The clearing was full by sunset.
Every wolf in the pack stood in a wide circle around the fire pit. Some still watched me with suspicion. Some watched with curiosity. None left.
That was enough for now.
Victor stood at my right. Darian stood at my left. The three of us faced the pack.
I swallowed and stepped forward.
My name is Aria I said.
My voice shook but I kept going.
Two weeks ago I did not know what a pack was. I did not know what a mate was. I was running from hunters who wanted me dead.
Some wolves shifted uncomfortably. The word hunters made them uneasy.
Darian found me. He could have left me. He did not.
I looked at him. His jaw was tight but his eyes were steady on me.
Rourke lied to you I said. He told you I was a threat. He told you I would break the pack.
That wa
