I came upon a clearing—just as Xavier dropped from above, his silver wolf landing hard in front of me, tail wagging, eyes gleaming with mischief.
I skidded to a halt, growling.
He responded with a mock growl, ears flat and tongue out like a teasing pup.
Behind him, Daemond, Ksaver, and Marcus were on the backs of their fathers, their laughter rising like a chorus of sunlight.
My boys.
My soul ached with pride. My wolf, with joy.
Damien padded into the clearing from the opposite side, his massive black wolf regal and calm, eyes fixed on me with such intensity it made the air crackle.
For a heartbeat, the world stilled.
Then, Damien's wolf bowed his head to me—not as a challenge, but in deference. Recognition.
Alpha to Alpha.
Luna.
Xavier's and Magnus's wolves followed suit, lowering their heads in unison.
The boys slid down from their fathers' backs, blinking wide-eyed at the quiet reverence in the air.
"Mama…" Marcus whispered, awe in his voice.
