Something cracked within me at the genuine words he offered.

Friend.

Not as Alpha Lucien, but as Lucien my friend.

And one moment, we’re back to being college again. That’s exactly how I approached him. Now, he’s using my own techniques to win me.

I punched away that lingering thoughts and leaned forward. “Well, welcome aboard, friend!”

The flight will probably be a bit awkward but having a friend onboard was one thing I couldn’t ask for more.

***

It was midnight when we landed at the Foghounds Pack’s airport.

He fell silent until we were stepping down from the airplane. The story he told me was still echoing deep...