The morning after the full moon, the Avila mansion felt alive with a different kind of energy. Pack members moved through the halls with relaxed contentment, the wild pull of the moon now settled into quiet satisfaction. Claire sat at the long dining table with Xander, picking at a plate of fresh fruit and eggs while listening to the comfortable chatter around her.
Alissa, however, was unusually quiet.
She sat across from Claire, pushing her food around her plate with a fork, her usual bright smile replaced by a small frown. Allen sat beside her, his arm draped over the back of her chair, but even he looked tense. A few elders were seated farther down the table, speaking in low voices.
Claire caught snippets of their conversation.
“…too young to complete the bond so soon…”
“…rushing t
