“How are you doing?” Victoria squeezed my knee.

  “About as well as could be expected. I hope that running around in wolf form will help.”

  “Take all the time you need to mourn. I’ll take care of you and my mother will take care of the food.”

  “And the pack,” Laura said, her voice sounding groggy. “Anything anyone needs, I’m on it.”

  I turned to her and tried to smile. “Thank you.”

  “Think nothing of it. Take all the time you need. All of you.”

  We approached Moonhaven’s gate. A girl with curly brown hair sat in front of it. My heart thundered, trying to figure out what she could be doing there. A stranger at our mansion was rarely good news. Could she be a witch, bringing bad news? I wasn’t sure I could stomach any more.

  “Stella!” Victoria exclaimed.

  I wracked my mind, trying to place a Stella. I was pretty sure I hadn’t met anyone with that name in years.

  Victoria stopped the car and jumped out.

  “Who’s she?” Laura asked.

  “You got me.” I watched the two embrace. “Maybe someone she knows from school?”

  Victoria stepped away from the girl and motioned for me to open the gate. I scooted over to the driver’s seat and remotely opened it. She and Stella moved to the side. I drove in, and the two of them walked in, arm-in-arm.

  “You really don’t know the girl?” Laura asked.

  “They might’ve met when her memories of me had been hidden.” I parked the Hummer. Other cars from our pack arrived and people piled out. I turned back to Laura. “Welcome to Moonhaven, our humble abode.”

  She chuckled. “Humble?”

  I shrugged. “Make yourself at home. We have plenty of spare rooms.”

  “I’m sure you do.”

  Victoria and Stella headed our way. I jumped out of the car and hurried over.

  “You must be Toby. I’m Stella.” She held out her hand and smiled, her hazel eyes shining. “Victoria’s told me so much about you.”

  “Wish I could say the same. Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand.

  “I’ve been a little busy,” Victoria said. “You know, tortured and held captive? Anyway, Stella and I met at the safe house. She was an evil vampire’s pet, so I turned her into a werewolf.”

  I nodded, finally understanding. “In other words, we have another new pack member?”

  “I hope so.” She begged me with her eyes.

  “Welcome to the most diverse pack you’re likely to ever see. We have wolfborns, a jaguar, a vampire, a valkyrie, and now a mutt—but we really should come up with a better term for that.”

  “I’d definitely appreciate that, but I’m grateful just to be a part of the pack.”

  “We’re family. Looks like we’ll need to have another welcoming ceremony.” We made our way inside, and I was immediately reminded of Brick’s absence. It hit me like a punch in the gut.

  Laura walked in and turned to me. “I’ll make sure everyone is properly taken care of, starting with a nice, big meal. The moon is almost full, and stomachs are going to start rumbling soon.”

  “Thank you.” I pulled Jet aside and introduced him to Laura. “Make sure everyone meets her. I’m going to take some time for myself.”

  “You got it.” He put his arm around Laura, and walked her toward the living room, where most everyone had gathered.

  I stumbled up the stairs, the pain from my loss gripping me like a vise. Now that Victoria was safe and the pack was being taken care of, I could finally mourn and then hopefully move on. Brick wouldn’t have wanted me to spend too much time missing him.

  Once at the top of the stairs, I paused. As much as I wanted to close myself up in my room, I went in the other direction to Brick’s room. It was decorated sparsely in earth tones. The bed was unmade, but otherwise, everything was tidy. I sat on the bed and let memories run freely—there were so many. We’d been through so much together over so many years.

  There was much I wanted to say to him, but nothing would come. That was actually fitting. More often than not, during difficult times, we’d sat in silence, mulling over whatever faced us that day.

  Before long, the aromas of delicious foods wafted into the room. Though my stomach roared ravenously, I didn’t move from my spot. Finally, the sun brightened the room and then grew dim and finally dark again. I was hungry, thirsty, and needed to relieve myself.

