The council meeting dragged on for what felt like hours. Every time Kael’s thumb brushed against my sensitive skin beneath the table, my breath caught, and my face grew warmer. I kept my hands folded tightly in my lap, trying desperately to focus on Elder Thomas droning on about the winter meat reserves.
Finally, Kael retracted his hand, though not before giving my thigh one last, possessive squeeze. The loss of his touch left me feeling strangely empty, my inner wolf whining in protest.
"That concludes the agricultural report, Alpha," Elder Thomas said, shuffling his papers. "However, there is one final matter we must discuss. The upcoming Luna Naming Ceremony."
A tense silence fell over the room. All eyes shifted to me.
"Traditionally," Elder Thomas continued, clearing his throat ner
