Dahlia recognized him immediately, the man from the hospital room. Mid-forties, with cropped black hair and a stern face that softened when he smiled at her.
"Welcome to Nortstern-North Star," he said, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I'll never forget how you saved my son. I'm forever grateful."
Dahlia returned his hug. "I just followed my instincts, sir."
"Sir? Please, call me Connor."
"Dad," Lupin interrupted, "if you're done scaring her off, I'd like to spend time with her now."
"Son, she's a warrior and protector, not some delicate flower."
"Dad, please." Lupin took Dahlia's hand as the pack erupted in cheers.
Dahlia scanned the gathering. "Where are all the pups?"
Lupin tensed. "They're... grown. We don't have any right now."
"I don't understand."
"I'm the last born in thi
