Tara’s POV

Two weeks felt like forever and nothing at the same time. Let's say time really went fast. I’d spent the days at my parents’ house, wrapped in their daily routine.

It was the perfect kind of lifestyle I’d forgotten existed. No pack politics, no Gianna’s perfume hanging in the hallways, no Asher’s eyes watching me.

But something was beginning to feel wrong.

I felt it first as a low thud in my chest—nothing loud, nothing I could name, just a steady tug that grew stronger every day. Asher’s calls were still regular, still sweet, but there was an edge to his voice now. A hesitation. A pause before...