When I decided to stay in Pine Falls, my mom announced she was signing the cabin over to me. An early Christmas present. And birthday present. And next Christmas too.

She left the day after the confrontation with Rebecca, needing to get back to her job.

My brothers also have jobs, but they’ve dragged their feet an extra day, as if that’s all that’s needed to get me to return to Denver with them.

Their efforts are futile.

Since I’m officially staying, a few upgrades need to be made to Minnie’s place.

My place.

And my werewolf is all too happy to help.

Despite their whining, Carver, Byron, and Donovan seemed to have warmed up to my boyfriend, reaching out to give him farewell back slaps and one-armed hugs.

Abram’s arms stay crossed, and his face remains blank. That is, until we hear the crunch of tires on the driveway, and the hood of a familiar truck appears. The yellow vehicle has my oldest brother scowling.

“The building crew has arrived!” Courtney shouts from the driver’s seat as Tanya leans out the shotgun window, gaping at my brothers.

“Oh my God! Is this what men look like in Denver?” Warner’s sister asks at full volume.

Carver grins while Byron and Donovan shift in discomfort. Good. Maybe the besotted teenager will finally get them to go before they collectively lose their jobs.

“You need to get out in the world, girl.” Courtney climbs out and saunters over to our little gathering. “Did I miss the glitter wrestling?”

If it’s possible, Abram’s frown gets deeper. He is not a Courtney fan. Too bad because she’s one of my new best friends.

“Why are you here?” he asks, and I slap his arm for the rude tone he uses.

Courtney just smirks and flicks one of his bulging biceps before strolling to the bed of her truck and gesturing at an abundance of wood. “Building crew. Like I said.”

“How much do you bench?” Tanya asks Donovan, staring up at my brother with sparkling eyes.

“Uh …” He shifts uncomfortably, glancing my way for a rescue. “Around two fifty, I guess?”

“Really? That’s it? Hell, I can do two fifty,” she says, disappointment clear in her tone.

Carver coughs out a laugh as Donovan’s face goes red. The teenage werewolf moves to join Courtney. The two women start unloading the wood on their own, my brothers watching with wide eyes. Warner moves to join them, leaving me alone with my family.

“Are they building a new tree house?” Donovan asks.

“The tree house.” Abram points at me with an almost-accusing finger. “That still doesn’t make sense.”