The wind was kicking up outside, so we all headed into the villa. My birth father, Philip Aldridge, was a towering figure in Talvador Town, his pack's wealth rivaling even the Davenport estate. Unlike my mom, Anne, who wore her heart on her sleeve, Philip was more reserved. His first words to me were heavy with meaning. "Pup, you've been through hell these past years. If we'd found you sooner, maybe you wouldn't have ended up with a wolf like Brandon."
I shook my head. "Dad, it's not your fault. I was the one who couldn't tell a real wolf from a mangy dog. Getting burned like that? It hurt, but it was a wake-up call. It made me grow up, see things for what they are."
Philip's eyes softened, a proud nod following. "That's my she-wolf. You know how to pick yourself up and move on. Now that
