She moved fast—efficiently and without hesitation—pulling together what looked like camping supplies and stuffing them into a weathered backpack. A sleeping bag. A change of clothes. Weapons training gear. Everything is meticulously organized, suggesting either a long habit or a lifetime of preparation.
Ash shifted back into his human form, not bothering with clothes. At this point, propriety mattered far less than communication. He took a cautious step toward her.
“Wait. Just—wait. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m Ash. This is Raven and Aaron. We’re from Shadow Claw, and—”
“And nothing.” She didn’t even look at him, just kept packing. “I heard the whole spiel. You’re my mate. I’m supposed to want to bond with you, join your pack, and probably pop out wolf babies or whatever it is you peo
