The drive back felt longer than it should have. Maybe it was the weight in my chest, or the way the air shifted the closer we got to Silverback territory. I could feel the pull of the pack bond again— a low hum beneath my skin, like the land itself remembered me.
And the mate bond… the severed bond was making my chest start to hurt again the closer I got to Sebastian.
I kept my eyes on my hands. My fingers rested protectively over my bump as the babies stirred softly inside me. My children… they were the only thing that mattered now.
Catherine sat next to me in silence. She didn’t press. I was grateful for that. I didn’t think I could speak without something breaking loose in my throat.
When we passed the outer gates, the guards looked stunned. Their eyes flickered between me and Catherine like they couldn’t believe I was really here.
One of them bowed deeply. “Welcome home, Luna.”
My stomach clenched at the word.
Home.
Was it still that?
I said nothing as Catherine thanked them.
The
