Chapter 207

Months later…

“I can’t believe our first ‘year’ is done,” Wendy said, collapsing onto my sofa as we all shuffled into my living room.

“I know. It’s been insane. But at least they are giving us a week of being class-free before we start classes again.” Hanna stretched out on the floor. She groaned as she rolled on my thick fur carpet. “Next time you nest, come to our place, please.” She laughed as Wendy threw a pillow at her. She tucked it under her head. “What?” She turned onto her side, staring at the rest of us. “You’re telling me you aren’t super jealous of her fur-lined, super comfy everything?” She laughed as Micca curled up on the other half of the sofa and Toya lounged on the love seat. She pointed at my chair. “Look at that thing!”

I smiled as I settled in, and the contented purring of my wolves came back to me. “It’s honestly great.”

She huffed and crossed her arms. “See.” The rest of the girls laughed.

I looked around, and it blew my mind, seeing the difference. All of them had built muscle. All of them were more confident than when we all started. “I don’t think I ever said this to you, but I’m super thankful to have met you.” I smiled as they all turned to me. I opened my mouth, but Micca waved her hand.

“None of that. It sounds like you’re gearing up to say goodbye or whatever, and that’s not happening. First, you are stuck with us until this time next year or longer. And second,” she paused, “I’m happy I met you guys, too.” She looked around at all of us and smiled. “You guys are my best friends, and I don’t think I could have met anyone as badass as the four of you anywhere else.”

There were a few sniffles around the room, and then a pillow was launched at Micca. “You are a bitch.” Hanna wiped at her face. “Today is supposed to be a good day. We just finished our exams, and then you two come in here and act like someone’s dying.” There was another sniffle. “I hate you both.” I snorted out a laugh.

“You love us,” Wendy laughed as she tossed another pillow. There was a weighted pause, and then pillows were flying in every direction. Laughter and thumps were the only noises until there was a thick knock on the door. Everyone froze.

Toya looked at me. “Who’s that?”

I shrugged. “I have no idea.” I walked to the door and cracked it open. “Hello?”

“Hi Amy.” Sterling gave a tight-lipped smile and a small wave.

I opened the door fully and smiled. “Hey Sterling. I haven’t seen you in weeks. How are you doing? How’s your mate? Your pup?” I raised a finger. “Before I forget.” I ran away, leaving a very confused man on my doorstep, and ran to my room. I had been waiting for him to come back. I grabbed the gift bag and ran back to the door, stuffing it into his hands. “Here.” I smiled.

Sterling stood with a giant gift bag in his hands, his mouth dropped open. “Amy…you didn’t have to.”

“Of course I didn’t. But I wanted to.” I smiled. “I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a girl or boy, so I got gender-neutral colors. I hope you and your mate like it.” All the girls came to the door. “We all went out together and picked up the stuff. If there are doubles you don’t need, we left the receipt in there so you guys can exchange things.”

Sterling’s face lit up, and I noticed a small tear. “Thank you, girls. Really, this is going to make Zay’s night.” Everyone gave him a quick hug and then disappeared, leaving us alone at the door. “But this isn’t why I am here.”

“What’s up?” I leaned against the frame as he readjusted the bag.

“I was just about to go home, as my relief is here, but…” He trailed off and scratched his head. “Jorah told me something.” He paused. There was a crackling over his radio.

“Sterling. Are you upstairs?”

He held up a finger and then reached for his radio. “Yeah Jorah, what’s up?”

“We have a visitor…actually two visitors for Alpha Amy. Since you are already upstairs somewhere, can you go to her place and let her know?”

“You can just tell me where her apartment is and I can go myself.” I froze as Brandon’s voice crackled over the radio.

“We can go together.” A second voice crackled over the radio, and the girls were at my back again. Sterling gave a quick yes and then put his radio away.

“Sterling…” Toya wrapped her hand around my own. “Why are Nina and Brandon looking for Amy?”

He swallowed. “Probably because of the announcement going out tomorrow… The king,” He looked away. “The king is going to announce he’s looking for candidates for a chosen mate by council.”