23. Sloane #2
The oak doors of Hale Lodge swung open with their familiar creak, and Sloane stepped across the threshold carrying two paper bags filled with supplies from the general store.
The lodge's usual afternoon bustle was nowhere to be found—no guests chatting by the stone fireplaces, no children racing through the corridors, no sounds of laughter drifting from the dining area.
Too quiet.
Sloane's instincts, honed by years of survival, prickled at the unnatural stillness.
She shifted the bags in her arms and glanced sideways at Emerson, whose nervous energy had only intensified since they'd entered the building.
Her friend practically vibrated with barely contained excitement, her green eyes darting toward the main corridor like she was expecting something momentous to happen.
"Where is everyone?" Sloane asked, setting down her bags.
"Oh, you know." Emerson's voice pitched higher than usual, a sure sign she was hiding something. "Probably just... around. Doing lodge things."
Before Sloane could respond, Jared emerged, his teenage frame filling out more each month as he grew into his wolf shifter heritage. The kid had been working front desk duties under Emerson's watchful eye, learning the hospitality business from the ground up.
"Perfect timing," Emerson said, waving him over with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Jared, could you take these supplies and put them away?"
Sloane moved to intercept, reaching for the bags. "No, I can manage this myself."
"Absolutely not." Emerson stepped between Sloane and the supplies with the determination of someone on a mission. "You need to come with me for a minute. There's something... urgent that requires your attention."
The word 'urgent' sent a spike of alarm through Sloane's system, but the emotions flowing through the completed bond remained steady. Whatever was happening, her mates weren't in distress. If anything, the anticipation she felt from Kozue had intensified to an almost giddy level.
Sloane studied Emerson's face, noting the flush in her cheeks and the way she kept glancing toward the main corridor. "You're up to something."
"Me? Up to something?" Emerson's attempt at innocence fell flat. "I have no idea what you mean."
"Fine." Sloane crossed her arms, the green sundress she'd chosen that morning shifting with the movement. At least she hadn't worn her usual work clothes—jeans and a practical t-shirt that could handle whatever maintenance tasks the lodge demanded. "Lead the way."
Emerson guided Sloane down the main corridor, past the dining area and the guests' favorite reading nook.
Their footsteps echoed in the unusual quiet, and Sloane found herself automatically cataloging potential threats even as she recognized the absurdity of the habit.
This was her home. These were her people.
The only danger here was whatever elaborate surprise her mates had orchestrated.
They stopped outside the ballroom doors—the elegant space typically reserved for guest weddings and special celebrations. The wooden doors were closed, but warm light leaked from beneath them, along with the faint sound of muffled voices.
"You've got to be kidding me," Sloane said, but her voice carried affection rather than annoyance.
Emerson's grin stretched wide enough to split her face. "Ready?"
Before Sloane could respond, Emerson threw open the ballroom doors with theatrical flair.
"SURPRISE!"
The word erupted from a hundred and fifty voices in perfect unison, and Sloane's breath caught in her throat.
The ballroom had been transformed into something magical—streamers in rich autumn colors draped from the ceiling, tables laden with food that could only have come from Kozue's kitchen, and warm light that made everything glow.
But it was the faces that caused her heart to swell to the point of bursting.
Every single member of the Hale pack stood before her, from the youngest children to Elder Eli with his carved walking stick.
Even Tasha stood near the front, her dark eyes bright with genuine happiness.
And there, in the center of it all, were her mates.
Ronan stepped forward first, his usually composed expression softened by a bright smile.
Kozue appeared at his side, practically radiating joy as he took in her stunned expression.
Without a word, they moved toward her in perfect synchronization, their arms opening to envelop her in the warmth and strength she'd come to depend on.
"Happy birthday, beautiful," Ronan murmured against her ear.
Kozue's lips found her temple. "Did we surprise you?"
Sloane found herself laughing, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep in her chest. "I knew you two were up to something. You're terrible at keeping secrets."
Both men looked appropriately sheepish, but before they could respond, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Happy birthday, dear! You look absolutely stunning."
Gerri Wilder materialized beside them as if she'd simply stepped out of thin air, her petite frame somehow commanding attention despite being surrounded by wolves who towered over her. She wore a vibrant yellow pantsuit that should have looked ridiculous but somehow managed to be perfectly elegant.
Sloane accepted the older woman's enthusiastic hug, breathing in the familiar scent of vanilla and ozone. "Gerri! I didn't expect to see you again."
"Oh, I just had to stop by and see how everything turned out." Gerri's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she stepped back to survey Sloane's face. "Although I had a very good feeling you would find your forever home here with these two handsome, protective men."
The words 'forever home' hit Sloane square in the chest, carrying weight that went far beyond simple sentiment. Three months ago, the concept had been foreign, impossible. Now it felt so right.
"Yes," Sloane said, her voice thick with emotion. "Everything turned out better than I could have ever hoped for."
Gerri's gaze dropped to Sloane's neck, where the twin mate marks from Ronan and Kozue were clearly visible above the neckline of her dress. The older woman's smile turned knowing.
"I certainly see that. Congratulations, my dear. I'm so glad everything worked out exactly as it should have."
Before Sloane could respond, Gerri melted back into the crowd with the same mysterious grace she'd used to approach. Within moments, pack members began surrounding Sloane, each offering birthday wishes and warm embraces that reinforced the sense of belonging she'd found here.