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Our magic was always stronger this time of year and I knew it was at least going to be an exciting gathering.

“Prue! Time for pumpkins!” Rook called out as he poked his head inside. I said a hasty goodbye to Blake and rushed toward him.

“Did you pick out big ones?!” Excitement bubbled through me. It wasn't just the magic in the air today, but I truly loved all things Halloween.

“Of course,” he said, taking my hand and pulling me out to the yard where they’d set up some tables and laid out a plastic cloth to keep them from being covered in pumpkin guts.

The pumpkins themselves were at least three times the size I expected and I grinned, already planning a cute toothy grin and wide eyes for mine.

Merrick was sitting next to one, his tongue poking out a little as he focused on the pumpkin carving. Dorian was wiping dirt from the others and smiled up at me. For a grumpy wolf, he smiled a lot these days. Teasing came easier with him lately and I loved seeing him open up. Even Rook looked at him with shock and happiness from time to time, soaking in his brother’s unfiltered joy.

This pack had really changed us all.

Merrick put on music as we all got to work. The scent of raw pumpkin filled the air as we each worked on ours, starting a new tradition as a pack. Dorian insisted we place them between the two houses, displaying them for the town to see.

By the time we finished and the alphas carried them to their spot, the sun was starting to set. It was perfect timing because all three of the guys still had to get ready.

“Alright, little mate. You’re up,” Dorian grinned, standing beside me with his arms crossed, waiting for me to do my thing.

I took a breath and pulled my magic forward. It responded easily, just a trick of warmth since that was all I needed. Then I cast a simple light spell in each one, lighting them up from the inside.

It wasn’t as bright as they’d be once the sun fully set, but already they were flickering cheerfully. For a brief moment I imagined a few tiny pumpkins sitting around them. A future with the pack I didn’t expect but loved all the same.

It was soon, but I knew it was true the moment I considered it. They’d put their lives on the line for mine, stuck by me every step of the way, and most importantly, saw me under the curse.

The town officials had gone all out for this Halloween party. The kids had already gone trick-or-treating around town and in the magistrate building. It was honestly the first time I’d seen them actually do something kind for the people in this cursed town.

Now, it was time for the adults to have fun.

Live music was playing on the patio outside and inside was a huge buffet of themed treats and an array of cocktails and potions.

“This is amazing,” Prue said excitedly. “But does anyone else feel magic in the air?”

She glared before any of us could give her some sort of sarcastic retort because there was always magic in the air in this town.

“Shut up, it’s different. A bit like a magical blanket in the room.” She glanced around for the source.

“It’s a magic neutralizer. A failsafe for them putting us all in one place,” Rook admitted. “I heard some of the magistrate talking about it.”

“There’s always a catch,” Prue muttered but shrugged it off. “I’d rather nothing ruin this night. We deserve to have nice things in life, too. Especially since we can’t leave.”

“None of that tonight,” Merrick said firmly.

“Plus, the party is finally here,” Blake announced as she danced her way between us. She had makeup on to hide her bruises and just looked happy to be here. It was nice to see her feeling better. It was hard to shake the image of someone we cared about chained to a dirty wall and at a psychopath’s mercy. “Come on. Let’s dance!”

She tugged Prue to the patio and they both jumped right into the crush of dancing bodies, jumping and dancing their way through the rock songs as we watched on.

Our mate was finally free. She smiled more now, even her mood was lighter. I think talking to her brother had given her real closure. She finally realized they were never family and nothing was her fault.

She’d done the same for me. I always walked around with a bit of a shadow hanging over me and now my little mate had chased them away. It was hard not to love life with a mate like her. I wanted to claim her and I had a feeling she was nearly ready.

The music shifted and Prue came over to drag Merrick into the crowd this time while Blake danced with an alpha I didn’t know. She looked relaxed but I kept an eye on them anyway. She was family, now.

“He’s starting to open up now,” Rook noted. “I think you really helped him out.”

“Sometimes we just need someone in our corner. Most of us here aren’t used to us.” I paused and gave him a look. “And some of us are just too blind to see that someone is.”

Rook’s shocked look had me huffing, but he looked like I just told him Christmas was coming twice this year.