Felix led me through the gathering toward the large bonfire in the center of the clearing, where a group had already settled. As we got closer, I caught sight of the unmistakable figure of the Tiger King himself, his massive, imposing build and proud stance setting him apart. Next to him was a woman so young-looking I almost mistook her for Felix’s sister. She looked barely a day past her late twenties, though the soft curve of her mouth and the wisdom in her gaze hinted at a maturity her looks defied. She had Felix’s sharp cheekbones and striking eyes, though without his constant scowl. This was his mother.

“Well, look who’s here!” she greeted warmly, her eyes crinkling as we approached. I nodded respectfully, trying to keep my posture relaxed despite feeling her gaze like a warm but scrutinizing spotlight. Her kindness radiated out, making me feel oddly comforted and yet… kind of anxious. I assumed her youthful appearance was from the same emerald magic that kept Allmer ageless and had healed all my wounds. Her other mates lingered nearby, silently watching, and I was grateful none of them addressed me directly—I was already nervous enough. Felix’s father, the Tiger King, gave me a brief nod, but it was his mother who leaned in, studying me with an amused smile.

“Felix, you’ve finally brought us your mate,” she said, delight lighting her face as she glanced up at him. “It’s about time. I was beginning to think you’d wait until winter was well over.”

I opened my mouth, trying to think of something polite, but nothing came to mind. Just as I was starting to panic, Felix spoke up, his voice taking on a rare softness. “After all these years,” he began, “I’ve finally found someone… someone I’d spend my life with, and die beside if it ever came to that.” His gaze flicked to me, a raw sincerity in his eyes that made my heart race, and his family murmured their approval. He turned back to his mother. “I want to honor her, just as you’ve shown me to honor family and love. Please… give us your blessing to build our life together. I promise it will be strong, lasting, and worthy of our traditions.”

His mother’s eyes glistened as she took his hand, giving it a tender squeeze. “Felix, my son,” she murmured, “I knew you’d find someone worth waiting for when the time was right. You’re stubborn, but you’ve chosen well.” She turned to me with a gentle smile. “Shira, welcome to our family.”

The Tiger King placed a firm hand on Felix’s shoulder, nodding with quiet pride. “You have our blessing, son. May you both live a life of strength, loyalty, and honor.”

One by one, his mother’s other mates stepped forward with their own words of approval. Some were gruff and teasing, others soft and warm, but all offered acceptance. I felt a little overwhelmed by the kindness and sense of belonging they radiated. They were truly happy for him.

Finally, Felix’s mother placed a hand on both our shoulders. “May you grow together, always finding strength in each other,” she said, her voice full of warmth.

A pang of guilt washed over me for deceiving them, even if only partially. This was more than just tradition; it felt like a genuine promise.

“Would you like to sit with us, child?” his mother asked kindly, patting a spot beside her.

Felix shifted, casting a slightly uncomfortable glance at her. “Actually, Mother, we were going to sit by the smaller bonfire—”

“Nonsense,” she said, smiling at me. “Stay for a moment. I want to get to know you, dear.”

Felix sighed, and I gave him a quick nod, letting him know I didn’t mind. His mother’s kindness was disarming, and there was a warmth in her voice that felt oddly… familiar. I couldn’t help but think of my own mother fussing over me with that same gentle strength. Okay, no thinking in that direction or else I'll be going to sleep with puffy eyes tonight.

“Shira,” she continued, her tone caring, “winter’s approaching, and I want to make sure you’re well-prepared. I’ve put aside fur blankets and clothes for you. Make sure to visit before the night ends so we can set you up comfortably.”

Caught off guard by her thoughtfulness, I felt a sudden surge of warmth in my chest. “Thank you,” I murmured, though it didn’t feel like enough to convey the gratitude I felt. This woman really wanted me to feel welcomed.

We sat by the fire, its warmth comforting, but the way Felix’s mother looked at me—watchful, proud—was even more so. She smiled at me, a gentleness in her gaze, before asking, “So, Shira, do you have family nearby?”

I felt a pang in my chest but managed a smile. “Yes, though they’re… far from here.”

Her face softened, sympathy in her eyes. “Well, maybe someday Felix will get to meet them,” she said thoughtfully. “It’s important for a young man to earn the acknowledgment of his mate’s family, especially her father and brothers.”

I was taken by surprise at her assumption, but I nodded. “I’ll definitely introduce him to them someday. I think they’d… enjoy meeting him.”

She looked pleased by my answer, and for a moment, as I saw the pride and love she had for Felix, I felt a pang of longing to see my family meet the one I chose in this strange world. The thought seemed impossible—but for the first time, maybe not entirely so.

Movement caught my eye as a group of men began approaching us. Felix’s shoulders tensed, and he turned, spotting his brothers, each with an unmistakable, mischievous grin.

“Almost all of my sons,” his mother whispered to me with a wink. “All males, as you can see, and just as mischievous as Felix—though perhaps with a bit more charm.”

I bit back a laugh as his brothers closed in, all eager to tease Felix.

One of them grinned. “Well, well, Felix. Finally brought a mate, have you?”

“It’s about time!” another clapped Felix on the shoulder. “Didn’t think anyone could stand you that long.”

“About time you found someone who could handle you!”

Iker, more serious than the others, gave Felix a knowing look, his lips quirking slightly. Guess Felix's closest to Iker, seeing as how he didn't mind him knowing our agreement.

His mother turned to me, her face gentle. “I’m so glad he found someone,” she said, squeezing my hand lightly. “He’s been so stubborn about finding a mate. His brothers have been settled for almost two years now. He was the last I worried about.” She glanced at Iker with a faintly sad look. “Well, Iker too, but he just needs more time to come out of his shell.”

Her words caught me off guard, especially her tone toward Iker. He was older than Felix—why would he need more time? But her expression was so warm and knowing that I didn’t question it.

Finally, Felix broke free from his brothers, looking both annoyed and a bit embarrassed. Grabbing my hand, he started pulling me away. “We really need to eat,” he announced, probably just as ready as I was to escape the teasing.

“Be nice to her, Felix!” one of his brothers called after us. “Don’t scare her off!”

As we left, his mother’s voice called after us with a gentle warning. “Take care of him, dear,” she said, eyes twinkling. “He’s tough on the outside but soft-hearted inside. And I’ll send you some comforts—and medicine, too, for… soreness.”

My face flushed instantly, realizing her implication. Felix’s grip tightened on mine, his jaw set and cheeks slightly pink as he led me through the crowd.

Once we were far enough away, I dared to say, “Guess your brothers had a lot to say, huh?”

He shot me a glare. “They’re all mated. They don’t get to talk.”

I laughed, feeling lighter after the whirlwind of meeting his family. Maybe I’d won a few small battles tonight, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d stepped into something much bigger than I expected. I smiled, feeling a strange mix of warmth, embarrassment, and something… more. Meeting his family, and feeling his mother’s genuine kindness—it made me feel, for the first time, that maybe I’d found a place here after all, albeit temporarily.