Hank sighed contentedly, wrapping an arm around Sarah’s shoulders. "With Ella here in the city, able to heal almost anyone instantly and cure various diseases just by holding their hands, I'm not as needed here."

Ella squeaked, and I laughed; her guilt was palpable.

Hank grinned at her. "No, Ella. Sarah and I talked, and we think we can be more useful in the Northern provinces. Many people—humans and wolves—lack healthcare, especially surgical care." He shrugged. "We can do some good."

"That's really cool, Hank," I said, grinning.

He smiled. "It feels right. But I'm glad we were here for this, and to meet Jesse."

"Me too," I said softly, smiling at my friend. My life was full, and my time at the clinic was dwindling, but I would miss him terribly.

Hank kissed my cheek—a quiet farewell—then Ella escorted him and Sarah from the room, murmuring something about Sinclair wanting to say goodbye.

After they left, Roger approached quietly, hands in his pockets, eyes on the door. "What was that about?"

I smiled up at him. "Hank's moving to the Northern provinces." I knew little about the kingdom's northern territories, except that it was wild and harsh. I wondered, privately, if it suited Hank and Sarah, who didn't strike me as country folk.

Roger pursed his lips, nodding slowly toward the door.

I clicked my tongue, grinning.

"What?" Roger asked, turning.

"I can't believe you're not overjoyed," I said, laughing and shaking my head.

He lifted his chin, though a smile fought its way through. "My mother always said, 'If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.'"

I rolled my eyes. "Words you've never lived by."

He sank onto the bed, smiling at the baby and me. "I'm a role model now. I have to reform."

"Hear that, Jesse?" I whispered to my sleeping son. "He's reforming for you."

"Yup," Roger said, peering at the baby.

"I give him a week," I whispered, laughing softly.

"Three days," Roger countered, making me laugh harder. Jesse's eyes fluttered open, and he let out a sad mew.

"Aww, poor baby," I murmured, holding him closer and rocking him back to sleep.

"He wants to join the fun," Roger sighed, stroking my hair.

"He doesn't want to miss a laugh."

"Then he'll have to sleep less," I said, grinning at my mate. "We laugh a lot in this family, and I don't plan to stop." Roger nodded, confirming my thought, and leaned in for a kiss.

Ella Sinclair appeared at the bottom of the stairs, Rafe still asleep in her arms, and frowned at me as I descended with Hank and Sarah, sensing my emotions through our bond.

Hank is leaving, going to work in the northern provinces! I sent to my mate telepathically, genuinely upset. Make him stay!

Sinclair blinked in surprise, then smiled. And how on earth would I do that?

I don't know, I replied, scowling. Some sort of…kingly edict. Just command him.

My mate shook his head and turned to Hank and Sarah as they reached the ground floor.

Sinclair nodded to Sarah and Hank. "I hear you're leaving. It's a shame; you'll be missed."

"How did you…?" Hank frowned at his king, then glanced at me. "I'll never get used to that."

Sinclair raised an eyebrow. "You might have to. I've heard the northern packs are tight-knit and have… unusual magics."

"I've heard that too," Hank nodded. "Their healing practices are unique. I'm interested in learning from them."

"Share what you learn," Sinclair said as I joined him, pouting at Hank and Sarah. "So Ella has an excuse to call you back for parties." I nodded eagerly.

Sarah laughed, and Hank smiled at me. "Thank you both for the incredible opportunities, and for introducing us. Sarah and I are…" he turned to Sarah, making her blush, "…very happy."

"I'm so pleased," I said, beaming. "And you'll keep in touch?"

"We promise," Sarah said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I owe you everything; keeping in touch is the least we can do."

"You could stay," I said, raising my eyebrows, but Sinclair laughed and pulled me close.

"Don't listen to her," he said, smiling. "Your path is your own. Though I hope you'll let us support your work financially."

"We will," Hank said, looking at Sinclair seriously. "There's much poverty up there, which is why we're going. Well-funded medical care would go a long way."

"It's done," Sinclair said, extending a hand, which Hank shook heartily. "Send me the details."

"I will," Hank promised.

I groaned; the conversation was over. I hugged my friends again, making them promise emails, pictures, and texts.

After they left, I slumped against Sinclair.

"I gained a nephew but lost two friends," I murmured sadly.

"And you're pregnant," he whispered, "so I think it's even."

My face broke into a grin. I hadn't forgotten, but I'd been distracted.

"How's she doing?" Sinclair murmured, looking me over protectively.

"The same as this morning," I grinned, stepping closer.

"Good," he murmured, stroking my hair. "Let her grow, our princess."

I smiled, closing my eyes, leaning against my mate. "This is the greatest day," I whispered. "Even my friends moving away can't spoil it."

"Don't worry, trouble," Sinclair murmured. "I don't think that's the last we've seen of them."

"Why?" I asked.

"I don't know," Sinclair said, frowning slightly. "Just a feeling."

"Maybe the goddess is sending you messages," I murmured.

"Maybe," he nodded. "She gave me you. Clearly, I'm her favorite." I laughed, kissing him.

"See them upstairs?" Sinclair asked, looking toward the staircase.

"Nah," I said, pulling him to the living room where Henry sat with a whiskey. "Let's talk to Grandpa first."