Chapter 27: ReliefA welcoming committee waited for us at the edge of camp, led by a grinning Matt and the rest of my adopted family. Ripley stood quietly to one side with Acenith and it was easy to figure out how everyone had known the meeting's outcome.
“Hear you've got a new pack leader,” Striker announced with a smirk, gripping Conal's hand in his and executing one of those complicated handshakes only men seem to do. Conal grinned back, pulling Striker into a loose embrace and slapping him heartily on the back.
Matt wrapped his arms around me and I leaned against him for a long time, comforted by his warmth. The events of the evening had driven me to the point of exhaustion, and I was emotionally vulnerable. It was nice to have my father's strength surrounding me. “You okay, baby?”
I
