I follow the trail deeper into the woods, my steps light. The jacket’s too-long sleeves flap as I walk, making me laugh. I roll them up, but they keep falling back down, and somehow that’s funny too.
Everything seems brighter and more vibrant. The greens are greener, and the sky is bluer. I tilt my face to catch glimpses of it through the canopy, feeling the dappled sunlight warm my skin.
My wolf stirs beneath my skin, stretching and purring with contentment. I can feel her soaking it all in, this freedom we’ve both been denied for so long.
“You like it here, don’t you?” I whisper to her. She responds with a warm pulse of happiness that spreads through my chest.
As I walk further, I open the jacket; the wind catches it like a sail. I close my eyes for a moment to listen and feel.
“Thank you,” I whisper. I’m not sure who I’m thanking, but at this moment, I’m grateful.
A twig snaps somewhere to my left. I freeze, scanning the trees.
A flash of white fur appears between the trunks—Hudson, keeping watch. A moment later, I catch sight of a gray blur—Axel, running parallel to the path. They’re shadowing me, making sure I’m safe.
I should feel annoyed at being babysat, but instead, a strange warmth blooms in my chest.
When was the last time anyone cared enough to protect me?
I continue walking, occasionally catching glimpses of my wolf escorts. The trail curves ahead, following a small stream that bubbles over rocks. I stop to watch the water, mesmerized by its constant, purposeful flow.
That’s what I want—to move forward like this water, carving my own path.
I continue my walk, drinking in the beauty of the forest, feeling lighter with each step. For the first time in forever, I feel like I can breathe.
Maybe this place can become home.
Whatever happens next, I’ve had this perfect morning. A taste of what life could be.
I’m humming to myself when I hear a low growl.
I freeze mid-step.
Through the trees ahead, a pair of yellow eyes watches me. Not brown like Hudson’s, not blue like Axel’s, not dark like Ethan’s. These eyes are unfamiliar.
My heart pounds as the unknown wolf steps onto the path ahead. It’s smaller than the guys but still massive compared to me.
“Nice wolfy?” I try, taking a step back.
It doesn’t move, only sniffs the air.
I remember Hudson’s words:Stay on the path.But the path is blocked.
The wolf stares for a moment longer, then retreats silently into the woods. I stay grounded to my spot, unsure if I should continue my walk or run back to the house.
Then, movement flickers at the edge of my vision, a flash of white, gray, and brown.
“There was another wolf on the trail!” I shout to the guys.
They run to me, shifting back into human form so fast I barely process it. One second, wolves, the next, three very naked males surround me.
“He’s one of our Eastern patrol guards. There’s nothing to worry about,” Hudson assures me, but the tension in his shoulders tells a different story. “Head back to the house, Luna. We’ll be there shortly.”
I nod, turning back the way I came.
Once I return to the house, I shrug off the oversized jacket. When I hear him, I’m about to hang it back carefully on its hook.
“Don’t take it off yet.”
