“You’re clear,” I tell her with a smile. “No trace of contamination left.”
Beside her, Kieran’s shoulders visibly relax. He reaches for Cassie’s hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Told you we were fine, Cassiopeia.”
“Better safe than sorry, Scout.” She presses a kiss to his scarred knuckles before standing. “Thank you, Lyanna.”
As they leave, Mariel and Connor enter next. Their bond has strengthened remarkably since the contamination; the connection between them now humming with vibrant health as I check them both.
“The herbs you suggested have been helping,” Mariel says softly, her auburn hair catching the morning light. “Connor’s nightmares about the contamination have almost stopped.”
Connor merely nods, his steel-gray eyes watchful but appreciative.
“Your bond is stronger for having survived it,” I tell them, sensing the resilient energy flowing between them. “Sometimes facing something together creates a deeper connection.”
After they leave, Amara and Gabriel arrive hand in hand. Gabriel’s natural empathy has accelerated their healing, and I find no trace of Faelan’s magical signature in either of them.
“Earth magic has been helping cleanse any residual effects,” Amara explains, her deep green eyes bright with renewed energy. “The forest itself seems to recognize the corruption and reject it.”
Last are Dane and Nova. As an Alpha pair, their bond was hit hardest by the contamination that targeted pack connections. I check Nova first, then Dane, sensing the powerful current between them—now completely free of Faelan’s corruption.
“All clear,” I confirm to Dawn, who’s shown an interest in healing and has been shadowing me today. “I’ve checked everyone. The pack is fully recovered.”
Between appointments, I move to the window overlooking the edge of our territory. The morning sun catches Callum’s skin as he prepares for patrol. He strips his shirt off in one fluid motion, muscles shifting beneath his scarred skin.
I hold my breath as the transformation begins. His human form shimmers, then flows into his wolf in a breathtaking cascade. The massive silver-gray wolf shakes out his fur, amber eyes scanning the territory with predatory focus.
I’m filled with his wolf’s consciousness, flooding me with sensations—the crisp mountain air in his lungs, the earth beneath his paws, the predator satisfaction of patrolling his territory. His protective instincts reach toward me across the distance, a possessive rumble vibrating through our connection.
My breath catches as I absorb his true nature—not just the man I love, but the wolf, the protector, the guardian. Through our bond, I experience both sides of him fully, belonging to each equally.
His amber gaze turns toward my window, sensing my attention. A wave of warm possession flows through our bond before he turns and disappears into the treeline, our connection humming with his contentment.
I smile to myself as the portal chimes, announcing my next patient.
Two days later, I’m restocking herbs in the clinic when Evren appears in the doorway, his lean frame silhouetted against the afternoon sun. He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, moving deeper into my workspace with unusual hesitation. His normal confident energy seems restrained, coiled tight beneath a veneer of diplomatic posture.
“The Crimson Court expects a full report on the diplomatic resolution,” he says, pacing near my workbench. “My father’s been asking when I’m returning.” He pauses, still pacing. “I keep finding reasons to delay.”
I nod, continuing to organize dried winterbloom into small bundles. “And what are those reasons?”
“The politics in dragon court are ...” he trails off, fingers tapping against his leg. “The environmental factors here on Earth are quite ... favorable for certain individuals.” He stops mid-sentence, gaze drifting toward the window where Evie walks past with an armful of books.
“How does someone join your pack?” he asks abruptly. “What does the process involve? What qualities does your Alpha value?”
I notice Callum leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, and a barely suppressed smile playing at the corners of his mouth. I feel his amusement rippling—his wolf reading Evren’s awkward circling.
“Integration depends on what the individual brings to the pack,” I explain, exchanging a knowing look with Callum. “Dane values honesty, loyalty, and direct communication.”
Evren nods too quickly. “If someone from the dragon courts expressed interest in extended observation of pack dynamics, do you think the Alpha would consider such a request?”
Callum’s amusement flows stronger through our bond as I set down my herbs.
“You want to ask Dane about staying?” I ask directly. “What does Rhonan say about this?”
Relief washes over Evren’s face as the pretense falls away, followed immediately by a rueful smile. “Rhonan’s exact words were: ‘Stop circling like a nervous hatchling and just ask already.’” He runs a hand through his hair, dragon composure completely abandoned now. “Apparently, my interest has been obvious to everyone except me. He thinks Dane will say yes—says the pack values loyalty and genuine connection over bloodline politics.”
Callum pushes off the doorframe. “Ask Dane straight—no diplomatic dancing, no ‘hypothetical scenarios.’ Tell him what you just told us.”
“And Evren?” I add gently, sensing the dragon prince’s genuine uncertainty. “Pack membership isn’t about status or power. It’s about choosing to belong and being chosen back.”
