Chapter 0109
Cara’s POV
“To our success!” Eamon raises his champagne glass in a toast, and the rest of the family gathered raises our glasses, too.
To the good fortune of Pack BloodyMoon!” My brother Aidan cheers before putting the glass between his lips, gulping down the alcohol quickly.
“Good fortune? It was pure hard work that got us here!” someone yelled from across the
room.
“Hard work?! Aidan wouldn’t know the first thing about hard work!” My brother Landon laughed, joking at Aidan’s expense.
“That’s a lot of talk for someone too scared to race me on the track!” Aidan laughed back to
Landon.
“What can I say? I’m an artist! Not all of us could be champion racecar drivers, brother.” Landon clapped Aidan on the back, showing that all that joking was just in good fun.
My brothers and I are gathered for a family party at Eamon’s house. We’re celebrating.
The collaboration between Packs DarkWood and BloodyMoon had proved so successful lately that our pack had the highest surplus of profits for at least the last fifty years.
Turns out it had been a good idea to start dealing with Alaric again after all. All of us were benefitting from the gains of the partnership.
My twins, Mia and Ethan, run past me giggling like mad. Mia was out of her wheelchair now, and she had been eager for any chance to stretch those little legs.
“Watch that! Children! Not so fast!” Eamon calls out as Ethan’s elbow caught the edge of at very expensive–looking vase of some kind, causing it to wobbly dangerously before settling back safely in place.
Ryan chuckles beside me. “You’ve got to lighten up, Eamon. Let the kids be kids.”
Eamon raises an eyebrow at Ryan, “Surely you realize that’s an urn containing our grandmother’s ashes?” He pointed back to the vase, actually urn, that had been wobbling.
Ryan gulps, his face looking ashen. “It is?” He looks back to the urn and yells, “Children!
Slow down!”
Eamon erupts in a boisterous laugh before elbowing Ryan in the side, “I’m kidding, brother.”
Ryan laughs, amused at the trick that had been played on him.
* Chapter 0109
+25 BONUS
“I do like that vase though, so please, let’s keep it safe, shall we?” Eamon adds.
I look around at my family, enjoying the sight of everyone having so much fun. So many years of my life were devoid of such delights. I’m endlessly thankful for this wonderful, silly family of mine.
I look around the room and see my brother Landon inching closer to my best friend Ruby. I walk closer to the two, curious about what they’re discussing.
“C’mon, I know you’re happy to see me, Rubes. Landon winks at her, a devilish grin playing on his lips.
“No one calls me Rubes, Landon,” Ruby rolls her eyes at my brother, immune to his charms.
“Then that will be my special pet name for you something shared just between you and 1,” Landon leans closer to her, not giving up.
“Where is Colin, anyway?” Ruby asks, pretending she hadn’t heard Landon’s comment. “Who cares? Now, tell me, what are you doing later after this party is over?” Landon asks
her.
“Colin is still at the university. He said his philosophy class is running late tonight. Those students of his usually keep him after class with all of their questions,” Eamon explains.
“Ugh,” Landon makes a disgusted noise. “I always hated school. I can’t imagine wanting to willingly go back just to be a professor.”
“Some of us appreciate the value of a good education,” Ruby smiles at Landon, clearly hinting at her own medical degree.
“And some of us have better things to do, like risk bodily injury racing cars at ridiculous speeds!” Aidan jokes and everyone laughs.
“Oooh! Can I race, too? Please, Mommy?!” my little Mia chimes in.
“Absolutely not!” I say to her firmly.
After everything we’d been through to keep her healthy, I couldn’t imagine permitting her to risk her health with something as dangerous as racing cars.
“Got you!” Mia says, giggling and pointing at me. “I don’t want to race!”
I pull my daughter into a big hug, relieved that she was only teasing me. I whisper into her ear, “You can do anything you want to, my dear. I will support whatever you choose.”
I plant a soft kiss on her cheek and I feel the muscles of her cheeks pull into a smile. “I love you, Mommy,” Mia whispers to me, wrapping her arms around me.
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› Chapter 0100
“So, what’d I miss?” Colln says, walking into the room, Interrupting our sweet embrace,
“Ruby is about to agree to
run away with me and become my wife!” Landon yells cheerfully.
Ruby grimaces and elbows him in the stomach, and Landon makes an, “Ooomphh” sound at the contact. He rubs the spot and says, “Give her time. Give her time…”
Everyone chuckles at Landon’s shameless flirting, even Ruby. We all know, especially Ruby, that Ruby and Landon would make a terrible match. But the flirting is a fun game, and even I have to admit, It’s enjoyable to watch.
“Another toast, now that Colin is here!” Eamon calls.
We each grab a fresh glass of champagne and raise our hands together in the air. Eamon looks around at each of us before speaking again.
“I just want to say, of all the profits and treasures and successes that we could bring to this pack, the thing that makes me happiest and proudest of all is this family. Each and every one of you is talented and appreciated beyond measure. Thank you all.”
His voice is tight, like he’s feeling exceptionally emotional..
“Awwweee Eamon, you’re going to make me cry, bro!” Aidan chirps sarcastically. We all chuckle at the joke before drinking down our champagne.
But the moment isn’t diminished by Aidan’s joke. If anything, it’s another reminder of how each of us brings something unique and powerful to this incredible family. Aidan always finds a way to lighten the mood and ensure we’re having fun.
Ryan is like Aidan’s sidekick, always offering a joke of his own or a supportive shoulder to listen.
Colin is wise, loyal, and responsible beyond his years.
Landon is the life of the party, an artistic and compassionate soul who can remind us of what’s really important.
Eamon ties them all together, the leader of the pack in more ways than one.
We all bring something different, something essential, to our group.
“It’s been an honor that you’ve let me be a part of your family for the last six years. I will miss you all so deeply when I leave here soon… Ruby speaks up, her voice cracking with sadness when she mentions leaving.
I’d been trying to push the thought of Ruby’s travel to study at the medical school away from my thoughts. I know the day is coming soon, but the pang of despair hits me every time I think about it.
“The honor has been ours, Ruby. Pack BloodyMoon will always be a home for you, and you
* Chapter 0100
will always be counted as a member of the Auburn family,” Eamon says to Ruby with a generous smile.
“Unfortunately she won’t be the only one leaving soon…” Landon chimes in, putting his hands in his pockets.
I turn to my brother Landon, “But you only just got home! You’re leaving again?!”
