I elbowed her. “You are part of this family. You couldn’t leave us if you tried.”

  She opened her mouth to say something, but Toby spoke again.

  “I think we’re all in agreement that we have the best pack around.”

  Everyone spoke at once.

  Toby stepped closer to the fire and continued glancing around at the pack. “We aren’t bound by blood, but by friendship and mutual respect. I know of no other pack like ours, built by choice rather than genes, and I couldn’t be prouder. We’ve managed to overlook ancient biases.” His gaze landed on Ziamara. “And we’ve taken in orphans, abandoned by their families.” He made eye contact with many around the circle. “And we’ve even welcomed in members who the rest of our kind believe are worthy of death simply because they were born in wolf form.”

  We all turned to the three wolfborns, sitting at attention together. In unison, they all turned their muzzles upward at the night sky and howled.

  Toby held up a glass of champagne over his head. “And one day soon, we’ll all be on the same shifting schedule. We can get to know our wolfborn brothers and sister by shifting at the same time. We’ll talk to them as humans and run together as wolves.”

  Jet rose and held up a glass next to Toby’s. “We’ll even be able to shift at will by finding a way around the curse of the moon.”

  Everyone cheered. Brick and Sal, Toby’s long-time personal guards, rose and handed everyone champagne flutes. Brick gave Soleil a quick kiss before handing her glass to her.

  “Let’s toast to our newest members,” Toby continued. “We are officially welcoming the following people into our pack. Ziamara, who’s been part of our pack for a long time, but who has never been properly welcomed. Alex, our wolfborn advocate, Ember and Mateo, our two new young wolfborns, Victoria—the love of my life, Soleil—”

  The valkyrie gasped in surprise and grabbed my arm. “I’m part of the pack?”

  Toby grinned and gave a little nod in her direction. “And last but not least, Carter.”

  I gave Toby an appreciative smile, knowing how hard it had been for him to accept Carter into the pack, given we had a past and Carter still had feelings for me.

  Toby held his drink higher. “Welcome to our pack.”

  Everyone cheered, clinked the flutes together, and drank the champagne—a rare drink for a group who typically preferred less refined things.

  “One more thing,” Toby said. “Even though we already know our bonds are stronger than blood, I have a gift for everyone—a simple reminder about what we’re part of. Something so special it could only be called family.” He reached into his pocket, removed something, and stared at what he held. Then he turned to Jet and grabbed his hand. He slid a ring on Jet’s finger. Then he pulled another ring from his hand, and put it on Brick’s finger. He went all the way around the circle, presenting each one of us a ring. "You'll notice that on your ring is your name and the crest of Moonhaven, our home.”

  I held my hand out and studied the ring. On one side of the golden band, Victoria was engraved in fancy script. On the other was a circle with the outline of several phases of the moon—the same symbol engraved on several posts along the massive fence that outlined much of the vast property.

  “Now we are officially the Moonhaven pack,” Toby said. “Never forget it. You belong here, and we all need each other.” He went over to the three wolfborns and scratched their necks. “I’ll leave your rings in the kitchen and you can try them on while you’re human during the full moon. Hopefully, that won’t be too many more cycles now that we have time to focus on finding the cure so we can all shift when we want.”

  They all nuzzled him, more eager than the rest of us to reverse the curse of the moon. It had to be difficult spending most of their time as wolves rather than humans.

  He turned to me, his expression filled with love and desire. My heart pounded like a jackhammer. I reached for him and ran my thumb over his stubble, staring into his eyes.

  “Thank you for the ring. Now I have two from you.” I held up both hands, admiring the beautiful engagement ring on the left and the pack crest on the right.

  He pulled me close and gently pressed his lips on mine, opening my mouth with his and deepening the kiss. I twined my tongue around his, feeling our connection growing.

  I pulled back. “When are we going to marry?”

  Toby sat on a log and pulled me onto his lap. “As soon as we can plan the biggest, most glorious wedding—the one you deserve.”

