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Cadence sniffed and cupped Jenna’s cheeks, lifted her until she sat straight up and then leveled her with a look. “We’re going to let him make us a real Crew.”
Cadence released her and pushed open the door beside her, then got out and joined the others as they walked up to Lucas.
One by one, they greeted him.
Cadence offered him a hug, and settled in behind his right shoulder.
Lucia bumped him on the shoulder and came to stand beside his left shoulder.
Kru gave him a knuckle bump and came to stand beside Cadence.
Gunner stopped to the side of him without a physical greeting. For a few seconds he stood frozen there like that, looking down at the ground as if he would change his mind. But then he looked over at Lucas and nodded once, then made his way to stand beside Lucia.
And then they waited.
They waited for her.
Jenna’s tears were streaming now. She gripped the steering wheel hard, wishing she wasn’t so broken up over this moment.
Lucas looked so handsome in the evening light.
He was the person she loved, surrounded by people she loved, and for as long as she drew breath, she would never forget this moment.
Shaking, she pushed open the door and slid out of her truck. She lifted her chin higher into the air. “Are you done running?”
A slow, handsome smile took his face. “I was done running the moment you set me free.”
Behind him, his father, Kirk, shifted his weight, and with full eyes, he pressed his cheek to his shirt. Ally melted against her mate’s side.
Her heart was breaking open in the best way.
She approached slowly, the weight of everyone’s attention on her.
“You’ve come home for good. To Damon’s Mountains?”
Lucas shook his head. “Home isn’t Damon’s Mountains. Home is you.”
“What?” she whispered, stunned.
“I pick you,” he said softly. “My animal does too.” He held out a hand with a closed fist, and when he opened it up, she gasped and pressed her hands against her mouth again to hide the intense emotion.
A single twig rested on his palm. “This is for your nest.”
“Do you know what you are offering?” she asked.
“Yes.” He chuckled thickly. “Do you know how many twigs I’ve picked up over the last week? My truck is full of them. It’s all my gorilla looks for. I tried to leave and see if I belonged out there anymore, but I don’t feel real out there in the world anymore. The only thing that feels real is being here. With you.”
She searched his bright gold eyes—all she saw there was earnestness and raw vulnerability.
Kru cleared his throat. “And with us.”
Lucas rolled his eyes heavenward and admitted, “And with these idiots.”
She giggled along with the emotional chuckles from the crowd.
“What do you need from me to be a good Alpha?”
He canted his head. “Nothing. Now ask me what I want.”
