----Elaine----
The way Kave crossed his arms made my stomach knot. That silent, unyielding gesture of his always meant trouble—always meant he’d already decided something in his head, long before I’d had the chance to plead my case.
But this time, I couldn’t let him steamroll me. Not about this.
“Yes, Kave,” I said, lifting my chin higher than my nerves wanted me to. “I know the pack isn’t destitute, and yes, I know you can provide. But that’s not the point. I want to work. I want to earn something for myself, even if it’s small. I don’t want to be someone who sits around waiting to be needed.”
His golden eyes narrowed, and for a moment I saw the wolf flare behind them, fierce and protective. He leaned back in his chair, voice low and calm in that maddening way he had when he was tryin
