Chapter 13
989 Words
Eimear tried to push aside her nerves as she led Aidan and Ronan to the Alpha house. Maeve followed closely, while Declan headed off to check in with pack members, and Liam and Sean went to find their wives.
The familiar scent of pine and faintly charred wood greeted them as they stepped inside the house. The warmth of the space, with its stone hearth and polished oak floors, was both comforting and intimidating; this house carried the weight of leadership, and now, of change.
Maeve turned to them with a welcoming smile. “This will be your home until the pack finishes building your cottage in the clearing,” she explained. “Eimear’s room should be spacious enough for the three of you in the meantime.”
“The three of us?” Eimear’s voice rose in a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment, her cheeks turning bright red.
“They’re your mates, Eimear, so yes, the three of you,” Maeve replied, her amusement barely contained.
Eimear glanced at Aidan and Ronan. Ronan grinned mischievously, wiggling his eyebrows, while Aidan’s voice slid through the bond with a teasing tone.
“What kind of mischief could the three of us get into together?”
Her blush deepened, and she quickly turned away, eager to escape the situation. “Let me show you around,” she said hastily, grabbing their hands and pulling them toward the door. Maeve chuckled softly behind them, her knowing smile lingering.
“There will be a celebration feast tonight,” Maeve called after them. “It’s a tradition to welcome all the new mates of pack members. Be ready by sundown.”
“Noted,” Eimear replied, the crisp morning air cooling her flushed cheeks as they stepped outside.
As they walked hand in hand through the village, Eimear couldn’t help but notice the sideways glances from other pack members. The looks ranged from curiosity to awe, with a hint of skepticism that gnawed at her nerves.
The bond buzzed quietly with Aidan and Ronan’s private conversation.
“They’re watching her, judging her,” Ronan noted, his irritation clear. “Do they even realize how lucky they are to have her?”
“They’ll see soon enough,” Aidan replied firmly. “She’s extraordinary, and we’ll make sure they know it.”
Ronan’s hand tightened around Eimear’s, his warmth reassuring. She glanced up at him, her brow furrowed. “Are you two plotting something?” she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“Always,” Ronan teased, his grin wide.
Their walk brought them to the clearing where their future cottage would stand. Declan was already there with a few pack members, discussing plans. He waved them over.
“Perfect timing,” Declan said. “We were just discussing the layout. How do you three envision your home?”
Eimear hesitated, glancing at her mates. Aidan stepped forward, his tone thoughtful. “Rustic, with lots of stone and wood. Something that feels connected to nature but sturdy—like a proper home for a Cosantóir and her mates.”
“Agreed,” Ronan added, his voice steady. “And space. We’ll need an open design but with cozy corners, too.”
Declan nodded, jotting down notes. “Anything else?”
Ronan pointed to a spot at the edge of the clearing. “We’ll need a training area there. Big enough for combat drills and magical practice. We’ll take care of it ourselves.”
Declan’s brow lifted, his expression a mix of curiosity and pride. “You will train here?”
Ronan shrugged. “We’ll make it work,” he replied, then turned to Eimear, his eyes bright with determination. “I’ll help with your fitness and combat training. We’ll get you stronger, faster, and more confident.”
“And I’ll work with you on magic,” Aidan added, his voice calm but intense. “We’ll hone your abilities so they’re not just powerful but precise.”
Eimear felt a swell of gratitude, her heart full. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice almost catching.
Declan clapped his hands together. “All right, we’ve got our orders. We’ll get started as soon as possible.”
Eimear, Aidan, and Ronan spent a little more time watching the pack members outline the space before heading back to the Alpha house. The walk back was filled with quiet anticipation, the bond thrumming with warmth.
“This is going to be incredible,” Eimear said, her voice tinged with excitement.
“It already is,” Aidan replied, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
By the time they reached the house, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the landscape. Maeve greeted them at the door, her smile warm. “Your bags have been brought upstairs to Eimear’s room. Go on and get ready for the feast.”
Eimear’s nerves fluttered again as she led them upstairs. “I have an ensuite in my room,” she explained, glancing at Aidan and Ronan, “but you can use the main bathroom, too, if you’d like.”
Ronan grinned. “Lead the way, mate.”
As they approached her door, a flicker of panic rose. What state did I leave my room in before the ball? Her mind raced through possibilities—clothes on the floor, cluttered shelves, her unmade bed.
She hesitated, lingering at the door. Aidan noticed. “Something wrong?” he asked gently.
“I’ve never shared a room before,” she admitted, fidgeting. “I’m really nervous.”
Ronan stepped closer, brushing her hand with his. “You’re not alone in this, Eimear,” he said with quiet certainty. “We’re figuring it out together.”
Aidan reached for her other hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll go at your pace. Always.”
Their words steadied her, and with a small, brave smile, she opened the door.
- Writer
