Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Kiara
Another Month Later
“Before us stands five people who have decided to form a pack,” my dad says, who cannot wipe away his grin. “My baby, Kiara, is joining her life with those of Alexander, Crew, Davis, and Mason. They each have chosen to speak their own bonding words. Kiara?”
I take a deep breath at his side, smiling at each of my guys.
“I love all of you. Moving back to Champagne Falls has proven to be the most life-changing event of my twenty-five years, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Crew, you’ve always been in my life. First, as a friend, and then as more.
You were my first in everything, and there’s no one I’d rather spend the rest of my life with. I love you so much.
“Mason, when my dad joined your parental pack, you took me under your wing and made me feel welcome from day one. Well, all three of you did, and I was crushing on all of you so hard. I never expected that it would ever amount to anything more than that, but here we are. Over ten years later, and we’re becoming a pack.
Mason, you’ve always been my rock, and I don’t see that ever changing. I love you.
“Davis, you’ve always been the person who can make me smile even when I’m feeling my worst. You’re one of the kindest people I know, and my life would be a darker place without you in it.
I love you. Alexander, you’ve always been my safe place to land.
I’ve always known that if I needed someone to talk to, you’d be there—no questions asked.
I love you.” I take another deep breath.
“This pack we’re creating is everything I could’ve wished for and so much more.
I’ve never felt happiness like this before, and that’s because of you and the love we share.
I love all of you, and I can’t wait to begin the rest of our lives. ”
Dad turns to my omega. “Crew?”
“Why am I the one that has to go after her?” Laughter surrounds us as he grins.
“Kiki, you know you’re my person—always have been and always will be.
I just didn’t know you were going to introduce me to my scent matches.
I’ve never known a day where I didn’t love you in one way or another, and I plan to continue that for the rest of our lives.
Alexander, Davis, and Mason—our courtship was fast, but I never doubted that the three of you were made for Kiki and me.
You’re the perfect pack for us, and I love you. ”
“That’s it?” Dad scoffs, turning to Mason. “Are you going to do better than your omega?”
Mason chuckles. “Unlikely. Kiki and Crew, you were the missing part of our pack. I’ve loved Alexander and Davis probably as long as you’ve loved one another, but we knew we weren’t a complete pack.
We were never sure if an omega was in our future, but imagine our surprise when the woman we all loved arrived with our scent-matched omega.
It was as if fate was speaking. The last few months have been the happiest of my life, and I look forward to an even happier future. I love you all.”
Dad sighs. “Men. They just really don’t know how to voice their emotions well, do they?”
“Dad.” I dig my elbow into his side as our guests laugh. “Knock it off.”
He just grins at me before nodding to Davis. “Your turn.”
“I’m not even going to pretend that this is going to be eloquent.” He grins, eyes moving between the four of us. “I love all of you, and I can’t wait to begin the rest of our lives.”
“Yeah, that sucked.” Dad shakes his head. “Alexander?”
My final alpha grins. “Akira, there are many words that we’ve shared between the five of us, and most of them aren’t appropriate for an audience.”
“Alex!” I hiss, my face bright red.
Isn’t this supposed to be the happiest day of my life? Why are my mates and my dad determined to embarrass me?
“Oh, come on, Kiki. You love us just as much as we love you. This is what you have to look forward to for the rest of your life. I’m going to give all four of you every part of me and everything I can.
You’ll never want for love or affection.
I will spend the rest of life making sure you’re as happy as you can be. I love you so much.”
Tears prickle in my eyes, and I decide he’s forgiven.
“Well, I’m glad one of you knows how this is supposed to go. Now, since the five of you have bonded and filed your paperwork already, all I need for you to do is kiss and we’ll announce you as a pack!”
The five of us descend on one another, sharing hugs and kisses for probably far too long. When we pull away to stand beside my dad, tears are streaming down my face, and I really hope my makeup isn’t smearing all over the place.
“It is my honor to introduce you to Pack Kennedy,” my dad yells as our family and friends jump to their feet and cheer. “Now, let’s get this party started!”
Mason wraps his arm around my waist and leads me inside. “Are you okay, princess?”
