Never before had someone looked like they belonged the way Kristin did with my family.

If I had any doubts before, the very moment I watched her smile - albeit timidly - as each person I loved welcomed her as if she were a missing puzzle piece, they were no longer there.

I watched from the den as she stood beside my mother, looking entirely too at ease for someone who nearly had a panic attack at the mere thought of the woman who gave birth to me. It had taken a few minutes of awkward conversation, but the moment my mother's shoulder had touched Kristin's as she leaned in to whisper something I couldn't hear, the tension faded away. Kristin had thrown her head back on a giggle, her smile illuminating the room, and I wasn't the only one who noticed. Everyone paused, only for a second, each of us sharing a knowing smile before they turned back to their task at hand.

God, she was absolutely breathtaking.

"Geez, and here I thought dad stared at mom like a love sick puppy."

I couldn't even find it in me to retort - so I settled for the middle finger.

"Classy," she sneered playfully, turning her attention to my father. "Hey, dad." She slipped her arms around his torso, and my father grinned widely as he pulled her close, kissing her hair. There were times I believed in my gut that she was his favorite kid - my mother and sister were the only two to get him to smile like that.

"Hey, pumpkin."

"Are you gonna come speak to Kris," Gabi asked, grabbing the tumblr from his hand and taking a sip.

I side eyed my father as I took a sip from my own tumblr - called out by his own daughter. He hadn't said much since I greeted him nearly ten minutes ago. He had been watching Kristin, but not in a way that alarmed me.

"Oh, I'll let her deal with one parent for now."

If I didn't know any better, I'd say he looked almost as nervous as my mother earlier this morning. She had been a nervous wreck, more so than Kristin. It wasn't until I assured her that it was Kristin's idea that she finally relaxed.

Gabi nodded, kissing his cheek before turning on her heel, making her way towards my mother to take one of four pies and turning to shove it into the oven. Kristin mimicked their movement, nodding at something Gabi said before smiling. It made me wonder what they were saying, but I refused to listen in, no matter how easy it would be to do so.

"She seems to be handling this much better than I assumed she would," my father whispered behind the rim of his glass, and I raised a brow. I didn't know if I liked him doubting her. But ultimately, I couldn't say I hadn't thought the same thing. I just hoped the entire pack wouldn't become too much for her.

"She's doing much better than the first time you met her."

I still wasn't sure what had happened in those four days, but since then, all those retracted steps we took felt insignificant. Instead, something shifted. She had slept soundly next to me on the couch for hours, let me hold her hand, trusted me enough to let me stand nearly chest to chest with her when my desire for her was no doubt written across my face.

It was progress.

"Are you introducing her as the future Luna today?"

I tried to hide the tension in my muscles, but it was too late. My father's eyes had shifted, narrowing to meet mine and I downed the rest of my whiskey before turning to refill it, effectively giving him my back.

"No."

He hummed.

"How are you introducing her?"

The last thing I wanted to tell him was that I wouldn't even be introducing her as my mate. My doubts about Kristin may be slim to none, but my father's were loud enough for the both of us without even speaking a word. I loved him, but sometimes, his input was the last thing I wanted or needed, especially concerning my mate.

"As a passing wolf from a fallen pack." It wasn't a lie. "Kristin technically isn't a rogue considering she never officially broke ties with her former pack. It crumbled after a rogue attack."

"So she doesn't even want to be acknowledged as your mate?"

I turned with a glare, but my father simply held his hands up. His voice was stiff, full of worry, and nothing indicating he thought lowly of her, but his question put a bad taste in my mouth. My thoughts had been in a constant state of unease since Kristin had asked me to keep her status a secret, and I was trying to not let the doubts take over.

I couldn't figure out why she didn't want anyone to officially know.

Luckily, before I could say anything, Kristin bounded over, her smile gentle as she stood in front of me. Forcing a calming breath, I looked down at her as she eyed the glass in my hand. Wordlessly, I held it out to her and she raised a brow, eyes meeting mine as she gripped the glass in both hands and brought it to her lips.

