The triplets came jogging up to Thea. They nodded to the Delta team encircling her. “We came as soon as he let us out,” Alaric said, rubbing her arms up and down. “I’m sorry. I had to get out of there,” she said. “We know. It’s a lot,” Kai said. “It is!” The triplets gathered her in a big bear

Thea went all out for the welcome home party for the pack members returning from their military service. Now that she knew they had gone into the military to join her protection detail, she felt even more obligated to make them feel appreciated. Signs were made and placed outside as well as inside

“Anders,” she said, recognizing him from the pictures she’d hung. She held out her hand. He looked at her outstretched hand like it was the Holy Grail, and he would burst into flames if he touched it. She felt the burden of all the time they devoted to her, sacrificing so much of their own lives fo

The next day the Delta recruits got down to business. Liam debriefed them on their military tours, experience, and what they learned in private security or private investigation. He asked them each individually what their plans were and if they still wanted to join Delta team. They all answered in t

The Alpha made a speech about the sacred nature of what they were about to do, the permanence, asked if anyone wanted to back out. No one did. He went on about the specialness of Thea, the importance of keeping her safe. Then, when it came time, he prompted each of them to come up, kneel before her,

After the oath ceremony, they noticed everyone in that room had grown another inch. Their senses grew keener. They were all stronger. The men could feel Thea’s emotions, sense where she was. There was no doubt in any of their minds or hearts that Thea was goddess gifted and that they had made the b

Delta team circled them all night. They stayed far enough away to give them the illusion of privacy. Thea fell asleep around two in the morning. She woke up when she heard Alaric making pained noises. She sat up and saw him on all fours, fur sprouting out of his arms. Joints popping, bones cracking

Thea looked at her shoulder. “That’s a nasty bruise,” Kai said. “I’ll get him back.” Kai laughed. “No doubt.” The two black wolves came back a while later, laid down next to Thea, and panted as she pet them. Not long after, Kai began his shift. His was the quickest. He was already practiced in

“I’m sorry too,” Conri said. “I think Caleb thought he was giving you a massage.” “Maybe only do that when I’m in wolf form?” Thea said. “Yeah,” Conri said. “Damon was using the marking spot to calm you, then to try to get you to shift,” Kai said. “I’m sorry he was too rough.” “It’s okay, guys,”

“Guys,” Thea said. “We need to let Delta team eat and rest.” “You don’t want to wait until you shift?” Kai said. “We can just come back out when it happens,” Thea said. “Okay,” Conri said. “Should we leave this stuff here?” Alaric said. “I don’t think we need to,” Thea said. The triplets clea