Page 77 of Conall


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One night,he continued, cutting off her protest.Let yourself be part of something good for once instead of always fighting alone.

The words hit deeper than they should have, touching places she’d forgotten existed.When was the last time she’d celebrated anything?

I don’t know how to do this,she admitted quietly.I don’t know how to be around people who aren’t trying to kill me or use me.

You don’t have to know.You just have to show up.

Her inner wolf paced, yearning for the pack connection she’d never allowed herself to want.The belonging that came with shared territory, shared purpose, shared celebration under the desert stars.

If I come,she said,it doesn’t mean I’m accepting the bond or staying permanently or—

I know.But something in his expression suggested he hoped otherwise.

Okay.One night,she said finally.

One night,he agreed.

Just one night, she told herself again as they walked toward the lights of the mesa together.

What harm could one night do?

The sound of laughter drifted down from Sunburst Mesa, and Nadine felt her stomach clench with familiar wariness.

Pack gatherings.

Gregory had taught her to view them with suspicion.

But as they reached the summit, and Nadine took in the scene, she had to admit that Sunburst Pack didn’t look like monsters hiding behind false smiles.They looked like people.

Families clustered around fires, conversations punctuated by children’s laughter.Nothing like the militaristic hierarchy Gregory had described.

Nadine!Sarah’s voice carried genuine welcome.I wasn’t sure you’d come.

Seemed like good intelligence gathering,Nadine replied, then winced at how clinical that sounded.

Sarah’s laugh was understanding.I prefer to think of it as getting to know your neighbors.

Sarah’s son, Javier, barreled toward them, launching himself at Nadine’s legs with three-year-old enthusiasm.

Hey there,she said, crouching to his level.What’s got you so excited?

Mama said you fight like the wolves in stories.Will you show me?

Fighting isn’t a game, Javi,Sarah said.

Your mama’s right,Nadine said.It’s something we only do when we have to protect people we care about.

Like Mama and Daddy?

Like your mama and daddy,she confirmed, surprised by how easily the words came.

Javier beamed and scampered away again, leaving Nadine facing the assembled pack.Instead of hostility, she saw curiosity.Interest.

Good answer,Malcolm’s deep voice rumbled behind her.Children see truth more clearly than adults sometimes.Javier’s already decided you belong here.

Nadine smiled nervously, uncertain what to say.

Malcolm’s voice dropped lower.I guess the question is whether you’ve decided the same thing.