The evening winds down slowly.
Mira's the first to leave, needing to start her drive back home. "I'll see you for the holidays," she promises, hugging me tight.
"I love you, grandma."
"I know, little one." She touches my marks one last time. "Be happy. Be pack. Be loved."
"I will."
She turns to my alphas. "Thank you for tonight. For loving her well. For giving her family."
"Thank you for trusting us with her," Calder replies.
"I already told you, I trust Elowen." Mira’s eyes sparkle. "She chose well."
The Vales leave next, Catherine hugging me tightly. "You're family now. Officially."
Maya lingers, grabbing my hand. "Text me? About omega stuff? And just... everything?"
I smile. "I’ll send you pictures of Juniper."
The Crosses are last, Rebecca pulling me aside one final time.
"My son loves you desperately," she says quietly. "But he's also terrible at asking for help. Don't let him carry too much alone."
"I won't. Ipromise."
"Good." She touches my cheek. "You're my daughter now. Remember that. You need anything, you call."
"I will. Thank you... Mom."
Her eyes water. "That works perfectly."
Pen hugs me enthusiastically. "You're the best sister. Both of you." She includes Maya in the statement. "We're pack now too. Sister pack."
"Sister pack," Maya confirms, joining the hug.
“I had a good feeling when you moved into the room next to mine.” Lila hugs me tightly.
“You’ve certainly given something magical to Elderwood.” Seraphina bumps her cheek against mine.
By the time everyone's gone, it's late. Margaret and Robert have retired to their wing of the house. Marcus left earlier, squeezing Calder's shoulder with quiet pride.
Just the four of us remain in the drawing room, curled together on the sofa.
"That was perfect," I say quietly. "All of it. The surprise, the families, the public affirmation. Everything."
"You deserved it," Calder replies.
"Deserved celebration," Tyler adds.
"Deserved recognition," Julian finishes.
Their love is a steady hum creating a twinkling cocoon around us.
"We should go home," Julian says eventually. "It's late."
"Home," I repeat. The word tastes perfect. "Where's home?"
