23. Sloane #3
She recognized every face now—something that would have been impossible three months ago.
There was Jarvis, the pack's head enforcer, with his wife Sarah and their twin toddlers.
Elena, who ran the pack's small school, stood beside Augustine, their healer, both of them beaming as they wished her well.
Even the teenagers had shown up, including Jared, who looked proud to be included in such an important pack celebration.
An hour soon dissolved into a blur of laughter, conversation, and great food from Kozue's talented hands.
The ballroom buzzed with the easy camaraderie that defined the Hale pack, and Sloane found herself marveling at how natural it felt to be at the center of it all.
This wasn't just a birthday party—it was an affirmation of her place in their community, a celebration of the family she'd never expected to find.
The music shifted from upbeat background melodies to something slower, more intimate. Ronan appeared at her elbow as if summoned, his hand extended in silent invitation.
"May I have this dance?"
Sloane placed her hand in his without hesitation, allowing him to guide her onto the makeshift dance floor.
His arms came around her waist, pulling her close enough that she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her chest. Around them, other couples began swaying to the music, but Sloane's world narrowed to the man holding her.
"So," Ronan said softly. "How is this birthday? Did you get everything you wanted?"
Sloane looked up into his blue eyes, seeing her own contentment reflected there. Through the bond, she felt his genuine desire to make this day perfect for her, his quiet satisfaction at seeing her surrounded by people who cared about her.
She pressed closer, eliminating the last inch of space between them.
"I got more than I ever wanted. I never needed this big party, although I appreciate all the love and warmth from our pack.
" She paused for a moment. "All I ever wanted was a home that was stable and safe, and a love that would never leave. And I got that three months ago."
Ronan's eyes darkened with an emotion too complex for words. "Well," he said, his voice dropping to that rough timber. "Is there anything else you might want?"
The question hung between them, loaded with possibility. Sloane felt her heart skip as an image formed in her mind—not just the three of them in their shared life, but something more. Something that would make their bond even deeper.
She smiled, letting her fingers trace the strong line of his jaw. "What about having our own little family?"
The effect was immediate and electric. Ronan's eyes went molten, desire and possessiveness and something deeper flooding across his features. His grip on her tightened as he pulled her impossibly closer, his lips finding the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder.
"I think that can be arranged," he growled against her skin, his voice thick with promise.
She was about to respond when another voice interrupted. "Can I cut in?"
Kozue stood beside them, his green eyes bright with barely contained emotion. There was something in his expression that suggested he'd heard at least part of their conversation.
Ronan stepped back with easy grace, his hand lingering on Sloane's for just a moment. "Of course."
Kozue's arms came around her before Ronan had fully moved away, pulling her into the familiar warmth of his embrace. Where Ronan was solid strength and controlled power, Kozue was fluid grace and gentle intensity. But both felt like home.
"What was that all about?" Kozue asked, though the knowing glint in his eyes suggested he already had a good idea.
"Ronan asked what I wanted for my birthday," Sloane said, letting her fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck. "And I told him I wanted to start a family."
Kozue's reaction was even more dramatic than Ronan's had been. His eyes widened, then darkened with such intense desire that Sloane felt an answering heat bloom in her chest.
"Well," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, "we could tell everyone to leave so we can go upstairs and work on starting our family right now."
The suggestion sent a thrill through her. But even as her body responded to the promise in his voice, Sloane couldn't help but laugh at his eagerness.
"No, you two went to all this trouble to throw me this surprise birthday party. I'm not ending it early just so we can go upstairs." She paused. "Besides, we'll have plenty of time for that later tonight."
Kozue's eyes went molten at her words, and she felt his desire spike through the bond so strongly it made her knees weak. But instead of pushing, he simply pulled her closer.
"Sloane," he said, his deep voice thick with emotion. "I love you so much, and I can't wait to celebrate more birthdays with you."
The simple declaration hit her harder than any grand gesture could have.
This was what she'd never understood before—that love wasn't about dramatic moments or perfect timing.
It was about someone choosing to be there for all the ordinary days, all the small celebrations, all the quiet moments that made up a life.
"I love you too, Kozue," she whispered back. "And I can't wait to enjoy every single day with you and Ronan here at our beautiful home."