Keep this up and I'm never leaving

The old man wrapped her in a hug. “Good to finally meet you,” he said warmly.

“Dad,” Hunter said, and Dahlia could’ve sworn they were having a whole conversation without saying a word, just locked in that silent stare.

He glanced at her. “This, this is my dad, Haner, the pack’s alpha.”

“Nice to meet you,” Dahlia replied, just as a woman with twins approached.

“Hunter, you could’ve given us a heads-up you were coming...” She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes landing on Dahlia.

“Sis,” Hunter said, and there it was again, that unspoken exchange. “This is Dahlia.” He turned to her. “And this is my sister, Lea, and the troublemakers...” He scooped up the twins. “Elias and Leo.”

“They’re ador...” Dahlia started, but Lea cut her off with a sudden hug.

“Alright, give her some air,” Hunter chuckled. “She’s still catching up.” He took Dahlia’s hand. “Hungry?”

“Starving,” she admitted. “Hunter, you have a nice large family, her voice sad, thinking of her family. But then again, she was lucky to have Jason and Todd

Inside, the air was rich with the scent of something baking, the fire crackling in the background. It felt familiar, comforting, like a place you could call home.

They gathered around a massive table, the kind that looked like it could seat an army. Dahlia guessed the people seated closest to Haner were the pack’s higher-ups. Plates were brought out, the aroma hitting her immediately, veal, creamy mushrooms, and rosti, some kind of potato dish that made her mouth water.

“Hunter, this looks amazing,” she said, glancing at the spread.

No one touched their food. Everyone just stared at her, forks hovering awkwardly.

“They’re waiting for us to start,” Hunter muttered under his breath.

Her cheeks flushed. “Oh, right. Sorry.”

He took a bite, and the table erupted into motion, everyone diving in like it was a race.

“So, will she shift for the ceremony?” Kendrik, the beta, asked bluntly, his eyes fixed on Dahlia.

Hunter shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. “Like I said, she’s new at this.”

“My bad, Alpha,” Kendrik said, holding up his hands. “Just excited to see a…” He trailed off as Hunter stood abruptly, and the whole table followed suit. Dahlia scrambled up too, clutching a piece of bread.

“Let’s not overwhelm her,” Hunter said, his tone calm but firm. “I’ll explain everything after we eat.”

He sat back down, and the table followed, the tension easing as plates clinked and conversation resumed.

Hunter scanned the table, noticing a few still picking at their food. He glanced at Dahlia, who was devouring the bread slathered in butter.

“Don’t judge me,” she mumbled through a mouthful. “I’m starving. This bread is unreal, I’ve never had anything like it.”

He chuckled. “Want something sweet, too?”

Her eyes widened. “There’s more? Why’d you let me fill up on bread?”

With a wave of his hand, a platter of sweets landed on the table.

“This feels like a trap,” she said, grinning. Haner and Hunter both laughed.

Dahlia took a bite of cake, her eyes closing as she savored it. “Keep this up, and I’m never leaving.”

The room went silent. She froze mid-bite. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Not at all,” Hunter assured her. “I’ve got a meeting to attend. Feel free to explore, no one will bother you.” His voice carried, making sure everyone heard. He stood, and the rest followed suit. She watched him leave, flanked by a group of muscle-bound men.

Haner turned to her. “What do you remember from your childhood, dear?”

She hesitated. “Funny you ask. I only really remember one thing, running in the snow, a boy chasing me. I always hoped it was my brother. I’ve dreamed of finding them ever since. Turns out I’ve got a meeting this weekend with someone who’s actually looking…” Her voice cracked, tears welling up.

Haner opened his arms. “Come here, child.” He embraced her. “I’m sure they are. You’re special.”

Meeting room

Hunter looked at his crew. “Someone challenged me. I accepted it, she’s my fated mate. No doubt about it.”

“Is she the girl…?” one of them started.

“Yeah,” Hunter exhaled. “Here’s the thing, she met him first. Feels a connection because their blood mixed when she saved him.”

The crew exchanged glances, a few gasps slipping out.

“Relax,” Hunter said, holding up a hand. “I’m not giving up on her. First, she needs to figure out who she is and what she wants.”

“But she’ll feel it, right? The bond?” someone asked.

“Yeah, but she won’t understand it yet,” Hunter replied. “I want to invite her to the ceremony, but I’m worried it’ll scare her. Might be too much too soon. For now, just do what I’ve asked.”

“It’ll be ready, Alpha. Don’t worry,” one of them assured him.

“We’ve got your back, whatever you need,” another added.

“Appreciate it,” Hunter said, nodding. “Now, I’ve got to go.” He pointed at his beta. “Keep me updated.”

The beta gave a firm nod. “You got it.”

Dahlia sprinted through the snow, the cubs tumbling after her in a blur of fur and laughter. She glanced back, grinning, but her boot caught on something hidden beneath the powder, and she went down in a heap. The cubs pounced, their playful yips filling the air as they wrestled with her coat. She laughed, her breath visible in the cold, until a shadow loomed over her.

“Off,” Hunter ordered, shooing the cubs away with a wave of his hand. They bounded off, kicking up snow as they went. He reached down, hauling her to her feet with ease. Before she could protest, he kissed her, his lips warm against the chill.

“Hunter,” she said when they broke apart, her voice soft but teasing. “You’re so lucky.”

He raised an eyebrow, brushing snow from her hair. “Yeah? How’s that?”

“Your family,” she said, shaking the snow from her sleeves. “They’re… fun. Like, weirdly fun.”

He chuckled. “Glad you think so. Ready to head back?”

She sighed, tugging her scarf tighter. “Not really, but I should. Todd will lose it if I miss dinner.”

They walked back to the sleigh, Hunter helping her in and draping a thick fur over her lap. The horses lurched forward, the sleigh gliding smoothly over the snow. Dahlia leaned her head on his shoulder, her voice quiet now.

“Hunter,” she said, staring out at the white expanse. “I’m…so confused.”