Chloe
Ashley groaned beside me, one hand braced on her lower back.
“I just want to hold her,” she whined again, eyes glossy with exhaustion and anticipation.
I smiled softly, looping my arm through hers and slowing our pace. “It won’t be long,” I promised. “She’s stubborn—clearly takes after you—but she’ll come.”
A flicker of movement near the tree line caught my attention. My smile faded slightly as Red Willow’s SUVs rolled through the gates, dust kicking up behind them. My instincts stirred—not fear, but awareness.
“Come on,” I said gently to Ashley. “Let’s get you settled. I’ll be right back.”
As she was escorted toward her quarters, I turned and headed toward the arriving vehicles.
Alpha Marcus stepped out first, his posture rigid, eyes already scanning the grounds. Elijah and J
