I dug around in our pantry until I found some sunflower seeds, which I sprinkled on the sidewalk for the pigeons. They’d earned it.

I got Sidney and Zoey settled in Declan’s room. It wasn’t like he was going to sleep there—he hadn’t slept in there for weeks. He had the forethought to warn them about early morning ferret visits. Though said ferrets were currently snuggled up to Will, who had passed out on Vanessa’s bed.

Bay took the couch after drinking his magic-hangover cocktail. He’d expended a lot of magic on everyone tonight, but I was so grateful he had. Without that extra luck, Will might not have caught Declan and he could have triggered Eva’s spell. I brought my brother an extra blanket and tucked him in, kissing him on the forehead. “Love you.”

He snorted. “Of course you do.” He pulled the blanket up to his cheeks. “Love you too, Sister.” His eyes snapped open, and he pulled the blanket down to reveal an evil grin. “Hey, I’ve got a new brother now.”

I heard Declan clear his throat behind me. “I hope that’s okay.”

“Just treat her right.” Bay’s grin remained evil. “I won’t give you the possible consequences if you don’t. I’m just going to let you imagine it.”

I snorted. “Be nice.”

“I am being nice,” Bay offered. “I’m warning him, aren’t I?” He laughed at the expression on my face. “Fine, fine. I’ll stop. Good night, Lou. Good night, my brother.”

“Good night, Bay.” I grabbed Declan and dragged him back to the bedroom.

Once we were in there, I shoved him toward the bed, closing the door behind me. He sat down, looking up at me through his lashes. My wolf, playing at submissive. He’d showered, wearing only a pair of pajama pants. He appeared almost…wary. He hadn’t reached for me, either.

I walked over, giving in to the need to touch him. He wrapped his arms around me as soon as I climbed into his lap, making me think he’d wanted me there, but he’d been afraid to initiate it. “Have you checked the new bond yet?”

He shook his head, eyes still downcast.

I gently dipped his chin up, needing to see his eyes. “Why not?”

He grimaced, turning away.

Deciding he’d had a tough night, I didn’t push him to say it. “You’re worried you’ll see regrets?”

That got him looking at me again. He tipped his chin down, a barely there nod.

Words would take too long to sink in on this one, so I gently gave a mental tap on our new bond. It felt a lot like our old one, only more. Like we’d been held together by dental floss before and now we had the kind of rope they use on big ships. Sturdy, and made for all weather.

Declan carefully let his mental walls drop. As soon as he did, his shoulders relaxed, and his face lit up. His wolf was there, expression patient. He’d had no doubts in me, at least.