It’s no wonder we’ve connected so quickly—our journeys, while different, share common threads of pain and a desire to belong.
“That’s why you’re so loyal to him,” I observe.
“To him. To the pack.” She meets my gaze directly. “And now to you.”
The simple declaration warms me. In Zella, I’ve found not just an instructor but a true friend—something I’ve never had in the Silvercrest Pack, where I was kept isolated and apart.
We finish our bath, dress in clean clothes, and part ways at the corridor junction that leads to the alpha’s chambers.
“Tomorrow,” Zella reminds me. “Don’t be late. I won’t go easy on you just because you’re sore.”
I laugh, enjoying her teasing. “I wouldn’t expect you to.”
When I reach our chambers, I find Ryker already there, studying maps spread across the table. He looks up at my entrance, his mismatched eyes taking in my damp hair and relaxed posture.
“Training went well?” he asks.
“Better than expected,” I admit, moving to examine the maps over his shoulder. “Zella’s a good teacher.”
“She’s one of our best.” His hand finds my waist, drawing me against his side. “How are you feeling after the council? Do I need to apologize in person?”
I consider his question. “Yes to apologizing. As for the rest, I’m overwhelmed. Nervous. But... ready, I think.”
“The senior wolves were impressed by your contributions. Even Lithia commented.”
“Really?” I can’t hide my surprise. Lithia’s respect feels like a significant achievement given her initial hostility.
Ryker’s thumb traces small circles at my waist, a casual intimacy that has lazy warmth spreading through me. “You’re proving yourself to them. Earning your place not just as my mate, but as a leader in your own right.”
The assessment makes me uncomfortable, though I’m not sure why. “I’m just trying to help.”
He lifts me, carrying me across to sit me on his desk before stepping between my legs. “That’s what makes you a true leader. Many in positions of power take, but true leaders serve. They don’t do this for power or influence—they accept this mantle because it’s the best way to serve our people.”
I think of the Silvercrest Pack, where Alpha Varick led through fear and dominance, taking whatever he wanted without consideration for his pack’s wellbeing. Ryker’sapproach couldn’t be more different—his power tempered by responsibility, his strength used to shield rather than subjugate.
“Tomorrow we begin strategizing,” he says, changing the subject. “Combining your visions with tactical response.”
“More work in the East Chamber?” I ask, thinking of our previous sessions.
“No. The Vision Well.”
I tense, remembering the overwhelming intensity of my last experience there. “I see.”
“If you’re uncomfortable we don’t have to do it.”
“No, I want to. It’s just… different to anything I’ve experienced before.”
His hand comes up to cup my face. “I won’t push you beyond your limits. I’ll be there with you every time. And if you say you don’t want to, then that’s fine. We’ll find another way.”
“I know.” I press a kiss to his cheek. “But promise you’ll pull me out if it becomes too much.”
“Always.”
As we share a quiet dinner in our rooms, discussing strategy and training plans, I realize how quickly I’ve adapted to this new life. Now I’m contributing to war councils, being treated as a true Alpha Female.
The woman I was in the Silvercrest Pack wouldn’t recognize the woman I’m becoming here.
The thought pleases my wolf.