  “But I don’t care about all that. I just want to be with you.”

  “I have to outdo your last wedding.”

  I shoved him playfully. “Wedding? You mean farce.”

  He held me closer and ran his fingers through the length of my hair. “I had to watch a minister declare you married to another.”

  “While I was unconscious,” I reminded him.

  “I wasn’t.” He frowned. “And that doesn’t negate the fact that I want to give you the best wedding anyone has ever seen—something to make kings and queens turn green with envy.”

  I shook my head but loved that he wanted to give me something so wonderful. “Well, I won’t stop you, but I do hope we can plan quickly.”

  “We have all the time in the world, sweetness.” He nibbled on my ear. “Let’s enjoy our engagement.”

  “How can I argue with that?”

  He ran his fingertips along my jawline. A shudder rippled through me, then I stared into his eyes. How had I managed to be the luckiest woman alive? It seemed I asked myself that every day since reuniting with Toby. How could I not question it after all we’d been through just to be together?

  Toby traced my chin and ran his thumb across my lips, gazing into my eyes with a desire equally matched to mine. I leaned forward, took possession of his mouth, and ran my hands over his muscular arms.

  He pulled back, gasping for air. “Time for a break, sweetness. Unless you want a shotgun wedding without any of the frills.”

  “Sounds good to me.” I grinned and pressed my palm against his chest.

  Soleil turned to us and stuck another marshmallow into the fire. “I’m certified to officiate weddings in sixteen countries.”

  “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Toby shook his head. “Sorry, but I’m not going to let anything get in the way of giving Victoria the wedding of the century.”

  “In that case,” Soleil said, “we’ll start planning first thing tomorrow. Sound good?”

  “Yes, but only because he’s making me wait.” I gazed into Toby’s eyes.

  “You guys are too much.” Soleil pulled her stick from the blaze, ate the marshmallow, and went over to the other side of the bonfire. She grabbed Brick’s shirt, pulled him away from his conversation, and kissed him.

  I leaned my head against Toby’s. “How long do you think everything will stay perfect?”

  “Forever.” He took my hand and kissed each of my fingertips.

  “You really think so?”

  “I can dream, can’t I?” He smiled, melting me into a puddle.

  “All we need is to solve the curse.”

  “Gessilyn promised to work on it.”

  “They need a break, especially after all her coven has done for us.”

  “That they do. I think they slept for a week after leaving Moonhaven.”

  “Good.”

  Laughter erupted on the other side of the fire. The boys were back to wrestling, and Ziamara and Soleil rolled their eyes at each other.

  “Young werewolves.” Toby shook his head.

  “You can join them if you want,” I said.

  He arched a brow.

  “I know you want to.”

  He laughed and laced his fingers through mine. “I’d rather be right here.”

  My heart swelled, overflowing with love and happiness. Joyful tears stung my eyes.

  “You okay?” Toby turned my head toward him.

  I nodded, sniffling. “I’m just so happy.”

  “Me, too, but I—”

  One of my ribs popped. Then a hip. I gasped at the pain. Though the shifts weren’t nearly as painful as they once were, they still hurt.

  “Now?” Disappointment washed over his face.

  I grasped my side. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so emotional.” Experiencing any emotion to the extreme was what caused me to shift into werewolf form, despite the phase of the moon—or even if it was day or night.

  Fur sliced through my skin. I jumped up from his lap. “I’m so sorry.” I ran from the bonfire before the shift could shred my clothes.

  Chapter 72

  Toby

  I turned to the wolfborns, who were already in position. “Make sure she stays safe.”

  They ran off in the same direction Victoria had gone. It killed me to not be the one going after her.

  Carter came over. “I should go, too.”

  “Why?” I clenched my fists. “You think three werewolves aren’t enough to keep an eye on her?”

  His brows came together. “I can shift back to human form when she does. They can’t.”

  I shook my head. “Stay here and enjoy the celebration.”

  “It’s dangerous out there, and you know it.”

