Her smile cracked. Just a hair, but enough.
“You’re very sure of yourself for someone he threw away,” she said softly.
“I’m very sure of my boundaries,” I replied. “Which is why this conversation ends now.”
I rose and brushed nonexistent dust from my knees. “Come on, boys.”
Elijah took my left hand. Caleb took my right. Myra’s face crumpled for a breath, then settled. She looked at me as if waiting for permission to be sad.
I bent to her again. “Hey. We’re okay.”
She nodded too fast. “Okay.”
“Next time,” I reminded, tapping her nose.
“Next time,” she echoed, braver now.
Beta Rowan inclined his head silently, probably thankful he was able to keep the peace. I nodded back. He held out his hand to Myra and she took it, small fingers trust-soft in the beta’s palm.
As we turned to go,
