Chapter 70
By the time twilight settles over the manor, I can’t remember what I was nervous about.
My sister’s hand feels as natural in mine as Gideon’s. I hold on to both while we walk through the house, laughing and trying not to trip over Pascal as he runs alongside us. I tilt my head down to admire our colorful beaded bracelets.
It means the world to me that Gideon made one for Briar. They seem to have worked out their differences, for now. Which makes sense; they’re so much more alike than I realized.
I catch them exchanging sharp-eyed glances and sardonic smiles while our pack leaders float behind us, plotting their latest scheme. I’m not worried about the details—and neither are Ryker or Finn. They lead the charge outside, not bothering to keep an eye on their surroundings.
I think we all know we have the best leader—and he has our pack’s best interest at heart. Just like Cillian.
Finn marches our party out the French doors. Happily chatting with Rhys about the opera, of all things. Briar and I listen briefly, squeezing each other’s hands. Speaking silently, the way we always could.
Her thin black brows arch. Our men might actually get along.
I shrug. Good. They’ll have to.
Because, after this? I’m never letting go of my little sister again.
She seems to feel the same, sticking beside me while I steer us toward the patio table. There, Finn has laid out a series of familiar paper shapes.
The Blackwood alphas pause, taking in the scene—faded evening, settling over the horizon. Our meadow, slowly sinking into dusk. The beginnings of a few constellations and a crescent moon.
While they’re distracted by the view, Briar flits her gaze over the flattened lanterns in front of us.
I’m sure she understands what they are and why they’re here—I told her about the night before my heat when I shared the rest of our pack’s story.
And my sister has always had a quick mind… just like my omega.
Gideon scent-marks the crown of my head, brushing his lips over my hair. Briar watches us, then casts her alphas a meaningful look. Rhys tilts his chin at the Sharpie on top of her lantern, offering his silent encouragement.
Briar considers it. Her expression creases in concentration. Her voice folds into a small, nervous murmur. One I used to know so well.
Because it’s really her.
My sister.
The earnest bewilderment on her face pierces a tender spot between my ribs. I feel my eyes welling, even before she whispers, “What do we write?”
I stare at her, considering. Feeling as if my heart might burst. All my men rush to soothe me through our bond, but it’s okay. This is a bittersweet pain I’ve been waiting years to experience.
Because if appreciating how it feels to be whole again means having to relive the pain of the days I wasn’t? I’ll take it that bargain. A million times over.
“You’re supposed to write a wish,” I whisper. Then I glance around— at my meadow, the manor, my little sister, my pack. Realizing, “But… I already got everything I ever wished for.”
Briar’s answering smile is dazzling. She peeks over her shoulder, running her emerald gaze over her alphas before she admits, “Me, too.” She clasps my fingers again. “Especially now.”
My baby sister was never one to shy away from a challenge, though.
Squaring her shoulders, she plucks up the pen and taps it on her pointed chin, furrowing her brow.
Gideon molds himself into my back, waiting.
Watching with me, until inspiration finally strikes, flashing through Briar’s eyes like lightning.
“Maybe…”
Bending forward, she dashes her script across the top of the lantern. Writing four words.
Once… upon… a… time…
By the time she lifts the marker from the page, a tear has rolled down my left cheek. It drips into my hair as she smiles, softer than usual. “I just figure… our story might have its fair share of darkness, but it’s definitely worth telling. Right?”
My pack’s bond overflows with pride and adoration. Answering my joyful tears with more love than I ever imagined possible.
Until now.
“Yeah,” I reply, picking up my own pen. Preparing to write our next line. Laughing breathlessly. “It’s almost like a fairytale.”
Thank you for reading Tangled Up In Knots!