MY MOTHER WAS GONE. Reverted to bird form, her memories of me lost in a tiny avian brain that only knew the need for food, water, and proximity to someone who used to be evil and now might not be. I stood there for a long, long time, watching the treetops, hoping Aiti would fly back to me.
She didn’t. She wouldn’t. Still, I couldn’t tear my gaze off the sky.
Gradually, the pack filtered away, returning to their lives. I vaguely noted clothes being dropped off. Absently pulled them on when Ryder nudged me. Collapsed onto the grass afterwards, the energy of our mating long since faded into pure exhaustion.
Still, it felt good when Ryder hunkered down beside me. His warmth encircled my chill as the sun set and the sounds of laughter converged on a building behind our backs.
“Get out of my
