Chapter 13
Lyanna
Iarrange the welcome banner more symmetrically across the Lodge entrance and smooth a wrinkle from the “Welcome to Ash Hollow” sign we painted yesterday.
The pack has gathered in a loose semicircle, conversation buzzing with anticipation as we wait for Evie’s arrival.
After her visit a few weeks ago, I’d worried the chaos of pack life might have scared her off—but here we are, preparing to welcome her home for good.
“How’s this look?” I ask Harper, who’s arranging a basket of fresh-baked muffins on the welcome table.
“Perfect,” she says, adjusting a wildflower bouquet before consulting her clipboard. “These small touches matter. I wish we’d had this kind of welcome system when I arrived.”
I smile, remembering my own arrival—just Dane, Ben, Kari, and Callum back then, all warriors with no idea how to make a healer feel at home. They’d tried, in their gruff way. “We’ve come a long way since those early days.”
Wyatt approaches, wiping his hands on his jeans. “Supply closet in the east cabin is prepped. Linens, toiletries, basic necessities all stocked.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Did someone check the heating system? The nights are still cold.”
“Callum ran a test this morning,” Wyatt confirms. “Everything’s operational.” He shakes his head, half-smiling. “Didn’t stick around to chat about it. Just said ‘it works’ and left.”
I spot Callum standing near Dane at the edge of the gathering, discussing something in low voices. His eyes meet mine briefly across the space, and I feel that familiar warmth spread through my chest before we both return to our tasks.
A truck appears on the access road, and the pack’s energy shifts immediately. Nova steps forward beside Dane, both assuming the natural authority of their Alpha positions.
The truck pulls up, and Evie emerges, auburn hair catching the sunlight. She looks nervous but determined, scanning the gathered pack before her face breaks into a relieved smile.
“Welcome to Ash Hollow,” Dane says, stepping forward with Nova beside him. “We’re honored to have you join our pack.”
“Thank you for having me,” Evie replies, her voice steady despite the obvious nervousness in her posture.
Nova extends a hand in formal welcome. “Every new member brings something valuable to Ash Hollow. We’re glad you’ve chosen to join us.”
As Alphas complete the formal greeting, I move forward with Harper to help with Evie’s belongings. The back of the truck contains several boxes and suitcases—her life packed up and ready for transition.
“Let me help you with those,” I offer, taking a box.
“Lyanna.” Evie’s smile warms with recognition. “Thank you for this. After the visit, I was still half-convinced I’d be intruding.”
“Not at all,” I assure her. “The overwhelm passes—and what’s left is worth it.”
Pack members move forward in coordinated effort, each taking boxes or bags while introducing themselves. Wyatt directs the flow of belongings toward Evie’s cabin, keeping everything organized. Callum oversees the perimeter, maintaining security while watching the proceedings with quiet approval.
“We’ve prepared the cabin nearest the gardens,” I explain as we walk. “I thought you might appreciate the morning light there.”
“That sounds perfect,” Evie says, looking slightly overwhelmed by the enthusiastic welcome. “I didn’t expect ... everyone seems so genuinely happy I’m here.”
“That’s Ash Hollow,” I tell her. “New members aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated.”
We reach her cabin, and I push open the door with my hip, still carrying the box of spare linens. Evie follows me in, setting her own box on the bed before moving to the window. Sunlight catches the auburn in her hair as she takes in the view.
“Oh,” she breathes.
I know what she’s seeing without looking—the mountains rising sharp and ancient beyond the tree line, their peaks capped with snow that never fully melts, even in summer.
Closer, the forest stretches out in endless shades of green, mostly pine and spruce with a few aspens scattered between.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the creek that runs along the eastern boundary, fed by snowmelt from those same peaks.
“The view from Ember and Pine was beautiful,” Evie says quietly. “But this feels different. Wilder, somehow.”
“We’re more remote here,” I tell her. “Further from town, deeper into the territory. It took me a while to stop feeling like the mountains were watching me.” I smile. “Now they feel like home.”
Evie turns from the window, and I catch the slight shiver that runs through her—the cabin hasn’t warmed up yet, and the mountain air holds a chill even in early spring.
“The heating system works perfectly,” I tell her, setting down the linens.
“Callum checked it this morning. And there’s a fireplace—someone’s already laid a fire, and there’s wood stacked on the porch if you need more.
Let me know if you get too cold tonight.
