After the elder wolf submitted and I felt the pack finally understand where the lines stood, I linked my mother to return.
It didn’t take long before they all came back.
The second Thumper was near me again, her hand slid into my bruised one. She leaned closer, breathing in my scent, searching for my wolf’s presence—his protection. I welcomed it without hesitation, turning my body slightly to shield her.
I kissed the top of her head and asked softly, keeping my voice low for her alone.
“Are you feeling a bit safer?”
Her shoulders relaxed as she nodded.
“There will be no more fighting tonight,” I continued calmly. “But we do need to plan—just in case they try to send more of their men. I won’t lose you again, Bunny. Never.”
She smiled, small but real, and spoke just as quietly.
“I’m
