“Let’s not suffocate her,” Brent interjected, sensing Avery’s walls closing in as the pack members swarmed.

He chuckled, the sound deep and easy. “Avery and I have a history that predates most of your lineages. If you want her ear, you’ll have to wait for the moon to cycle!”

“How selfish, Brent! To keep a Monroe of such caliber hidden from us for so long,” a high-ranking Beta teased.

“I once spent a summer studying the ancient bone-runes!” another chimed in, leaning into Avery’s space. “We surely have much to discuss regarding the Silver Ridge archives!”

When Avery had first entered the Hayes Citadel, these same wolves had looked at...