  A full day had passed.

  I rose and trudged to the door. My gaze darted around the room. “Goodbye, old friend.”

  It was time to lead my pack. I opened the door and stepped into the hall. Moonhaven was quiet. The scents of turkey, biscuits, gravy, and vegetables hung in the air. My stomach roared, demanding food.

  A foul odor drifted to my nose. I needed a shower and a change of clothes before facing anyone, so I dragged myself into my room and cleaned up before heading downstairs. Laura hovered over the full stove, stirring one pot after another.

  I cleared my throat.

  She glanced over at me and smiled. “You’re feeling better, I hope?”

  “Somewhat.”

  “Have some food, then get a nap. You look like death warmed over.”

  The corners of my mouth curved up, though I couldn’t quite manage a smile. She reminded me of my own mother.

  “Sit, sit.” She pulled out a plate and piled it high with food.

  It was strange seeing someone else in Brick’s place, but I shoved the thought aside.

  Laura set the plate in front of me. “Everyone’s out back. I convinced them to start a garden. Judging by this kitchen, none of you are getting enough vegetables. Granted, winter isn’t the best time of year to plant seeds, but it’s better than nothing. And besides, I found some faerie dust. That ought to help matters.” She went back to the stove, telling me how grand her garden had been when Victoria was growing up.

  I half-listened while scarfing down the food. With her back to me, she somehow knew when I’d emptied the plate, and she filled it again.

  Once I had eaten all that food, I took the plate to the sink and rinsed it off.

  “I’ll take care of that. Go outside and say hi to everyone. They’re worried about you.”

  “I can’t thank you enough for everything.”

  “Just keep taking good care of my Victoria—that’s all the thanks I need.” She winked and turned back to the food. “Off with you, now. Then get some sleep.”

  Chuckling, I made my way to the front door and went around back, eager to see the future garden—and of course, Victoria. Sure enough, they had cleared a huge section and were working the land. I hurried over to Victoria. “Do you need any help?”

  She spun around and wrapped her arms around me. “How are you?”

  I opened my mouth to speak, but she ran her fingertips along my face.

  “Have you slept?”

  “No.”

  “Toby.” She frowned.

  I kissed her nose. “Don’t worry about me. I’m tough. What about you? I see your mother has put everyone to work.”

  She nodded. “It’s a good distraction, and working together is helping everyone unite as a pack.”

  “And everyone is doing okay? Since Brick and all the fighting?”

  Victoria snuggled against me. “I think they’ve just been worried about you, but I convinced them to give you space while you mourn. Did it help?”

  “I think so. I just wish he hadn’t died, but that’s the way it goes. If I was able to move on with my life after your death, I can get through this with you by my side.”

  She leaned her head against me. “Anything you need, I’m here.”

  I yawned. “Since everyone is busy, I think I’ll listen to your mother and get some sleep.”

  “Do you need anything?”

  “No, but tell everyone we need to have a meeting in a few hours after I wake up.”

  “Sure. What about?”

  “Something my father said. Can you see if one of the witches can make it to the meeting?”

  “Consider it all done.” She kissed my cheek.

  “You’re the best. We need to start planning our wedding now that all of our enemies are out of the way.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I like the way you think. But get some sleep. You look like you need it.”

  I chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Chapter 101

  Toby

  I ran a comb through my wet hair and checked the mirror before heading downstairs. After a nap, which turned out to be much longer, I felt a lot better. My heart still ached, but I didn’t expect that to go away anytime soon.

  Downstairs, everyone was gathered around the table for dinner, which was perfect considering how hungry I was. Victoria waved me over to the empty seat next to her. Laura filled a plate and set it in front of me before I had a chance to scoot in.

  “Is everyone ready for the full moon tomorrow?” I asked.

  Most everyone laughed.

  “What?” I looked around, confused.

  Victoria squeezed my thigh. “It’s tonight, sweetie.”

