ALEXIS
The vibrant green of the cedar trees in full summer bloom was like a balm to my frayed nerves. I'd been back in Cedar Creek for a few weeks, the place where the water rushed over smooth stones and whispered secrets if you listened close enough. I'd missed it—the familiarity, the sense of belonging, even if that belonging had once been tinged with pain.
These days, the town was quiet, or as quiet as it could be with rogue wolves lurking in the shadows. But with Kai healed and taking over as Alpha again, there was a collective sigh of relief that rippled through our community. Everyone else seemed to find their rhythm again, slipping back into their routines like comfortable old shoes. Everyone but me.
I had nothing to do, no urgent tasks demanding my attention. And with too much
