Good.
Someone should torment him.
Preferably, Calder specifically.
Forcing them into proximity.
Bear, Silas, and I remain behind—watching the two disappear around the building corner, their voices carrying back in a familiar pattern of bickering that's become pack soundtrack.
Silas extends a hand, helping me to my feet with a gentlemanly gesture that seems slightly theatrical but appreciated nonetheless.
"Well," he observes with satisfaction, "that was an unexpected development. Aidric is initiating social engagement without extensive negotiation or emotional manipulation."
"Progress," Bear agrees, gathering kittens who've decided his boots make an excellent climbing structure. "Slow, grudging progress, but progress nonetheless."
I giggle—residual excitement making everything seem funnier, lighter, more hopeful than circumstances probably warrant.
"Line dancing," I repeat with wonder. "We're going line dancing. As a pack. In public. At a community event where the entire town will witness our dynamic."
Public declaration.
No more ambiguity about relationships.
Official pack debut at a social function.
The three of us start walking, following the path Aidric and Calder took while discussing logistics and implications of the upcoming event.
The kittens scatter in various directions—exploring grounds with fearless curiosity, climbing things they shouldn't, generally causing chaos that someone will eventually need to address.
"Should we catch them?" I gesture at dispersing felines, mild concern about their safety competing with amusement at their antics.
"Probably," Silas agrees without actual urgency. "Before they discover something dangerous or get adopted by random firefighters who don't understand the commitment."
We pick up the pace, transforming walk into playful chase as kittens lead us on an adventure around station grounds.
This is good.
This moment—chasing kittens with pack mates, laughing without restraint, anticipating a line dancing date with grumpy Alpha—this is exactly what I needed.
What I've been missing.
What makes life feel worth living rather than just enduring?
RANCH ROADS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
~WENDOLYN~
"We're going to your ranch by HORSE?!"
The squeal escapes at a volume that probably startles wildlife in a three-mile radius, pure excitement overriding any attempt at dignified composure.
Horses.
Actual horses.
Not trucks or ATVs or any modern transportation.
Horses.
