Anna nodded, trailing after me as we walked to class. “You and Dom?” She asked softly, almost hesitantly.
I smiled and tapped my forehead. “Still going strong. I’m still getting used to him feeling my emotions, but its good.”
“You think you’ll finish the mating?” Anna questioned, grinning archly.
“There is a distinct possibility of that happening,” I answered, a blush crawling up my cheeks. “In the distant future.”
“You love him,” Anna stated, bumping my shoulder.
“He feels like home,” I told her, swallowing. “I didn’t know that was what I was searching for. At least until I found it. I’m not ready to make a lifelong commitment just yet, but I want to give us a chance.” Anna gave me a knowing smirk and I laughed. “Doesn’t hurt that our chemistry is off the charts,” I admitted and Anna bounced happily.
“You’re staying,” she said, her voice brooking no argument.
“That’s yet to be decided. I want to go to college, but maybe I don’t need to go so far,” I replied, trying to dampen her excitement.
“We can go to college together,” she said cheerfully, not at all put off by my words. “Close by, so we can see our guys.”
“Our guys?” I questioned, lifting my eyebrow. She blushed bright red and I hid my grin.
“Caleb, sort of,” she admitted, trying to contain herself. “It’s complicated and new, but we’re trying.”
“I’m happy for you and for him. You both deserve to be happy,” I told her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. “Oh, did I tell you….Ms. Nichols got fired. Something about planting a knife in a student’s locker.”
Anna’s laugh pealed down the hall, stopping students in their tracks as the quietest member of the Pack drew attention to herself. Leah gave me a wave and I smiled at her.
What are you smiling about? A low rumble caressed my thoughts, his happiness a reflection of mine.
Anna, I answered simply, and you. A wave of contentment went through me, a sense of belonging, and of family. Home.