Ivan was in River Ash Pack, visiting his mother and his brother.
“How are you these days, Ivan?” Calie asked her son while she stroked Jackie’s head.
“It's fine, doing fine as always,” Ivan answered, looking at the immortal dog that once housed his father’s soul.
“Always that same answer.”
Calie sighed, sipping her tea.
She and Ivan were at the Pack’s courtyard, having afternoon tea under the canopy.
“When you settle down in a place like Zander? Stay here; maybe your mate is here,” she said.
Ivan sips his tea, his eyes glazed over as he looked at the sky.
“Trust me, Mama. She’s not here,” he replied.
Calie narrowed her eyes at her son.
“What do you mean? How are you so sure?” she asked.
Ivan went quiet, just looked at the sky. Then realization hit Calie. She put her cup down and