These mountain temperatures can be unpredictable. ”
“I appreciate that.” She places a framed photo on the bedside table—her and Scarlett at the Ember and Pine Lodge. “It’s already warmer than I expected.”
“Let me help you get settled.” I start unfolding sheets for the bed. “There are extra blankets in the linen closet if you need them, and the kitchen is stocked with basics.”
She smiles a shy thanks and moves to one of the boxes stacked near the window and pulls out a quilted blanket, running her fingers over the pattern. “Scarlett made this for me when I moved to the Lodge. I thought it might help make this place feel like home.”
“It’s beautiful,” I say, taking one corner to help her spread it across the bed. “Personal touches matter. When I first arrived, I spent days arranging my herbs exactly right before I could sleep properly.”
We work in comfortable silence for a moment, arranging her space. The cabin is small but well-designed—a bedroom with a window seat, small bathroom, kitchenette, and sitting area near a compact fireplace.
“Harper left meal schedules on the counter,” I mention. “We do communal dinners most nights, but breakfast and lunch are flexible—you can cook here or join us at the Lodge. Whatever feels right.”
“I wasn’t sure about the group meals,” Evie admits, unpacking clothes into the dresser. “But I’m actually looking forward to having more people around.”
“You can always skip if you need space—no one takes offense,” I tell her. “You’re welcome to grab anything from the Lodge kitchen if you’d rather cook here. But I think you’ll find the group meals comforting.”
Wyatt knocks on the doorframe, a toolbox in hand. “Harper sent me to check if you need any adjustments.”
“The window by the bed sticks,” I tell him, remembering my struggle with it earlier. “I noticed when I was checking the light.”
As Wyatt works on the window, Cassie appears with a basket.
“Welcome gift,” she says, tucking eggs into the small fridge.
“These are from this morning—still warm when I collected them. And honey from our hives.” She places the basket on the counter.
“Saves you a trip to the Lodge on your first morning.”
“This is ... so thoughtful,” Evie says, her eyes suspiciously bright. “I didn’t expect everyone to go to this much trouble.”
“This is what pack means,” Cassie tells her simply. “We take care of each other.”
I arrange herbs on the windowsill—rosemary, lavender, and thyme. “For cooking, mostly, but the lavender helps with sleep if you’re adjusting to new sounds.”
Evie touches one of the lavender sprigs, bringing it to her nose. “I might need that. New place, new sounds, new everything.”
“You’ll find your rhythm,” I assure her. “The first pack dinner is always the most awkward. After that, it gets easier.” I pause at the door. “I’ll come by around six to walk you over. That way you won’t have to find the Lodge alone.”
“Thank you,” she says, genuine relief in her voice. “I’d like that.”
I knock on Evie’s door just before six, and she opens it looking nervous but determined. Together, we head along the forest path as evening paints the sky in deepening shades of purple-blue.
“Welcome dinners are pretty casual,” I explain, stepping carefully over a fallen log. “Everyone just wants to meet you. No pressure, no formal tests.”
“I used to be fine with crowds,” Evie admits, tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear.
Her fingers tremble slightly. “Back when I ran the library in Wildwater Falls, I loved community events. But since discovering the dragon thing...” She shakes her head.
“Now I’m always worried I’ll accidentally set something on fire or glow at the wrong moment. ”
“You already met most people during your visit, so tonight’s really just making it official.” I smile reassuringly. “And if you need a breather, just catch my eye.”
As we approach the Lodge, the rich aroma of Wyatt’s elk stew drifts through the air
“That smells amazing,” Evie says, her tension visibly easing.
I pause at the Lodge steps. “Ready?”
She takes a deep breath and nods. I open the door, and warm light spills over us.
Inside, the tables have been arranged in a U-shape, decorated with wildflowers and candles. The pack’s gathered, but Harper’s orchestrated it so they’re in small conversational clusters rather than one intimidating mass. When we enter, Dane and Nova move to the center of the room.
“Everyone,” Dane says, his Alpha voice cutting through the chatter. The room quiets. “Tonight we welcome Evie to Ash Hollow.”
Nova steps forward, her violet eyes warm. “We acknowledge your choice to join us, Evie. In this pack, we believe diversity strengthens community. Each background, each heritage brings something valuable.”
I stay beside Evie as Harper approaches, clipboard in hand.
“I’ve arranged introductions in small groups,” she says with a gentle smile. “Less overwhelming that way.”
