during the invasion—
But with *skill.* *Control.*
And for the first time in my life, I had held my own without needing to be rescued. I couldn't help the small swell of pride blooming in my chest.
I wasn’t the same fragile girl I once was. I was stronger now. *Stronger than anyone had ever given me credit for.*
As we broke through the tree line into the clearing before the packhouse, my steps slowed, confusion prickling at the back of my mind.
A huge crowd was gathered there—
Pack members of all ages, standing shoulder to shoulder, their faces turned toward us. But instead of hostility or distrust, their eyes shone with something else entirely.
*Awe.*
*Admiration.*
I stiffened instinctively, my wolf rising just beneath my skin in defense. My gut twisted with old fears, the ghosts of taunts and punishments still too fresh despite the time that had passed.
I felt Liam's hand brush against mine, grounding me. Felt Luther’s massive presence press closer, his warmth like a shield.
"You're safe, little mate," Liam murmured, so low only I could hear.
"And they see you now," Luther added, pride thick in his voice. "For who you really are."
I swallowed past the lump forming in my throat and nodded, forcing my feet to keep moving. We stepped into the center of the crowd, and slowly, the pack members knelt, baring their throats in submission.
Tears burned behind my eyes.
Not so long ago, these same people had turned away from me. Had whispered behind my back. Had watched and done nothing as I suffered.
And yet, here they were, showing me their respect. It was almost too much to bear.
Liam was the first to step forward. He raised his head, his powerful voice slicing through the reverent silence. "Our Luna," he declared, pride dripping from every word. "For now, and forevermore."
The pack howled in agreement, the sound washing over me like a wave.
Luther took the space beside his brother, his chest expanding as he drew in a breath. "I have never," he said, his voice raw with emotion, "been more proud to call someone mine." His golden eyes locked on mine, blazing with love. "You have shown strength, kindness, and bravery beyond anything we could have hoped for."
He turned, facing the pack fully. "And we vow, before all of you, that we will protect our Luna with our lives. Nothing will take what is ours. Nothing will harm her while there is still breath left in our bodies."
Another deafening howl erupted from the pack, shaking the very earth beneath my feet.
Overwhelmed, I turned, searching— And found him.
Rowan.
Standing a little apart from the crowd, his massive arms crossed over his chest. He was watching me with something raw and powerful etched across his face—
*Pride.*
*Love.*
*Peace.*
The sight stole my breath away. For the first time in my life, I truly felt whole.
*Seen.*
*Accepted.*
*Loved.*
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward. The crowd quieted immediately, all eyes on me. I wiped my sweaty palms against my pants and lifted my chin.
"If you had asked me a year ago," I began, my voice trembling slightly, "if I thought I would ever be standing here before you like this—" I shook my head, a soft, disbelieving laugh slipping free. "I would have said no. I would have said it was impossible."
I scanned the crowd, meeting as many eyes as I could. "But life is funny that way. It tests us. Breaks us. And then, somehow, rebuilds us into something stronger." I paused, gathering my scattered thoughts. "I swear to you all," I said, my voice growing stronger, "that I will be a Luna worthy of your trust. I will fight for you, protect you, *love* you, just as fiercely as I love my mates."
A few soft whimpers rose from the crowd. "I know our road ahead won’t be easy. We have enemies gathering at our borders, sickness still lingering among our people. But I promise you this—" I set my shoulders back, feeling the steel solidify in my spine. "We will face it together. And we will *survive.*"
The howl that went up then was almost deafening— A sound of hope, of unity, of a pack finally becoming whole again.
\---
Hours later, after the fires had burned low and the celebration had faded into exhaustion, I sat alone in the garden, staring up at the stars.
My muscles ached. My head throbbed.
But my heart...
My heart was finally, *finally* full.
The crunch of boots on gravel made me glance up. Rowan stepped into view, his broad frame silhouetted by the moonlight. Without a word, he sank down onto the bench beside me. We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the scent of flowers and woodsmoke clinging to the cool night air.
Finally, Rowan spoke. "You've become quite the woman, little sister," he said, pride thick in his voice.
Tears stung my eyes. I blinked rapidly, refusing to let them fall. "You don’t hate me for staying?" I whispered.
He chuckled, a low rumble of sound that eased something deep inside me. "No, Charlie. I finally understand." He turned to face me, his expression serious. "This is your home. This is where you belong."
I launched myself at him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He hugged me back fiercely, lifting me slightly off the bench. "I’m proud of you," he said gruffly. "More than you’ll ever know."
A soft cough drew our attention. We turned to see Liam and Luther approaching, their faces serious but their eyes warm.
Rowan set me back down on the bench and stepped toward them. "You two better take care of her," he said, his voice hardening into something lethal. "Or you’ll have the might of my pack raining down on you."
Liam chuckled. Luther simply nodded, deadly serious.
"You have our word," Liam said, his voice low and full of promise.
Rowan clapped a hand on each of their shoulders, squeezing briefly before stepping back. Panic flared in my chest.
"You’re leaving?" I blurted out, my hands clenching at my sides.
Rowan gave me a small, sad smile. "No, Charlie. I’ll stay as long as you need me."
Relief flooded me so hard my knees went weak. Rowan laughed softly. "And with unrest rising in the neighboring packs," he added, "you’re going to need all the help you can get."
I sagged against Liam’s side, feeling Luther’s warm hand settle on my back.
We stood there together under the stars—
A family finally whole.
A pack finally strong.
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