The man’s nostrils flared slightly.
Then his gaze sharpened.
In a voice meant only for her, he asked, “Which pack?”
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
The truth came out before fear could stop it. “I don’t have one.”
His eyebrows rose slowly. “A rogue? You don’t smell like one.”
“No,” she replied firmly. “A lone wolf.”
That earned her a long, incredulous look.
“At your age?” he muttered, studying her again. “That’s… unusual.”
She did not look away.
“I can work,” she said simply. “I’ll do anything.”
He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. “You have no experience.”
Her shoulders sagged despite herself. “I know.”
For a moment, she thought this would end like all the others. Another polite dismissal. Another door closing.
Then he exhaled, something like amusement flickering
