CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The Stone pack territory unfolds before me, a tapestry of familiar sights and sounds that tug at my heartstrings. As I step across the threshold that separates the outside world from the land I call home, an effervescent buzz of excitement courses through my veins. I've been away far too long.
"Vee!" The name slips from my lips like a prayer of relief as I spot her strawberry blonde hair glinting in the sun. She's perched on the edge of our favorite meeting rock, just like old times, her legs swinging playfully.
Her head snaps up, and in an instant, recognition ignites in her eyes. "Lane!" she cries out, launching herself off the rock with a grace that belies her history of being abandoned for weakness. To me, she's always been stronger than they gave her credit for
