I smiled faintly. “You could say that. Even without this wolf, life in the pack is… complicated.”
Emily nodded, her eyes reflecting concern. “I didn’t realize it would be so intense. I mean, I knew shifters were strong, but… this is something else.”
Asher tilted his head, regarding her. “You wanted to live with us, Emily. You knew the pack comes first.”
She gave a small shrug. “Yeah… but I didn’t think it would involve things like this.”
I laughed quietly. “Welcome to the life we live. Calm moments are rare, but when they happen, we appreciate them. Tonight… we’re lucky. Could have been much worse.”
The hours passed slowly. Every shadow outside seemed to shift unnaturally, every rustle of leaves set our nerves on edge. Yet the wolf never moved from its position, resting deeply, still