  The very existence of the jaguar shifter grated on my nerves. Having him in my pack, disrespecting my decision, made it all the worse. I took a deep breath, not wanting to start a fight at our celebration.

  “You know I’m right, Toby.”

  “And you know I’m the alpha. You agreed to respect your place in our pack.”

  We stared each other down.

  “I have a unique place in our group since I can shift at will. Let me keep an eye on her. I’ve stood down until now, but I feel too strongly about this to sit back any longer.”

  I rose to be at the same height as him. He didn’t back away.

  Some turned to stare.

  My pride flared as I held my stance. “I’m alpha, and I’ve made my decision.”

  “And you won’t consider a different perspective?” Carter stepped toward me.

  I moved nose to nose with him. The fire crackled behind him, and I could feel the stares of every other member of our pack. Backing down wasn’t an option. Not when it could cost me the respect of those I led.

  “I considered it, and I said no.”

  Carter didn’t budge. “Even though it affects the safety of your one true love?”

  “The wolfborns are fully capable. You need to back down and respect my role as alpha. Now.”

  “And if you like me being in the pack, you need to trust me. I have highly refined instincts and I know how badly your father wants you to suffer. Going after Victoria would be the easiest way to accomplish that.”

  I stared at Carter, unable to disagree. My old pack already knew from experience how much my happiness was tied to her. It was why I’d risked death to be with her in the first place so many years earlier.

  He arched a brow. “Well?”

  The fire popped again. Everyone else was silent.

  My nostrils flared. “Go.” I turned from him, hating that I couldn’t fulfill what she needed in that way. But Carter was part of our pack now, and despite his feelings for Victoria, he had already shown that he wouldn’t act upon them. I had to let go of any jealousy that still remained. She’d chosen me.

  Carter ran off. I turned to the rest of the pack. “Our first priority is to find that cure. The moon is done controlling us.” I glanced up into the night sky and shook my fist at the rock that carried too much control over all of our lives.

  Brick came over and stood next to me in silence.

  I turned back to the fire. Without meaning to, I shot glares at those staring at me. They all turned their attention to each other and spoke at once.

  “You made the right decision,” Brick said.

  I growled. “I know, but it blows in the worst way.”

  “Because we’re under a curse.”

  “Literally.” I glared up at the moon overhead.

  “What should we focus on first? Curing the curse or destroying your old pack?”

  I ran my fingers through my hair, pulling on the ends. “What a choice.”

  “With the witches busy, we should consider going after your father.”

  “And have Carter running after Victoria every time she shifts?” I exclaimed. “No. We can find someone else to help us with the curse. Tap has to know someone.”

  “I think the troll is leery about helping us after being abducted and tortured on our behalf.”

  “Well, then?” I stared at him. “What do you think we should do?”

  “Like I said, I think we’d be better off taking care of your old pack. The moon isn’t killing anyone anymore.”

  I glanced in the direction where Victoria and the others had left. “No, but our pack isn’t united in shifting. We should all be in sync, but we’ve got three on the opposite shifting schedule, one who shifts without notice, and the rest of us who are captive to the full moon.”

  “And one who shifts at will,” he said.

  I glared at him.

  Soleil came over and put an arm around Brick. “I’ve got some resources. There’s a healing spring hidden in a secret tomb of a pharaoh thought to be only a legend. I was best friends with his daughter for a while, so I can assure you that neither the ancient king nor the spring are a myth.”

  “Sounds like the spring didn’t do him much good,” I pointed out.

  “He lived over two thousand years.” She arched her brows.

  “Why’d they hide the spring?” Brick asked.

  “And how do you know it’s still there?”

  “I snuck in not long ago to help a friend. It’s there.” She turned to Brick. “They buried him with it because it was his most treasured possession. Most pharaohs wanted valuables. He wanted the spring, sure it would be just as valuable in the afterlife.”

  I thought about it. “How will a healing spring help us? We’re not sick. Nobody’s wounded.”

  “But you’re cursed. Maybe you don’t need to be cured, but rather, to be healed.”

