The forest had gone quiet again.
Claire stood on the balcony, the blanket wrapped tightly around her shoulders as the last echoes of howls faded into the night. The full moon hung high and luminous above the trees, bathing everything in silvery light. Her heart was still racing from the sheer beauty she had witnessed — the pack running as one, wild and free under the moon’s pull.
Especially him.
Xander’s massive black wolf had been unmistakable — larger than the others, powerful, graceful, and radiating the same quiet strength she loved in his human form. She had felt him through the bond the entire time: his joy, his freedom, the deep, primal contentment of being fully himself.
Footsteps sounded softly behind her.
She turned.
Xander stood at the balcony entrance, shirtless and baref
