Sven, Sarai, and Lonnie watched as Caleb and Stella danced the night away.

"We will protect them," Sarai said, "Stella is good people. Caleb is being used."

"Of course he is," Sven said, "Played like a fiddle."

"We will do some investigation as well."

"They are perfect together," Sarai said, "So beautiful."

Caleb and Stella swung passed them, laughing and hollering as other centaurs and fairies made the most of the party.

"Alpha Caleb knows he's not one of them, but he's the best they have," Sven said, "I am most certain they will help bring balance to the forest."

Lonnie agreed, "Most definitely. I am shocked that Caleb and Stella are united, but so very happy. Stella has been such a good friend for years, but I never in a million lifetimes would have penned Caleb as such a gentleman."

"I can't wait to share the rest of my life with you," Caleb whispered in Stella's ear as a slow song came on, "And our pups."

Stella smiled, "I never thought I could be this happy."

"I noticed the scarring on your ankles, mate.." Caleb frowned, "What happened?"

Stella winced, "My stepmother."

"What the hell did she do to you?"

"They tied me up when I was disrespectful."

Stella sighed, "That seemed to be most of the time. My father never knew. He was so happy—or so I thought."

"Do you think he was killed?"

"I know he was," Stella said, "He's better off. No one deserves to be unhappy."

"You didn't deserve what they did to you."

"And what would you have done had you known?"

"Taken you far away from there."

"Well, you did that!" Stella giggled, "And got me pregnant!"

She reached down and rubbed her belly, "I feel her already."

"Her?"

"Well, I don't know..." Stella shrugged, "I think it's a girl."

"Greta..."

"Greta?"

"Do you like that name?"

"I do.."

"And what about Edith?"

"I love that one."

"Edith..."

Stella smiled up at him as Caleb pictured their child, "I bet she has your eyes."

"I bet she has your smile."

"And your hair!"

"And your....chin..."

Stella laughed, "Poor girl if she has my chin."

"You have the most beautiful chin."

"Thank you, Caleb.." Stella smiled, "Are you happy at the cabin? I know I certainly am. The moment I laid eyes on the place, I wanted it so I purchased it from the centaurs. It's cozy and perfect."

"I think we can manage there for some time," Caleb said, "Good thing I'm not the big alpha yet, right?"

"I believe you'd never leave your pack unattended."

"I wouldn't," Caleb told her, "But I have more desires to keep you and our baby safe for the time being while we figure this out. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, Stella. This is all new to me, as well. I'd no idea I'd have a mate, but I knew the moment we were alone that you were the one. We need to deploy a plan and stay safe for a time. I can send for some people, but I don't know who I can turn to."

"He's right!" Lonnie said, galloping up to them, "You're better off in the forest than back at the den. We believe no one is to be trusted."

"Why?" Stella said, "Is it about Caleb's lineage?"

Sven flew towards them and nodded, "Yes and we have all the reason to believe your stepmother was in on your father's death."