The crackling flames of the bonfire cast a warm glow over the gathering as Lee welcomed Rhiannon to the lively scene. She stepped into the circle of friends, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she took in the familiar faces and the comforting scent of burning wood.
"Hey, Rhi! Glad you could make it," Lee called out, his voice filled with affection as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.
Rhiannon returned the embrace, feeling a surge of happiness at being surrounded by her friends once again. As she glanced around the bonfire, her gaze landed on Brent, who had returned home after a long absence.
"Brent, you're back!" she exclaimed, making her way over to him and Scotty, who stood side by side, their hands intertwined.
Brent grinned at her, his eyes shining with pride. "Yeah, I couldn't stay away for too long," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "And guess what? Scotty and I are officially mated now!"
Rhiannon's heart swelled with joy at the news, and she enveloped them both in a congratulatory hug. "That's amazing, you two! I'm so happy for you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
As she pulled away from Brent and Scotty, her gaze swept over the crowd once again, landing on her twin brother, Ryan, and his mate, Johnathan. They stood together, their hands clasped as they laughed and joked with their friends.
"Hey, Ryan! Johnathan!" Rhiannon called out, making her way over to them. "It's so good to see you both."
Ryan grinned at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Rhi, you're looking as radiant as ever," he said, pulling her into a tight hug.
Johnathan joined in the embrace, his warm smile lighting up his face. "It's always a pleasure to have you around, Rhiannon," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
As Rhiannon chatted with Ryan and Johnathan, her gaze drifted over to her younger brother, Shawn, who stood nearby, holding hands with Nate. She felt a surge of pride at the sight of them together, their love evident in the way they looked at each other.
"Hey, Shawn," she called out, making her way over to them. "And Nate, it's good to see you both."
Shawn grinned at her, his cheeks flushing slightly as he squeezed Nate's hand. "Thanks, Rhi. It's good to see you too," he said, his voice filled with warmth.
As the night wore on and the laughter filled the air, Rhiannon felt a sense of contentment wash over her. Surrounded by the people she loved most in the world, she knew that no matter what life threw their way, they would always be there for each other. And for that, she was truly grateful.
As the night grew darker, the group waited eagerly for the arrival of Rachel and Justin, the final pieces to complete their circle of friends. Just as the embers of the bonfire began to wane, the sound of laughter and chatter reached their ears as Rachel and Justin finally made their entrance.
"Sorry we're late, everyone!" Rachel exclaimed, her voice bright with enthusiasm as she and Justin approached the group.
Justin grinned sheepishly, his arm draped around Rachel's shoulders. "Yeah, sorry about that. My car had some trouble on the way here," he explained, his tone laced with feigned regret.
Rachel nudged him playfully, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Actually, we were just having a bit of fun on the way here," she confessed, unable to suppress a giggle.
Justin chuckled, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Okay, okay, you got me. We may have taken a slight detour," he admitted, his grin widening as he exchanged a knowing glance with Rachel.
The group erupted into laughter at their playful confession, teasing them about their antics on the way to the bonfire. Despite their tardiness, Rachel and Justin's arrival brought a new energy to the gathering, their infectious laughter mingling with the warmth of the fire.
As the night wore on and the flames of the bonfire began to die down, Rhiannon couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and support that surrounded her. In a world filled with uncertainty, she knew that as long as she had her friends and family by her side, she could weather any storm that came her way.
With a contented sigh, Rhiannon leaned back against Lee, her heart full to bursting with love and gratitude. As they watched the embers of the fire fade into the night, she knew that this was just the beginning of many more unforgettable moments to come.
YOU ARE READING
Lost & Found: Book 1 In The Piney Woods Pack Chronicles (boyxboy)
Werewolfa young werewolf finds his mate and has the perfect life until tragedy strikes and his mate is gunned down and dies in his arms. but all hope is not lost as he learns that his people believe in reincarnation