“I’m fine—just emotional.” I bite my lip, glancing around. “Where are the others?”
“I think they got waylaid. They should be here in a minute.”
“Good. That’s good.” Because I have a gift for them, and if I don’t share it soon, I’m going to burst. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”
He leans down and kisses me softly. “I’ll be here.”
I practically float to the bathroom. I’m so happy—even if everyone embarrassed me during our ceremony. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from them.
After taking care of business, I check my face in the mirror while I wash my hands. I’m happy to see not a single piece of makeup has smeared. Thank goodness for Delilah.
By the time I make it back to the kitchen, the rest of my mates have made it inside.
“Are you ready? We have a lot of guests waiting to wish us well.” Alexander grins, pulling me into his side when I reach them.
“Umm…not quite yet. I actually have a surprise for you.”
Crew narrows his eyes. “A surprise? I thought we weren’t doing gifts. I’m going to be really pissed if you got us something.”
I shake my head. “Nope. I mean, I did, but not really. You know what? Shut your mouths. I’m pregnant.”
Silence follows my announcement, and I grin, waiting for them to process the information.
“You’re pregnant?” Crew’s eyes are wide as I nod. “We’re having a baby?”
“We are.”
The four of them move as one, crashing into me. I’m passed from mate to mate and kissed until my head is spinning.
“This is the best fucking news!” Davis yells, eyes wide as he runs to the double doors that lead to where the reception has started. “We’re pregnant!”
I shake my head. “Well, I guess that’s one way to make the announcement.”
Davis looks sheepish as he glances back at me. “Sorry. I’m just really excited.”
“It’s fine, Davis. We all are.” Mason kisses me once more.
Alexander brushes his lips over my head before Crew grabs my hand and drags me outside. “Everyone is really going to want to talk to us now.”
And he’s not wrong.
Hours later, I finally sit beside Ruby and sigh. “Please tell me I’m done talking to people.”
“You’re talking to me,” she says with a grin.
“Not the same thing.” I glance around the table, smiling at the familiar faces. “Harper. Emmy. It’s good to see you both.”
Harper grins, brushing her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Congrats on the bonding and baby, Kiara. You’ve made my first event back in Champagne Falls very exciting.”
“You look so happy,” the brunette at her side says with a sigh. “I’m jealous.”
I lift an eyebrow. “Are you not happy to be back in Champagne Falls, Emmy?”
“Ignore her. She’s having boy troubles.” Harper pats her friend on the shoulder.
“Like you’re not?”
Harper rolls her eyes. “We’re not talking about that.”
I shake my head. “What is it about this place? It seems to bring boy trouble.”
“Girl trouble, too,” Ruby says sagely. “Isn’t it the best?”
“Hey everyone.”
I glance up to find Wesley and another man joining us.
“Wes!” I hop up to hug him, holding my hand out to the other man. “You must be Vaughn. I’m Kiara.”
“I got that from the ceremony,” he says with a sly smile, and I decide I like him.
“Good call. Welcome to Champagne Falls. According to this group, there’s boy or girl trouble coming your way.”
Vaughn’s smile grows. “Hopefully both.”
“Seriously, Vaughn?” Wesley sighs. “We were just about to head out, but I wanted to congratulate you first.”
“Leaving already? The party’s going to go on for a few more hours.”
He nods. “I know, but we just got into town last night, and I’m exhausted.”
“Valid. Text me once you’re settled. I’d love to have lunch with the two of you.”
“And me.” Ruby waves her hand in the air. “Don’t forget about your best friend.”
I snort. “And apparently, Ruby.”
“You’ve got it, Kiara. Have a great night, everyone.”
I squeal as I’m lifted into the air.
“Sorry, ladies. I was sent on a mission to kidnap my mate and bring her to the dance floor.” Davis grins. “Our omega says it’s time to dance.”
I sigh, already tired, but knowing there’s no way I’m getting out of this. “You heard him, ladies. I have an appointment with the dance floor.”
Davis carries me over to where the rest of my pack waits, and it’s like my exhaustion disappears. I can be tired later.
Right now, it’s time to celebrate my pack and our future.