Ava stood in the moonlit clearing, Jonas’s words echoing in her mind. Her uncle’s betrayal was a final blow, solidifying the chasm between her and the remnants of her former life. She knew what she had to do. This wasn’t just about survival; it was about redemption. If she wanted to prove her worth to Lesley’s pack, she had to face her past head-on.
As Jonas waited for her response, Ava’s jaw tightened. “We’ll handle this,” she said firmly, her voice steady. “But no one in this pack can know. Especially not Lesley.”
Jonas frowned, his broad shoulders tensing. “You don’t trust him?”
“It’s not about trust,” Ava said quickly, though the word felt bitter on her tongue. “It’s about proving that I’m more than just a burden to them. They need to see I can stand on my own.”
Jonas hesitated, bu