Harper catches Ben’s eye across the room and offers a warm smile. He looks away without acknowledging her, his expression shuttering closed. Something flickers across Harper’s face—hurt, maybe, or frustration—before she smooths it away and guides us toward him.
Ben hands Evie a bowl of stew without preamble. “Wyatt’s secret recipe. He won’t even tell Dane what’s in it.”
“It’s the juniper berries,” Wyatt says from behind the serving table—surprising us all by actually revealing one of his cooking secrets. “Everyone overthinks it.”
Evie laughs—a genuine sound—and I notice her shoulders relaxing.
Kari approaches next, her auburn hair almost matching Evie’s. She gives a small nod.
“What about dragon abilities?” Kari asks, studying Evie with curious recognition. “I saw you at Wildwater Falls when your heritage first manifested. That must have been overwhelming to discover so suddenly.”
“It was,” Evie admits, tucking her hair back again.
“Looking back, there were signs I didn’t understand.
I grabbed a hot pan once without thinking—should have burned myself badly, but nothing happened.
” Evie’s eyes brighten as she speaks, tiny amber flecks visible in the candlelight.
“And lately, when I get emotional, the lights flicker, and I get these little sparks around my fingers.”
“Fire resistance makes sense for dragons,” Dane says, nodding thoughtfully. “Each supernatural background brings unique strengths to the pack—wolf, vampire, fae, angel, and now dragon.”
As Evie relaxes into the conversation, I notice her hair shimmering with a flame-like quality under the candlelight, tiny gold flecks dancing across her skin when she gestures animatedly. No one stares or pulls away; they simply accept these manifestations as part of who she is.
By the time dinner winds down, Evie is laughing comfortably with Harper and the others, all traces of nervousness gone. She leans toward me as the others clear dishes.
“Thank you for making this so easy,” she says quietly.
“You don’t have to thank me.” I push back from the table. “Come on, I’ll walk you back.”
Outside, stars dot the darkness above us. The sounds of continued conversation and laughter fade as we head toward her cabin.
“That’s what Ash Hollow does,” I tell her, watching her face in the moonlight. “We’re all different, but we’re family.”
Evie nods, a strand of auburn hair catching the silver light. “I didn’t expect to feel so ... welcomed. Usually, when people find out about the dragon thing, there’s this awkward moment where they try to hide their fear.”
“Here, different isn’t feared—it’s valued,” I say, remembering those early days when it was just Dane, Ben, Kari, Callum, and me.
“When Dane convinced me to come here as a healer, I was terrified my fae heritage would make everyone suspicious. Instead, they just wanted to know how my healing could help build something new.”
We pause on the path, and I notice tiny gold flecks dancing across Evie’s skin as she gestures animatedly. No one at dinner flinched when it happened.
“I saw how you opened up when Kari asked about your abilities,” I say. “You lit up talking about them—no pun intended.”
“I’ve spent so long hiding parts of myself,” she admits. “It’s strange to just ... be.”
I recognize that feeling intimately—the relief of finally belonging somewhere that accepts all of you, not just the convenient parts.
“Ash Hollow is different that way,” I tell her.
“Everyone here came from somewhere else—different pasts, different struggles. We don’t just tolerate differences.
We understand them.” I think of my own path here, from the glittering halls of the High Fae Court to this place that feels more like home than anywhere I’ve ever been.
“I didn’t expect to feel at home so quickly,” Evie admits. “At the Lodge with Scarlett, I always felt like the outsider watching their happiness. Here, everyone just ... makes space.”
We reach her cabin, warm light spilling from the windows. Someone arranged flowers on the porch steps—a small, thoughtful welcome gesture.
“They’re not treating me like a guest,” Evie says, sounding slightly awed. “Or a potential threat.”
“Because you’re neither,” I say simply. “You’re pack.”
Looking at her confident posture now compared to her nervous arrival this morning, I feel a deep satisfaction. I’ve watched this pack grow from those first five of us into something extraordinary—and seeing each new member find their place never gets old.
“If you need anything at all, I’m just three cabins down,” I tell her while giving her a quick hug. “Day or night.”
Evie smiles, her eyes bright with genuine happiness. “Thank you, Lyanna. For everything.”
As I walk back to my own cabin, a profound sense of completion washes over me. I’ve helped build this place from the ground up, and watching newcomers like Evie find the same belonging I did makes every moment worth it. This is what we created—not just a pack, but a family.