**ASHER’S POV**
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, but I barely noticed. My focus was on Trinity. She slept curled against me, warm and steady under arm; I forgot the storm beyond these walls. I couldn’t. Reality was starting to claw its way in. Her parents had gone to the werewolf council and pressed charges after the horrors her brother inflicted. They claim she should answer for his death. The thought made my blood boil. I wanted to tear someone apart and drag him before the council. But I couldn’t—not yet. Not while Trinity wasn’t safe and pack unprepared. Controlling the damage was the tricky part.
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. My father had called me at sunrise. The conversation had been terse, strained, full of clipped words and careful tones.
“Asher.” He ha
