Bonus Chapter-Back Home Again

**Leo**

I watched her, as I always did, and always had. Enid was with our nieces and nephews, who had all grown so fast. It felt like I blinked and college was over. These kids that were small children and toddlers when we left were now eight to ten years old. They still loved Enid and flocked to her whenever she was around. There was just something about her. Children and animals could sense it. Her pure, beautiful heart called to them.

They were gathered around her while she played a classic game with them. At the fountain in the courtyard instead of the tub, Enid brought their imaginations to life with water. The requests were more complicated these days, but she had mastered the elements now and was putting on quite a show.

It was hard to go anywhere with her in the supernatural realm because she was so famed and loved by all. Even out in the human world, almost every supernatural we’d encountered had known her name and had been star struck to be in her presence. She always tried to brush it off and give me credit, but she was the one who deserved it all.

We’d graduated this spring, both with Master’s degrees, and decided it was time to return to the pack. One of Enid’s botany professors had been so impressed with her they’d come to our apartment and begged her to stay and work at the University in the research department—to which she’d politely declined.

I’ve been happier now in my position as gamma, having gotten to live my life a little and have some crazy fun experiences with my best friend who was also the love of my life. I’d played in a band, and we’d done pretty good. We’d played some festivals and shows, but I could never really commit to that dream the way the other guys needed me to, so I’d eventually had to let them move on.

The day we’d left our crappy little apartment had been a sad one, filled with tears. We were both so happy to have experienced so much. And, honestly, I still missed the donuts. But being home was amazing, too. I’d missed my mom, my brothers, and the fresh open air.

It was the Samhain carnival today, forever my favorite, because it took me back to that night when we’d learned we were mates. One of the best days of my life.

Hades was perched on my shoulder, watching as well. Not a big fan of the water, he actually chose to stay with me this time. He would never love me as much as he loved Enid, but I was his second favorite person and I’d happily take that.

Enid finally escaped when Finn and Kat appeared with candied apples. She walked to me and laid easily against my side as I wrapped my arm around her.

“I didn’t know if you were ever going to get away,” I said, chuckling.

She shook her head. “I had to link Kat to save me, or else I wouldn’t have.”

“Are you hungry?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m starving!”

“I saw you eyeing those turkey legs earlier. Is that what you want?”

“Yes, your child is a meat eater for sure,” she laughed as she leaned up and kissed me.

It wasn’t unusual for expecting shewolves to crave meat. I grinned and placed my hand on her belly. She was only two months away now and was really showing.

We lazily walked that way, stopping every once in a while to look at things. I chuckled when I saw Eris was already at the booth we were headed to, grinning widely as the vendor handed her a steaming turkey leg.

She turned and spotted us, both of the sisters chuckling knowingly at each other. Eris was pregnant, too. A bit of an accident, how Gideon told it, but a happy one. The twins were already eight years old, and they weren’t planning on having anymore, but I was thrilled. Enid had already revealed they were both pregnant with girls, and I knew that my daughter would have a best friend for life.

I scanned and found Gideon standing a few feet away and talking on the phone. The life of an Alpha. He never got any rest.

“Mom! Look what I won!”

We all turned to see Henry running towards us with one of those poor goldfish in the little cup that you could win at carnivals. He handed it to her proudly.

“Oh, wow, that’s great,” Eris said unconvincingly as she held up the little cup. “Is he alive?”

The fish moved slightly, and she sighed.

“Poor thing, we better get him into a bigger container.”

“I’m going to name him Buzz. Like *Toy Story*.”

“Okay buddy,” she said, placing her hand on his back and guiding him towards the house.

She waved to us and made a face to show how not excited she was about the fishy new addition, but it was in good humor. As she moved away, I noticed my brother moved too, walking around the edge of the crowd still on the phone, but watching Eris. I understood. The instincts to protect your mate were strong, but when they were carrying your child, it was overwhelming.

Enid laced her fingers through mine and we walked to the garden path, of course, and up to our bench. Hades hopped down and laid on his favorite rock in the sun.

Enid sat on the bench, sighing loudly in relief to get off of her feet. I sat next to her and then adjusted so I was laying my head in her lap. I pressed my left ear against her tummy, and she absentmindedly ran her fingers through my hair.

I listened closely. If the baby was in a good spot, I could hear her heartbeat thanks to my wolf’s heightened sense of hearing. I smiled because it was there, beating quick and strong.

Bleiz yipped happily in my head. He loved to do this.

Enid, I knew, was very attuned to the baby. She could sense everything about her, so much so that it was totally unnecessary for her to have ultrasounds to check on the baby’s progress. If anything was wrong, she would’ve known. I guess it was common for witches to have an intense relationship with the unborn—especially their own.

Suddenly, I felt a slight movement against my cheek.

My eyes opened, lighting up with joy, and I looked excitedly at Enid.

“Did you feel that?!”

“Of course I did,” she chuckled.

It was my first time feeling her move, and I put my head back down. Sure enough, another flutter happened almost immediately.

“She’s active when you’re around. She can sense you.”

“Really?” I said in wonder.

“Yes, she knows who you are.”

I smiled. “She’s strong.”

We hadn’t decided on a name yet. It was more difficult than I expected to pick one, and we’d think for a few days we had decided and then we’d change our minds again.

After a few more minutes, the movements slowed and then stopped.

“You wore her out. She’s sleeping,” Enid informed me.

I sat up and pulled my mate against me. We kissed softly for a few moments and then she laid against me, relaxing. I stroked her arm, basking in the happiness and contentment flowing through the bond between us. After a few minutes, I realized she was breathing softly and evenly—asleep against my shoulder.

I guess the baby wasn’t the only one worn out.

“I love you,” I whispered, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of how blessed I had been in this life.

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Don’t forget to check out Cass’ book, Dragon Keep Me!