pte

eels so fresh, like a wound that hasn't quite healed. Before I can even think of what to say, my m

nt to scream at the unfairness of it all. If my father were here, everything would be perfect. Everyone would be happy. He was the rock of our pack, th

thdrawn and consumed by grief, and I know I should be the one to help her. But right now, my focus is on my cousin. I can't stand seeing her like th

e. I need to find her and make sure she knows she's not alone. As I make my way upstairs, the tension in my chest tightens with eve

oor, and there she is-Alana, sitting on my bed, her body hunched slightly as if she's trying to shrink away from the world. Her postu

sense me standing there. There's no point in pretending she doesn't need me. I take a few steps forward and sit down be

ive in victory," I begin, my voice steady but tinged with the rawness of emotion. "When we were younger and at camp, I let my mind believe that

take her hand in mine. "You want to be surrounded by pups," I continue, the words feeling strange on my tongue. "I

me. Her tears are already gathering, and I can see the hurt in her expression. My heart aches for

be claimed by Bryce Ash," I say, the words heavy with finality. "You dese

ere right. I do want to thrive. I am hungry for power. But now..." Her voice falters, and she lets out a shaky breath. "Now I l

ined to prove herself worthy of power, is admitting that she wants something more. Th

ans stepping aside from my own ambitions. I hug her tightly, my arms wrapping around her as if I'm afraid to let go. "I was so

have escaped my cold eyes. "No more crying," she says firmly, her ton

y ears. "No more tears. Same goes for you

out of her face, the strands falling back to frame her face. "Don't you have a par

nge how quickly everything can shift. A few minutes ago, I was certain my world was falling apart, but now, with Alana by my side, it feel

ing my hand to her. "Let's go show the

ing the broken pieces of the past behind us. The future may stil