As Hudson prowled closer, the low vibration of his growl was felt more than heard. He caught the tail end of Rachel’s probing question: “Only kindness?”

Hudson’s breath hitched, his golden eyes narrowing as he locked onto Avery.

Avery remained motionless, a silhouette of silver and shadow against the ancient stone of the Simpson Archive. She lifted her gaze, a weary but peaceful smile touching her lips. Her communication stone spoke for her: “Yes, Lady Rachel. Only the kindness one shows a stray pup taken in from the cold. I once mistook the heat of the pack-bond for something more… intimate. It was a foolish error of a dormant wolf....