ack into the clearing bes

Wolves turned-some subtly, others openly-as they noticed the Alpha

dn't to

n't ne

tinctively, heads lowering, bodies angling away in respect-or caution. Lyra felt i

is

scorted anyon

can'

ollowed her l

ss prickled across her skin. She resisted the urge to

not

match hers-steady, unhurried, giving her somethi

said quietly, "because

t?" she asked u

lk beside people

d. "That doesn'

ied calmly. "No one here w

"You make it sound l

aid. "But attenti

tled her becaus

of the clearing when some

re

packs. Loud, confident, and always looking for a way to be noticed.

h a crooked smile,

sto

dn't

t raise

y looked

arby wolves fell silent, attenti

g the path," Ka

. "Just curious, Alpha. Didn't realize

e she could speak, Kade t

ggres

hreat

tro

said, "doesn't e

I meant no offense. I was

e hardened

anded like

wallowe

ish," Kade said quietl

ed aside quickly, lowering his head

ted until the space was cle

id he look

alright?"

art was still racing. "Yo

e said.

owned.

n for invitation," Kade replied. "And I d

tled. "I don't want people

think twice before approaching y

like more

ve never been take

ck deeper than

eing overlooked teaches people to stay smal

respond. Sh

Kade extended a

nsist

osses

off

" he said. "If

The bond stirred faintly, a low hum bene

dn't t

ard anyway, falling

g his hand drop back to his side as they m

e-that she didn't trust him, or that par

on around them, unch

er, something anc

e wasn't read

lready standing in