September 7th-

The children were in awe when we made it up to the top floor of the packhouse. No one, but the Alpha and his closest friends and family would stay on this level.

“Well, since I am the Alpha’s mate and you are all my friends, you are more than welcome to stay here.”

Between a couple maids and I, we scrounged up enough bedding for my impromptu slumber party guests.

It was after three o’clock in the morning when Sam finally came back. He looked between me and the twelve children who had claimed our enormous bed. I rolled out sleeping bag on the floor. The kiddos needed the bed. Sam climbed into the sleeping bag next to me a few minutes later. His hair was damp, and he smelled faintly of the sandalwood soap in the bathroom.

He buried his face in the crook of my neck and inhaled. He only clung to me like this when something was bothering him. I had a million questions in my head, but I could only sum them all up with one word. “So?”

“We lost three people tonight,” he said after a minute. “The fire spread to two more houses. Everything was destroyed.” He shuddered. “We have enough rooms in the packhouse for the families, but we won’t be able to get all of the houses rebuilt before the first snowfalls.”

“What about my nana’s house?” Sam looked at me confused. Nana’s house had sat empty for the better part of a month since we’d moved into the cottage.

“Really? The house is yours…”

I nod. “If there are people that need it more than me, they should have it.” It wasn’t fair that I had three homes and others didn’t have any. I know I’m referencing the Princess Diaries here, but you get my point.

Sam kissed me gently. The corners of his eyes wrinkled when he smiled. “I love you, Katie.”