_Leah's POV_

After breakfast, Tariq stood and stretched, his eyes softening as he gazed at me. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I have to attend a meeting,” he said. “There are new rules I need to set for the pack now that I am officially their leader.”

I met his gaze, trying to smile but feeling the familiar weight of uncertainty in my chest. “It must be a big responsibility,” I said softly.

Tariq’s expression softened even more, his thumb tracing light circles over the back of my hand. “It is, but I’ll do everything in my power to lead them well, for...