Lucas should have felt relief when the pack house came into view.
Instead, his chest tightened.
The familiar shape of it rose in front, feeling more like a prison than it ever had before. Too many things had happened here. Too many nights spent hiding from his father’s wrath. Too many days learning rules meant to teach him his place. Those terrifying moments in the dungeon where he was sure he was going to watch his mate die.
Still, it was safer than anywhere else.
Two New Dawn warriors stood at the bottom of the front steps, their eyes sweeping around. Landon was here. Aurelia too. If someone came for Celia, they would have to be either very brave or very stupid.
Lucas parked and killed the engine. For a moment, neither of them moved.
“You okay?” Celia asked softly.
He nodded, eve
