The Avila mansion buzzed with quiet energy that evening. Claire smoothed down the simple cream blouse and dark jeans she had chosen after Alissa’s advice: “Nothing too fancy, but look like you belong.” Her nose was still slightly tender, but the bruise had faded enough that she no longer needed the guard. She felt both excited and nervous as Xander led her through the grand halls toward the formal meeting room.
“It’s just a regular pack meeting,” Xander reassured her, his hand warm on her lower back. “Family business talk mostly. You don’t have to say anything. Just observe.”
Claire nodded, but her stomach still fluttered. This was her first official pack gathering since accepting the mate bond. She was stepping deeper into Xander’s world, and she wanted to make a good impression.
The l
