instead looked like she was going to punch him in the face.
He'd anticipated this, side-stepping her swinging fists as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry, Jessa babe," he said, holding her tightly. "I'm so sorry. We came back as soon as we could."
She was muttering something, but it was too garbled to make sense. I felt and understood her pain though. If I'd thought one of my family was dead for days … weeks, I'd be a hot mess too.
Maximus, Braxton, Tyson, Mischa and Grace followed behind Jessa. Three of them had toddlers in their arms, the little ones rubbing at their eyes like they'd been woken early.
"Uncwle Jakey!" a baby shouted, and Jessa finally released her hold, allowing the rest of their pack to surge forward and hug Jacob. It was nice to see so much love around my mate, because he deserved that and more.
"Justice," Grace choked out, holding me with a desperation that I'd never felt from her. "I thought we lost you."
I returned her hug, my heart swelling until my chest felt tight. "You almost did."
After that, it wasn’t just Jacob being loved … it was me as well. Hugs, and tears, and true happiness at our return. It was so much more than I’d expected that my cup runneth over.
"Come on, we should make some food," Jessa hollered. "We have a lot to celebrate."
Jacob and I were exhausted, but there was literally nothing else we'd want to do right now. This was the life I'd dreamed of … one filled with family, and friendships that stood the test of time.
And one day babies of our own.
I snorted, shaking my head at him, lips twitching.
Maybe. I could see some beautiful blond babies with your face and my attitude.
His let out a short bark of laughter. Yeah, on second thought, I don’t think my heart could handle the stress.
You can handle anything, mate.
Truth be told, we weren’t ready. Not today. But we had hundreds of years ahead of us to make this choice. For now, we would get back to living our lives, between the two worlds.
I will spend my life loving you, Justice. For there is no greater honor or gift than being your family.
Dammit.
Jacob Compass, I cannot cry one more time today.
He hugged me so tight that my ribs protested, but I didn’t care. This was the best day of my life.
So far.
And that was the part I loved the most.
It was only just beginning.
Bonus Scene- Jessa
Jessa Lebron-Compass
I'd been through a lot of shit in the last few years. But in all ways that mattered I had everything I needed right in front of me. Jacob and Justice had returned safely home.
My pack was complete, under my roof, and I currently had a huge plate of food before me. Finally I could eat and enjoy it without worrying that my life would never be the same again.
Braxton snorted as I started to shovel food into my mouth. "I’ve been worried, babe. For a few days there you barely touched your plate and never even asked for dessert."
I glared at first, mouth too full to reply. When I swallowed, I wrinkled my nose at him. "I was in mourning, asshole. You know that. One can't have seconds or sweets when in mourning. It’s a rule."
Jacob laughed from his spot across from me. "Jessa babe, I promise that no matter what happens to me in the future, you can always eat seconds and dessert. There's no mourning great enough to stop that."
Motherfucker. Narrowing my eyes on him, I noted the distance between us, wondering if I could stab him before he reacted.
"Jessa has that look, guys," Tyson said, his fingers tightening on his fork. "You should run, Jake. Like … just go, now. We’ll hold her back."
There was a beat of silence before everyone cracked up, pissing themselves laughing. With a huff, I decided not to kill them. Food was my priority right this second … I'd go back to planning their murders soon.
The rest of the food disappeared in a delicious wash of contentment, and I made a vow never to take our moments of happiness for granted again. Never. Ever. Because life was not guaranteed, and I'd almost lost every member of my pack over the years.
Somehow we were still all here, strong and together.
"So, Louis, are you heading back to Europe again?" Mischa asked, eating her two pieces of toast and eggs like the weirdo she was. Not even any bacon? It