Jackson's POV
Like the hush before a storm, the peace that descended over the group was hesitant. We had dealt with the last traces of the Raven's adherents, but I couldn't get rid of the impression that something stayed like a shadow over our oneness. Though I had assumed this was finished and that our family could at last recover, there was evidence we were not quite out of the woods.
I kept these questions to myself, not wanting to cause any pack anxiety. She always sensed it, though. Her consistent presence steadied me, and together we headed forth, resolved to run our family with fortitude and grit. But tonight that old sense of something lacking would not let go.
Together, Ava and I strolled the border; her hand slid into mine as we silently watched the land. The moonlight gave th
