idence. His wolf was clearly powerful, and Akira found herself wondering what his story was. Maverick seem

self-conscious. "Just wondering w

ous, and he looked away. "Just ne

story. But she didn't press the issue, instead

sight of a clearing up ahead. In the center of the clearing

d trees," he said. "The moon goddess is said to bless these trees,

un down her spine. She had heard stories about

e wash over her. She closed her eyes, taking a deep bre

their pack. His scent was different, and his e

ed to Maverick. "You're not from our pa

rded, and he hesitated before an

k a step back. "What brings you to ou

ir. "I'm just passing through," he said. "I di

k's expression. There was something he wasn't

ne in our forest?" Akir

dark, and he looked away. "

d she took a step forward.

e was from England and managed a small park there. Akira listened int

rge, rustic lodge nestled among the trees. Akira led Maveric

ng figure with a kind face. He welcomed M

g to meet with the alpha of a neighboring pack, when he caught a scent tha

ly and invited Maverick

ng atmosphere of the Ryder's home. Akira's mother, Ryder's mate, had pr

steal glances at Maverick. She was intrigued by the mys

er hand against Maverick's, sparking a jolt of electricity. Maverick

an eyebrow. She hadn't seen her sis

ce barely above a whisper. "Can I get you something, M

attention, hesitated before nodding.

As she handed it to Maverick, their fingers

olitely and took a sip of his water. He couldn't

tood up, nodding at Maverick. "Time for

and stood up. "Thank you fo

interest in him was more than just friendly. Maverick accepted gratefully and

st. There was something about him that seemed... familia

verick accepted. As they settled in for the evening, Akira found herself w

"Don't worry, Akira," he said. "Maverick is welcome

lief. She was glad that her father

er again for his hospitality. "I appreciate your kin

k. "No need to repay us, Maverick," he said.

she said goodnight, she couldn't help but feel that th

ncounter would set off a chain of e