  “No wonder I feel so rested.” I dug into the food, realizing how famished I was, also.

  “What is it you want to talk about?” Jet asked. “We’re all here.”

  “Except for the witches,” Victoria said. “They’re pretty busy with Gessilyn. She’s learning some magic found in a book from the last high witch. It sounds really complicated.”

  I swallowed. “Let me eat first. I’m starving.”

  “I made plenty.” Laura stirred something inside a pot.

  I scarfed down three platefuls before finally feeling satisfied.

  “What did your father say?” Jet asked as Laura took my plate.

  Ziamara shook her head. “Let him talk when he’s ready.”

  “It’s okay,” I said. “I’m eager to discuss this, anyway.”

  Laura passed out wine glasses and set a few bottles on the table.

  “Sit, relax,” I told her.

  She turned off the stove and then joined us.

  I poured some white wine for Victoria and me, then I looked around the table, making eye contact with everyone. “Has anyone heard of the wolf essence stone?”

  Laura dropped her glass. It shattered on the floor, sending wine and shards of glass flying. “I’m so sorry. Let me clean that up.”

  “No.” Sal jumped from his chair. “Let me.”

  “You’ve heard of it?” I asked her. My heart thundered in my chest.

  She nodded, her face paling. “Where did you hear about it?”

  “My father spoke of it in his dying words. He told one of his pack members that he had to get it. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but it had to be important if those were his last words.”

  Laura’s mouth gaped.

  “What is it, Mother?” Victoria asked.

  She gasped for air. “I’d always heard it had been destroyed.”

  “It doesn’t sound like it,” I said. “Why is it so important?”

  Her eyes widened. “It’s said to hold the cure to the moon’s curse.”

  Gasps and murmurs ran across the table.

  “My father spoke of it when I was a girl,” Laura said. “The ancient tales are that many have gone after it, but none have lived to tell their stories. The common knowledge was that it had been destroyed in a fire.”

  “Did your father say where it was?” Jet asked.

  I shook my head. “He just said for him—his pack member—to get it.”

  Victoria took my hand and held it between hers. “Do you think it will break the curse? Allow us all to change when we want to?”

  “That would sure be nice, especially given that it’s stumped all the witches.”

  “This has to be why,” Jet said. “I wonder how many know about the stone? I can’t recall ever hearing anything about it.”

  “I haven’t either,” I said. “And clearly, my father knows about it.”

  “Do you know when it was supposed to have been destroyed?” Victoria asked, her eyes wide.

  Laura shrugged. “I don’t know any details beyond what I said. People probably stopped talking about it since there was no point.”

  “If it’s still around,” Jet said, “where has it been all this time?”

  I pressed my palms on the table. “That’s what I’d like to know.”

  Victoria put her hand on my arm and stood. “I’ll call Frida again. Maybe one of them can spare a few minutes.” She hurried out of the room, pulling her phone from a pocket.

  I pulled on the collar of my shirt. It seemed hotter than normal in the kitchen. Everyone spoke at once. I struggled for a deep breath. Would we be able to not only find the wolf essence stone, but figure out how to use it? If my father’s pack was after it, how many others were, as well?

  “Does Soleil know anything about it?” Ziamara asked, her voice breaking through all the other conversation.

  I glanced around the table. “Where is she?”

  “Mourning.” Zia frowned. “She said she needed space and took off, saying she’d be in touch.”

  “We have to call her.”

  “Her phone’s in her room.”

  I slumped. Our resident essence expert was unreachable when we needed to learn about a wolf essence stone. “She’s coming back, though? Right?”

  Zia bit her lower lip. “I’m sure she will.”

  Without Brick, would she really return to our pack? It might only be a reminder of what she’d lost. I sat taller. “You’re right. She will. This is her pack, too.”

  My mind spun.

  The sounds of a bone breaking sounded a few chairs over. Stella’s face contorted and she threw her head back. The youngest wolves usually turned first.

