"I'm blessed to have come to know all of you as well," I said, my voice steady as I acknowledged the presence around the table, the subtle pull of pack energy weaving quietly through the space.
Harriet's gaze softened as she looked at me, her tone carrying both warmth and gravity. "Your mother once gave her life to save Elliot, and you, in turn, saved Nigel overseas. After those two acts, I've long since considered you part of our pack."
Nigel's head snapped up, his composure breaking as his instincts surged with surprise. "Grandma—what did you just say? Anastasia's mother saved Elliot? What happened all those years ago?"
Harriet turned to him, her expression calm but laced with memory. "You were away overseas for years, so it's no surprise you never heard of it. Elliot was taken when he was very young—six years old—and your grandmother chose to sacrifice herself to ensure his survival. That debt binds us, and by extension, binds Anastasia to our pack as well."
