The fire was burning bright outside the cabin, casting golden light across the clearing as the night deepened. The scent of moon wine, marshmallows, and roasting steaks filled the crisp air. Nova, Kade, and Sienna were gathered around the fire, relaxing as best they could—though Nova still couldn’t keep her eyes from scanning the tree line every few minutes.
Then, out of the shadows, two figures emerged.
Alaric stepped into the clearing first, but it was the smaller shape beside him that stopped everyone cold.
A wolf pup—dark tan fur, shimmering blue eyes—trotted proudly at Alaric’s side.
Kade stood up so fast he nearly knocked over the grill. "Is that—IS THAT MY SON?!"
Nova gasped, heart leaping into her throat. She knew that walk. That energy. That gleam in his eyes.
"River," she w
