The tour around Bloodmoon ended much sooner than Julia had expected. The peaceful walk through the territory had left her pleasantly exhausted. Her body was still recovering, and although she hated admitting it, every step reminded her that she was not yet fully healed.
As they walked back toward the Alpha's residence, Julia became increasingly aware of something else. Ryker's hand. It rested lightly against the small of her back, guiding her as they walked. It wasn't forceful. He wasn't pushing her. It was merely there... Warm. Protective. Every time they approached a staircase, his hand shifted slightly to steady her. Whenever another wolf passed by, his hand remained exactly where it was, as though shielding her without making it obvious.
No one questioned it. No one even looked surpr
