The mansion gardens were quiet in the late afternoon light, the air heavy with the scent of blooming night jasmine and fresh earth. Claire had come here seeking peace after another long day of helping tend to Xander’s wounds and managing the quiet tension that still lingered in the pack after the rogue attack. Her silver wolf pendant felt warm against her chest, a constant reminder of her place beside him.
But peace was hard to find when Victoria was still in the mansion.
Claire had spotted her earlier near the training grounds, watching with that polished, predatory smile. The she-wolf had not left despite Xander’s clear rejection of her “help.” Instead, she lingered like a shadow, offering unsolicited advice to the healers and subtly undermining Claire’s role at every opportunity.
Eno
