The drive back to Silverbrook territory felt like it took forever and no time at all. Dante kept the radio off, both of us lost in our own thoughts—though with our new connection, "our own" was becoming a relative term.
*Stop worrying,* his voice drifted through my mind as we turned onto the familiar forest road leading to the pack lands.
*I'm not worrying,* I lied.
*Luna, I can literally feel your anxiety. It's like sitting next to a hummingbird on espresso.*
Despite everything, I laughed. "Did you just compare me to a caffeinated bird?"
"If the metaphor fits..." He reached over and squeezed my hand. "We don't have to do this, you know. We could turn around right now and figure out another way."
"No, we couldn't." I stared out at the towering pines that lined the road. "Whatever's h
