38 - Finn


    The living room buzzed with warmth and chatter as we finally stepped inside. Though crowds usually made me uneasy, the joyous energy surrounding the arrival of Kennedy and Ryker''s baby was infectious, and I found myself smiling along with everyone else. Trinity wriggled free from my arms but promptly grabbed my hand with her tiny fingers, clearly asserting her little authority over the situation.


    ncing over my shoulder, I caught Greta''s eye. She gave me a gentle smile paired with a casual shrug before heading toward the kitchen. Meanwhile, I was gently pulled toward the crowded couch where I could just make out the top of Kennedy''s head peeking through the sea of well-wishers gathered around her.


    "Come on, Finn, look! Look!" Trinity tugged at my hand with surprising strength, moving as if we were the same size and I could easily weave through the legs of the adults like she did. "Come on, Finn!" she repeated, her impatience clear. Some of the guests chuckled and stepped aside, amused by the determination of this tinymander.


    When I finally reached the front, the sight stopped mepletely. Kennedy was radiant, cradling a small bundle wrapped in a soft pink nket. I could only glimpse a pair of chubby cheeks and a tiny nose, but I knew without a doubt that she was perfect. If the baby resembled her mother in any way, Ryker was in serious trouble. He held them both protectively in his arms, while the room filled with soft coos and admiring whispers.


    “She''s beautiful, everyone. Congrattions,” I said, my voice warm.


    Kennedy''s face lit up with a proud smile. "At least I only had to push out one," she joked, looking down at the little bundle. “Rayna did two at once. It was incredible, exhausting, terrifying, and absolutely perfect."


    "What''s her name?" Greta asked softly as she stepped up beside me, just behind Trinity.


    "We named her Rosalie, after Ken''s mom," Ryker said, ncing fondly at his mate and daughter. Rosalie let out a big yawn, scrunching her eyes and nose before releasing a healthy, rumbling cry. "Alright, our guest of honor has had enough attention for now. We''ll schedule another day soon so everyone can admire her some more," Ryker dered, standing tall.


    His protective instincts were already kicking in. That single cry was enough to clear the room, giving Kennedy the space she needed to soothe their daughter. I couldn''t help but smile at the tenderness Ryker showed. It was clear that beneath his fierce exterior was a softness reserved for his family — and if anyone ever threatened them, I was certain he would go to any lengths to protect them.


    Greta turned to Kennedy. "We''ll take the rest of the kids upstairs and get them settled for bed. Do you want us to keep them out of your way tonight?”


    Kennedy sounded a bit offended. "None of you are in our way."


    "I didn''t mean it like that, Ken. I know you''re up every couple of hours. We can keep these four with us so they get some rest too."


    "Maybe that''s a good idea. I''m going to feed her again... she eats just like her dad," Kennedy said with a softugh.


    We all chuckled, including Ryker. Watching him so gentle with his family made me realize just how fierce the other side of him must be. If anyone ever dared to threaten them, he''d likely burn the world down to keep them safe.


    We guided our four young guests upstairs to our room and, one by one, helped them get ready for bed. Once they were all tucked in, I headed toward the door with Greta close behind. We paused to look back at the children sprawled across the bed, taking up every inch of space. Despite their exhaustion, they looked so young and innocent — even Peyton and Landon, who had shown a maturity beyond their eight and ten years. No child should ever have to endure what they had been through, what I had been through, or what Greta had been through. I silently hoped we would find their pack, or at least their parents, for their sake.


    Greta shuffled closer, resting her head on my shoulder. "What''s on your mind?" she asked softly, wrapping her arms around my waist.


    I wasn''t sure I''d ever get used to her affectionate gestures, especially when they were so deliberate. But I didn''t mind. "I''m just hoping we find their pack. But I''m also grateful they''re here with us now, not lost in the woods anymore."


    She moved around to face me, still holding me close, and looked directly into my eyes. "What if we don''t find some of their parents?" Her question hung in the air, heavy with possibility. I knew it was a real chance that these four might be the only survivors. I knew what I wanted to do for them, but it wasn''t just my decision anymore. I wasn''t sure if she''d agree.


    "I see your mind working," she whispered with a soft giggle, careful not to disturb the sleeping children. “Tell me what you''re thinking.” Her voice was gentler than I''d ever heard it — maybe it was the mate bond working its magic.


    "I want to keep her." I didn''t have to exin further. She understood exactly who I meant.


    "Would you keep them all? Keep them together if we find nothing?"


    "If that''s what it takes," I said, my gaze steady and determined. She studied me for a


    long moment, then nced at the kids before returning her eyes to mine.