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“How are you feeling?” Pierce asks when we’re finished eating. I’m so stuffed because I ate it all, even though I was full halfway through.

“Happy,” is what I say, causing us all to laugh. I know it’s not what he was asking, but I felt like I needed to say it anyway. I want them to know that I am happy. It’s a great feeling after how crazy and scary things have been. “I know you meant about us—”

“I meant it however you wanted to take it. I’m glad you’re happy. That was our goal tonight,” Pierce says with a smile.

I love his smile. He is kind, but when he smiles? You can really see the kindness shining through his green eyes.

“It was?” I ask.

“Yes,” Forge says. “Your happiness will always be a priority to us, if you choose to join our pack.”

“So will your safety,” Pierce adds.

“Absolutely.”

“Especially if we bond,” Pierce says. “Then it’s no longer a choice.” He chuckles.

“I don’t hate the idea of that,” I say, trying to be brave. But I feel my cheeks getting warm again. “I’m not against being part of a pack or bonding. I just want to make sure that we are compatible.”

“We get along just fine. We can keep conversation going,” Pierce says.

“And we all like Italian food,” Forge says with a small laugh.

Pierce shakes his head with a slight smirk.

“What about for your future? Have you thought about that?” I ask them.

“We take things day by day. We’ve been settled for a while now, and hadn’t thought much of how this would go because we didn’t want to make decisions for someone we hadn’t met yet,” Pierce explains.

“There are some things you have to know though, right?” I ask.

“Like what?” Forge asks.

“Like bonding—you said you’re in a pack but haven’t bonded. Will you?” I ask.

“If it feels right. We think it would, so probably,” Pierce explains.

“What about children?”

“We want kids,” Pierce says. “Do you?”

“Yes,” I say. “What about raising them? You have dangerous jobs. I know you mentioned not living in the city, which is something I really don’t want to do, so that’s a good start. But when it comes to kids, what’s important to you?”

I look between them, wondering who will answer. I don’t know if they realize they do it, but they take turns answering and always listen to the other as they speak.

“I think raising kids to be good people, kind, helpful, smart, and healthy is what I care about,” Forge says quickly.

Pierce nods. “We haven’t talked much about kids, since we can’t have them alone, but yeah. I agree with him.”

I can’t help but smile.

Because I agree too.

I can’t find a single thing wrong about joining their pack and bonding with them. They’re turning out to be kind of perfect. They make me feel safe. They’re handsome. Funny. Hard-working. Accepting and understanding. There isn’t a flaw in sight.

“Can I ask you something?” I say.

“Anything. Always,” Pierce says.