A second later she made a face of disgust that had me laughing.

"You can keep it," she mumbled, shoving it back into my hands.

"Not a fan of whiskey," my father said with a chuckle that had both Kristin and I turning towards him. He smiled softly, turning around and grabbing an empty tumblr. Kristin shot me a questioning look that had me shrugging. When my father turned back around, he held another tumblr of amber liquid in his hand, a little darker than the one in each of ours. "Try this one."

Kristin eyed it hesitantly before wrapping her fingers around the glass, bringing it to her lips. She sipped it slowly, just a little, but unlike her last reaction, this time she smiled a little.

"Brandy?"

My father's head shot back in surprise. "It is," he said in approval. "A bit more expensive, but a much better pay off in my opinion."

There was a little smile of contentment as Kristin took another sip. "My father used to drink it," she said softly. "Each holiday season, he would drag out the bottle my mother bought him from the year before, and when she wasn't looking, he would share a glass with my brother and me."

My father looked impressed.

"Who's your father?"

I tensed. I had never informed my parents about her family. Considering how nosey they were, that was a stupid mistake on my part. However, Kristin surprised me for the hundredth time this morning by straightening her spine, a glimmer of pride behind those green eyes.

"Elliot Knight."

My father's head tilted, brows furrowed as he blinked. "That name sounds oddly familiar," he said, leaning against the wall casually and that seemed to relax Kristin as she nodded, smiling softly.

"He was Beta of Silver Crescent."

"Ah." My father's face lit up with recognition. "I remember him, vaguely. He was a very good man." Then he frowned. "Did you say was?"

I shot daggers at my father. Did he have to be so fucking blunt?

"He passed away a couple of years ago," Kristin said, eyes a little lighter than they had been in the coffee shop. Her face was passive, as if she were falling into a role, all emotions locked away, and something told me she was taught that skill from a young age. Just as I had been.

"Oh," My father seemed startled for the first time in years. "I apologize. I didn't know."

Kristin gave him a breathtaking smile. "It's okay."

"The pack is beginning to arrive."

My mother appeared behind Kristin, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder as she tensed. Taking another sip of the brandy, she caught my eye, worry swirling in them. She had nothing to worry about, given how quickly she took to my family, I had no doubt that the pack would love her the moment they set eyes on her. I also knew, despite my father's concerns, that deep down they would know how important she was to me, to this pack.

I tapped the tip of my index finger against her nose and it scrunched, and she glowered at me - lids drooped low beneath furrowed brows with those full lips in a little pout. Fucking hell she was cute. I raised an amused brow. If only we had a mindlink, I'd be able to reassure her. I craved to have our own way to communicate, to feel her through our bond.

Reaching forward, I caressed the underside of her ear, hoping it would provide a little comfort in front of our company. She turned into it slightly, but not enough for anyone other than me to notice. I wasn't all that sure she was aware that she did it. But she had, and it was another little step I added to the list of progress.

"Let's get started."

And at my command, our annual Thanksgiving celebration began in full swing, just as it always did. Pack members arrived with trays of food given to my mother to find a place on empty countertops, and when no space was left, it would move to extra tables set up around the house. Children ran around, chasing one another, giggling and full of life. The pack house was filled, conversations and laughs heard from room after room, and I made it a point to speak to as many as I could while keeping a watchful eye on Kristin.

My mate, my beautiful, wonderful mate took everything in stride. With her head held high and a soft smile adorning her face, she spoke softly and kindly to anyone who approached her. She clung close to my sister, mother, and Addi, but never withered under the pressure. Her back straight, shoulders back while shaking hand after hand with a warm, inviting presences . If she was overwhelmed, she never showed it, and that flicker of authority that seemed dim days ago now radiated.

Kristin Knight didn't need an introduction. All eyes were on her, and every wolf in the room felt it. What she would eventually be to them, what she already was.

