Raymond paced the foyer of the pack house, casting anxious glances toward the door. His mind raced, each step making his worry dig deeper. It had been hours since Emilia left for her parents’ home, alone. His wolf instincts screamed at him, gnawing with a need to protect her. But Emilia had been stubborn and elusive, pushing everyone away since the day she’d learned of her parents’ death.

Finally, the door creaked open, and Emilia stepped inside, her face pale, her eyes distant, as if she hadn’t truly left the shadows of her parents’ house.

“Emilia.” Raymond strode forward, the tension in his chest easing only slightly as he took...