  “You’d better hurry outside, dear,” Laura said. “Stay close, and we’ll meet you.”

  More bones popped and crunched. Stella pushed her chair out and fled the room.

  Laura rose. “I’d better get this food put away before shifting.”

  Zia jumped from her chair. “I’ll help. We should keep some out for the wolfborns.”

  A couple other young wolves sped out of the room as the sounds of more bones snapped and popped.

  Victoria returned. “Killian said he’d be here soon. Do you want me to shift with the pack, or stay here to talk with him?”

  “Of course I want you to shift with me—with us. I’ll try to hold off turning until we have a chance to talk with him.”

  “He said he had a few things to wrap up first.”

  I cringed. “Well, I’ll do my best to fight it. Wait. Why didn’t you shift while we were fighting my father’s pack? You were clearly upset.”

  She sat on my lap and leaned her head against mine. A few others ran from the room.

  “Are your shifts changing?” I asked.

  Victoria shook her head and ran her hands over my chest. “I turned a bunch of times before the tribunal. I think my body can only take so much. I didn’t even shift when I was really upset.”

  “Do you think you’ll be able to shift tonight?” I ran my fingers through the length of her hair.

  She shrugged. “I want to run with you all—especially you and Stella—but maybe I should stay with the wolfborns tonight. It would be good to let them know about the stone.”

  “I understand. It’s just with Brick’s loss…” I sighed. “But I don’t want you shifting too much, either. That could turn out to be just as bad as not shifting at all.”

  Laura came over and kissed the top of Victoria’s head. “I’ll watch over Stella, honey. You do what you need to. And I’m sure the others will take good care of Toby. Right?” She gave me a look that I dared not oppose.

  “Right. They’ll do anything for me.”

  One of Laura’s bones popped. “Speaking of, I’d better get out there.”

  “Thanks for everything,” I said.

  She nodded and then ran from the room.

  My shoulder popped. I cringed, trying to push away the shift.

  Victoria ran her hands over my arms. “If I can, I’ll turn and find you, but it’s probably better that I’m here to speak with Killian and the wolfborns. We need to find out what we can about that stone.”

  “Don’t force a shift. As much as I want you with me tonight, I don’t want you to risk hurting yourself.”

  She stared into my eyes and then pressed her lips on mine, kissing me deeply. “Join the pack. They’re waiting for you.”

  Howls sounded outside. Several painful pops ran down my spine.

  Chapter 102

  Victoria

  My inner wolf clawed to escape as Toby ran from the kitchen, pulling off his shirt. We were meant to be together during the full moon. I longed to be with him, but my bones didn’t even ache, much less attempt to break and shift.

  Ziamara turned to me and yawned. “Do you need anything?”

  I shook my head. “Get some sleep. You need it.”

  She rubbed her belly. “I can already feel kicking.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah. Vampire pregnancies are so different from that of other species. They progress quickly, and there’s never any telling how long it will last. Could be three months, could be seven—and I’m carrying a werewolf hybrid, so there’s really no telling what will happen.”

  I got up and put my palm on her rounded stomach. I could feel the rhythmic movement. “That’s amazing.”

  “Tell me about it.” She beamed. “Jet acts cool in front of everyone, but he’s actually beside himself. He gets all giddy. It’s so cute.”

  “Sweet. So, has there been a vampire-werewolf hybrid before?”

  She shrugged and yawned again. “I wouldn’t know. Well, I’d better get some rest.”

  Footsteps sounded in the hallway.

  “Killian?” I called, hoping Gessilyn’s husband had arrived earlier than expected. My heart skipped a beat as I thought about learning more about the wolf essence stone.

  Instead, Alex walked in with two teenagers, a boy and a girl. Our wolfborns had shifted for the night as humans. Behind them followed a tall, muscular guy about Toby’s age with dark hair and equally dark eyes.