The second day in pack territory felt both easier and harder than the first. Easier because the initial shock of arrival had worn off a little. Harder because the reality of daily life was settling in, and with it came all the small moments where I had to remind myself that I wasn’t in Stone Ridge anymore.
I woke to the sound of rain pattering against the cabin roof. Darius was already up, moving quietly around the kitchen. The smell of coffee and something cooking drifted in, warm and inviting. I padded out in one of his shirts, my bare feet cold on the wooden floor. He turned when he heard me, and the soft smile that crossed his face made my heart do that familiar little flip.
“Morning,” he said, voice still rough from sleep. He pulled me into a hug, wrapping his arms around me like it
