Chapter 300

Chapter 300

40 – Finn

After several joyful hours, we made our way back inside to check on the kids and search for a place to rest. Unfortunately for Bennet, the only option was the couch in the living room. He couldn’t really be upset with us, though; this packhouse wasn’t designed like Ryker’s sprawling estate in Dark Moon—a mansion built to accommodate a hundred people. Honestly, I find something comforting about this place. Every inch of space is thoughtfully used, with nothing wasted or superfluous. I settled down, Greta nestled comfortably between me and the back of the couch, my mind swirling with all her worries about the kids. Truth be told, those worries are mine as well. The connections we share with all the children—especially with Trinity —are unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Even back when I was a pup, when Nan took me in, I never experienced such a powerful pull toward someone like I do with that little girl. As I drifted off to sleep, I found myself pondering what I truly want next in life, now that I’ve finally attained the one thing I’ve always longed for: a home.

My dreams unfolded with vivid clarity. I saw Greta and me walking hand in hand through a sun-drenched field, Trinity darting playfully around our legs, her laughter ringing out as she smiled up at me. Then the scene shifted to the training grounds. Both my girls were there not watching from the sidelines, but standing shoulder to shoulder with me, moving as one. Trinity was older now, her eyes blazing with the same fierce fire Greta carries, her red-brown hair flowing wildly as she fended off opponent after opponent. I felt a surge of pride at the woman she was becoming. The dream took a darker turn next. The air grew thick and heavy, cloaked in a blue- black haze that blurred everything beyond the reach of my arm. Suddenly, a scream shattered the silence. It wasn’t Greta-her distinct husky voice is always unmistakable. It was Trinity. She needed me. Needed us. Her panic coursed through my veins as if it were my own. Someone was trying to take her from us, but I couldn’t see through the fog to reach her. I struggled blindly, my hands grasping at nothing but mist. My chest tightened, breaths coming shallow and fast, my feet sinking as if trapped in quicksand, my arms weighed down. Then, with a sudden force, something collided with me, knocking the air from my lungs. A warmth spread from my chest, radiating through every limb. My muscles relaxed instantly as heat surged through my body-I was literally on fire. My eyes snapped open. I was gasping for air, feeling heavy and restrained. I glanced down to find Greta exactly where she’d fallen asleep beside me. And the source of my sudden heat—a small head of red-brown hair resting gently over my heart, her face tilted so close to Greta’s that their foreheads almost touched. I drew in a deep breath, savoring the scent of both girls. She was here. No one was going to take her away. No one could. I couldn’t even bear the thought of her leaving, if my dream was any indication.

“Are you okay?” a soft voice whispered behind me, making me jump. “Sorry! I didn’t realize you weren’t fully awake. That must have been some nightmare. I’m surprised you didn’t wake them with your growls.” Kennedy shifted carefully so I could see her without disturbing the girls.

My girls. I had thought the same thing in my dream. I liked the sound of that.

“Yeah,” I exhaled. “Just a nightmare. I really need to find out if there are any survivors from the kids’ pack. I hate not knowing if they’ll stay or not. I’m clearly attached.” I gestured and then wrapped my arm around the tiny figure curled up on my chest, pulling her closer under my chin.

“I get it,” Kennedy said, settling into the plush chair across the coffee table. “I started having nightmares about all the terrible things that could happen to Rosalie almost immediately. I guess it’s a parent thing-worrying about everything and nothing all at once.” She smiled gently. “So she’s yours then p>

It wasn’t the first time I’d been asked that, and my answer remained the same. “Yeah, I think so. But does that make me a bad person p>

“What do you mean p>

“I’m hoping we’re it for her.” I took a deep breath, holding her tighter. “Which means I’m hoping no other family survived whatever happened to her pack. Does that make me a bad person?” I closed my eyes, bracing myself for her response.

“No! Finn, no.” She whispered sharply, causing Rosalie to startle in her arms. I waited patiently for them both to calm down. When Kennedy looked back at me, her expression was serious in a way I’d never seen before. “You’re not hoping her family didn’t survive. You’re hoping you can be the family she never had—like no one stepped up for you. I think you and Greta are the best people to care for these kids and any others who might come. You won’t just be doing a good deed for needy children. You both understand them in a way most of us never will. It’s a unique position, and it comes with a lot of responsibility. The question is: are you ready for it p>

“I don’t think it was ever really a choice,” I admitted.

“Good,” she smiled. “Because we have a house for the two of you, and it needs some work p>

“Wait, what? Did you say a house?” I blinked, stunned.

Kennedy chuckled softly, adjusting Rosalie in her arms. “Yes, a house. You’re going to need it, with all these kids around. We’ve got trackers out looking for survivors, but that might take a while. They need normalcy—a place to call home is part of that p>

“You’re just going to give us a house?” I could barely contain my disbelief. If I weren’t lying down, I’d be pacing the room. Nobody just hands out houses for free.

“Of course!” she said, laughing. “You didn’t think you’d be stuck in the warrior apartments forever, did you? Especially now that you’re mated p>

Finally, I cut to the chase. “What’s the catch? No one just gives away houses p>

“Well, I do. And you’re doing the pack a huge favor. You’re mated to one of our lead warriors, caring for abandoned pups who need us, and you saved us from an enemy who would have burned the whole pack to the ground to get her way. We owe you a debt. A house is the least we can do. And don’t forget, I said it needs work.” She gave me a playful wink.

“Care to explain p>

“How about Ryker shows you in the morning?” she suggested. “Get some sleep now -I’ll try to do the same. Night, Finn p>

“Goodnight, Luna p>