Crescent Ridge welcomed us back like heroes. Word had spread about the Summit. About my fight with Victor Kane. About exposing Seraphina’s crimes. My wolves were proud.
“Alpha!” Young wolves ran to greet us as we pulled up to the pack house. “You’re back!”
I climbed out, accepting their enthusiasm with a smile. This felt good. Being celebrated by wolves who genuinely cared about me.
An older wolf named Sarah approached. She ran the pack house in my absence. “Everything went smoothly while you were gone. No incidents. Territory secure.”
“Thank you, Sarah. I knew I could count on you.”
That night, we held a pack dinner. Everyone gathered to hear about the Summit. I kept the stories light. Focused on the alliances we’d made. The respect Crescent Ridge had earned.
I didn’t mention Kaden.