  Brick and I exchanged doubtful glances.

  “Your loss.” Soleil went around the bonfire and joined Ziamara.

  “It’s worth a try.” Brick grabbed a marshmallow and jammed it on a stick. “Even if it does nothing else, it’ll cure you of your jealousy.”

  I sucked in a deep breath. Even my good friend could see my true feelings.

  He stuck the marshmallow-laden branch into the flames and arched a brow at me.

  “Victoria and I are each other’s one true love. Nothing—including past lovers—is going to get between us.”

  “Glad to hear it.” He gave a nod.

  I glanced into the woods, trying to see or hear anything, but couldn’t beyond the rustling of leaves from a slight breeze.

  “Enjoy the party,” Brick said. “They’ll be back soon enough. Want me to put on some more steaks?”

  My stomach rumbled. The full moon wasn’t far away, so all of our appetites were increasing—that would continue until the day of, when we would be ravenous, eating as much as six regular men. “Sure. I can help you.”

  Brick pulled out the flaming marshmallow, blew it out, and ate it. “If you want. I’m happy to work on them while you relax.”

  Relax. Right. “Haven’t you figured out by now that I find cooking with you relaxing?”

  “Let’s get to it. If everyone is as hungry as I am, these are going to disappear as soon as they’re done.”

  I had a feeling he was right. We went over to the cooler, pulled out some tinfoil-covered steaks, and stuck them on the metal panels Brick had assembled for cooking.

  “We should cook these wings, too.” Brick grabbed some more food from the cooler and handed them to me. I arranged them on the panels, my mouth watering.

  Jet came over. “Oh, good. More food.”

  Brick laughed. “You can always tell when the full moon is approaching around here.”

  Jet put a hand on his belly. “I feel like I haven’t eaten in weeks.”

  Ziamara came over and put her arm around him. “You’ve already had two steaks tonight.”

  He chuckled. “It’s a good thing Brick knows our hunger.”

  Brick lowered the panels down into the flames. “They’ll only take a few minutes.”

  Bobby, one of the younger werewolves, came over and shoved Jet. His blue eyes shone. “You mean that he knows your hunger.” Bobby made oinking noises and put his hands up to his blond hair, making the shape of pig ears.

  “I could say the same about you.”

  I waited for them to break out into a fight or to start wrestling, but Jet remained standing with Ziamara. He’d been less volatile with the pack members since Dillon’s death. He’d felt guilty for their bantering since Dillon had perished at the now-burned-down Jag.

  Bobby made more pig sounds, trying to egg on Jet.

  Jet pulled Ziamara closer. “Go pick on someone else. I’m assistant alpha, and I’m not going to get pulled into pup games.”

  “You’re no fun lately.” Bobby sulked and joined some of the others.

  I turned to Jet. “You know, it’s okay to have fun. Just don’t be harsh with them.”

  Jet shrugged. “I need to take my role more seriously, anyway.”

  I opened my mouth to say something, but Ziamara shook her head. Instead, I turned to Brick. “How’s the food coming? It smells delicious.” The spices Brick had added to the meat now filled the air, making me even hungrier than before.

  “Just another minute or two.” Brick checked on the food. The meat and spices filled the air all the more.

  My stomach roared. “Let’s check.”

  Brick raised the panels up and we opened up some of the tin foil, careful not to get burned. Steam shot out.

  “They’re fine for us,” Brick said, “but I’m going to put some in longer for the non-wolves.”

  I stuck some food on plates and passed them out to the pack and then finally dug in. The steak melted in my mouth, though it was a little on the raw side in the middle. I’d had much rawer in my wolf form.

  After my second steak, Victoria finally returned, wearing a different outfit than before. She must have shifted back into human form far away from where she’d stored her clothes before shifting. That was why we kept spare clothes stashed in various places around the woods. She and Carter were both in human form, and behind them trotted our three wolfborns. I dropped my paper plate into the garbage, ran over to her, and swung her around. “Finally, you’re back.”