Pain greeted me when I woke again, but it was duller now, manageable. Darius’s side of the bed was warm but empty. I could hear his deep voice outside the door, issuing commands with that unmistakable Alpha authority. I pushed myself up slowly, testing my ribs. The bandages held firm. His shirt hung loose on my frame, carrying his scent, dark cedar and musk that made my wolf stir with a longing I was still getting used to.
I limped to the window and looked out. Pack members gathered in small groups near the tree line, casting uneasy glances toward the farmhouse. Some looked angry. Others looked curious. The news of what I had done was spreading like wildfire. Good. Let them fear the shadow they had ignored for years.
The door opened and Darius stepped in, carrying a tray of food, broth,