As we all gathered around the house to eat, the majority of us all in the largest dining hall, I stood to address my pack, only feeling a little sting of longing to have Kristin by my side. All eyes were on me, their happy smiles and relaxed faces hitting me right in the gut.

"Happy Thanksgiving everyone."

Some raised glasses while others repeated the sentiment, and I darted my eyes over my family sitting at my table, chest growing at the sight of Kristin sitting right beside my sister, her own face relaxed, and as her eyes met mine, she smiled.

It nearly knocked me on my ass.

"I, as your Alpha, am honored you could all make it to celebrate with my family and I today," I said, scanning over the hundreds, knowing it wasn't even a fraction of them. "Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday simply because I get to spend it all with you."

My eyes found Kristin's again, and there was an emotion in her eyes I hadn't seen yet - adoration.

"And as some of you have noticed, most of you it seems. We have a new face among us today."

Kristin's eyes widened slightly before she swallowed.

"I'd like to introduce you all to my friend, Kristin Knight," I said, gesturing towards her. I decided that I refused to introduce her as anything other than my friend if not my mate. Because she was all of the above - my friend, my mate, my Luna. "She is very dear to my heart and I hope you all welcome her with open arms and show her the same respect as I give you."

Buzzing filled the air and I knew they were trying to put the pieces together. Some smiled at her, others waving, and I knew that I had officially turned their full attention to her. I couldn't blame them, she was hard to ignore.

"Enjoy your meal. Thanks to those of you who have provided it for us. And I just want you all to know." I paused. "That this is also my favorite holiday because of Ms. Lisa's sweet potato casserole."

There was light laughter before the older woman called across the yard, voice raspy with age, "already put your extra one in the fridge, boy."

I grinned, gesturing for food to be served and rounded the table to take the open seat near Kristin. As I sat, she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, giving me a side glance. With everyone's attention on their plates, Kristin dug her fork into a green bean as she said, "thank you."

"For?"

She turned her head, her face only inches from mine as we sat nearly shoulder to shoulder. With a deep breath through her nose, I watched as her eyes scanned my face, her lips twitching upward gently.

"For all of this. For giving me a safe place."

It looked like there was more she wanted to say, but wouldn't. Yet, it didn't matter because giving her a place where she felt safe was all I wanted for her.

"You never have to thank me for that, Kris."

Her breath hitched at that shortened version of her name, lips parting slightly as her eyes drifted downward, so quickly to my lips. A longing so fierce flared in her eyes, but she blinked, pulling back on a breath as she gave me a closed lipped smile. And I continued staring at her for a moment longer before turning my attention to my own food, deliberately yet carefully, moving my leg to press my knee against hers, smiling to myself when she didn't pull away.

I was in the middle of listening to Kristin and my mother talking adamantly back and forth when something nudged my mindlink and a guard's voice rang through.

Alpha. There's been rogue activity on the border. We estimate a large group scouting the edges of the territory for almost four miles near Eagle Lake.

My stomach dropped, grip on my fork tightening.

Right where I found Kristin.

As I spared a glance at my mate, I knew who they were hunting just as I knew that waiting on her for answers was no longer an option.

I found Grayson in his office a little after midnight, head resting in his hands as he stared at papers splayed across his mahogany desk. I wasn't sure he heard or sensed me until he looked up, a gentle smile curling the corners of his lips.

I had known days ago I was in trouble, but after today, after seeing him with his pack, I was in deeper shit than I thought. He had been nothing like the rumors. Today, before his pack was not an Alpha of malice or ill intent, but instead a well respected, well loved leader who cared for his people just as they cared for him.

Meeting Grayson's pack had been like stepping into a home and knowing in your bones it was where you belonged. There wasn't one member that hadn't treated me like family today. And I foolishly allowed myself to envision what a future here would look like alongside Grayson. I wondered, just for a second, if our kids would play alongside others while we tended to guests. If I would stand beside him on holidays to address our pack. If I would become a part of his family.

