As the car pulled up to the pack house, the energy was alive with excitement. Streamers and balloons adorned the entrance, and members of the pack cheered their arrival. The warm scent of home filled the air, but the atmosphere felt heavier to Ryder than it should have.
The moment Kyra stepped out of the car, Allie came barreling toward her, almost knocking her off her feet in an exuberant hug. “Kyra! Oh my gosh, I missed you so much! You have to tell me everything!” Allie gushed, her eyes wide with excitement. “And guess what? I have some huge news to share with you too!”
Kyra forced a smile, her exhaustion and lingering doubts tucked away behind a facade of cheerfulness. “I missed you too, Allie,” she said, grabbing her bags and letting Allie drag her toward the pack house.
Ryder stoo
