Three months into our renewed relationship, I finally agreed to visit Shadowpine. Not as a servant or a rejected mate, but as a visiting Alpha. As Kaden’s equal.
The difference was striking from the moment we crossed the border. Warriors saluted me. Showed respect. No one looked through me like I was invisible.
“This feels surreal,” I told Kaden as we drove through familiar territory. “Everything looks the same but feels completely different.”
“Because you’re different. And because I’ve made it clear that disrespecting you means disrespecting me.” He glanced at me. “Are you okay? We can leave anytime if this is too much.”
“I’m okay. Nervous, but okay.”
The pack house looked exactly as I remembered. Grand. Imposing. Full of memories both sweet and painful.
Pack members gathered in the
