"Of course, Beta. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Meechum. Please come in."

"Thank you. Call me Randall, please. It's an honor to meet you, Erica." I followed her into the cozy cabin, and as she walked in front of me I could see the crisscross pattern of whip scars on her back and shoulders.

She must have felt me staring. "They don't bother me, Randall. I don't regret a one of them, and this Pack has accepted and protected me." She had us sit on her couch, then brought over a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses. The windows were open, letting the summer breeze through. "No air conditioning here,...