Ridge

Turning away to give Trystan and Sable a moment to themselves, I offer Archer my hand. “Need anything before we go?”

He shakes his head, but I can tell he’s afraid. I can also tell he’s ashamed of himself for being afraid—I can smell his shame, see it in the slump of his shoulders.

“Hey,” I say gruffly. “Fear isn’t the weakness here. Even alphas feel fear. The weakness is hiding, running, not doing your part. And you, of all people, aren’t capable of those things. Courage is action in the face of your fear.”

Archer squares his shoulders and nods. “You’re right. Thanks.”

I release his hand to...