The wolf’s growls still echoed faintly in my ears long after we left the clearing. The night had settled heavy and humid, the scent of pine and damp earth clinging to everything. The pen was secure, for now, but something about that creature’s eyes stayed with me. It hadn’t been wild rage. It had been awareness. Purpose.
By the time Asher and I reached our room upstairs, my body felt drained. The adrenaline was gone, leaving a tired ache in my shoulders. I kicked the door closed behind us and leaned back against it, letting out a deep breath.
Asher turned on the bathroom light, his expression serious but calm in that way he always managed, even when things were getting complicated. “You should shower first.” He said, his voice steady. “You’ve been on edge since the wolf started testing t