My fears went to war with those foolish hopes and dreams, barreling over them and leaving nothing but guilt and anguish in their wake. It had exhausted me by the end of the day, leaving me heavy eyed and numb as everyone bid their goodbyes. I had been so caught up in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed the shift in Grayson's mood until after I had retreated to bed.

He had been tense beside me, only adding to the conversation with a nod or hum of agreement. And when everyone was leaving a little after dark, he hadn't batted an eyelash when I told him I was going to go up to rest, just nodded. And instead of resting, I had tossed and turned until finally deciding to give in to the pull to see him.

Grayson's eyes roamed over me, and I became well aware that the black silk nightgown didn't cover much of me. According to Gabi, every woman needed appropriate night attire, regardless if I was wearing it for myself or someone else. The gown was modest in a sense. It fell to mid thigh, covered my chest well enough despite the thread like straps for sleeves. But as Grayson's eyes heated, I knew it showed enough to be dangerous.

And maybe I should've been afraid. But I wasn't. Even after the horrors in that cell, I was beginning to trust Grayson Black with, not only my heart and soul, but my body.

"I thought you'd be asleep."

I twisted my lips to the side, shaking my head slightly.

"I couldn't sleep."

I hadn't fallen asleep as easily as I had that first night here. Although, falling asleep next to Grayson on the couch had been a close second, knowing that if I woke from a nightmare that he would be there.

I stepped forward, tentatively. Did he want company? He looked stressed. And as much as I wanted to help him, to ask him why, I couldn't handle any rejection he gave me. This was his home, his pack, he didn't need my help.

His soft features were enough of a push as I slipped further into his office, letting the door shut behind me. As the click filled the silent room, I flinched, just a little. A flicker of fear igniting deep in my belly at being alone in a room with him.

And damn it, he saw it.

Gentle awareness crossed his features as he stood from his chair, rounding the desk and giving me a gentle smile. He watched me the entire time as he stepped to the basket of blankets near the sofa, plucking out a white one, taking careful steps towards me. When he was at an arm's length, he unfolded it, carefully wrapping it around my shoulders and bringing the front of it to my hands.

He clasped them in his own for a moment before the soft material was clenched between my own fingers. I drew the blanket tighter around me, relaxing marginally as I took him in. His brow furrowed as he studied me, looking as if he were about to explode from something.

"Are you alright," I whispered, my words bouncing off the dark walls. "You seemed stressed. You still seem stressed."

Grayson ran a hand through that blue-black hair on a sigh, leaning back against his desk.

"Just a little, but I'll tell you about it tomorrow." He studied me for a long moment, and his voice seemed to soften even further. "I wanna hear about your day instead. How are you feeling?"

I couldn't tell him what I was feeling. Nope, because that would go against every survival instinct screaming at me to run, to get out with my heart still intact, with my wolf still intact.

You need him, Kris. Just as much as I do, if not more so.

"Better than I expected," was all I was able to offer him. "Don't take offense, but you aren't anything like the rumors make you out to be."

He chuckled, head dropping as a boyish smile played at his lips.

"Your family, your pack is amazing."

He took in a deep breath, reaching forward to clasp my free hand dangling at my side. He played with my fingers, sliding his palm against my own, and my heart thudded. Those calloused hands were rough against my own, gently parting my fingers for his to slip through. He waited for a second, waiting to see if I would pull away before tugging me just an inch closer. I was nearly standing between his feet, another tug and I would be standing between his thighs.

"It's all just as much yours, Kristin, as it is mine."

My heart seemed to stop. Everything slowed as those words fell from his mouth. An acceptance I had needed but dreaded, knowing that I couldn't pull his family, his pack, him into my bullshit. Tying them to me forever through the mate and pack bond. I couldn't do that to them.

I didn't want to lose him. I wanted him, more than I had ever wanted Aiden. But there was so much he didn't know. He didn't know what he was getting into with me.

But I was too fucking selfish to confess my sinful truths.

"If you want it to be," Grayson whispered, those eyes intent on mine, breaking me apart.