The emphasis on “guest” isn’t subtle, and neither is the message.
“Something on your mind?” I ask, keeping my voice level.
“Just curious about your long-term plans.” Levi moves closer, using his size to try to intimidate. “Will you be moving on soon? Or are you planning to make yourself at home indefinitely?”
Several wolves have gone quiet, sensing the tension building between us. Dane shifts position slightly, putting himself where he can intervene if necessary.
“I haven’t decided,” I say honestly.
“Ah.” Levi nods as if this confirms something he suspected. “The life of a nomad. Never staying anywhere long enough to develop real attachments.”
The jab hits closer to home than I’d like to admit. “Is there a point to this conversation?”
“Just making sure you understand the dynamics here.” Levi’s smile is all teeth and no warmth. “Shadowmist takes care of its own. We don’t abandon pack members when things get difficult.”
Unlike nomads,he doesn’t say, but the implication hangs in the air.
Before I can respond, the crowd parts to reveal Lithia approaching. She moves with her characteristic predatory grace, but there’s something different about her posture—tenser, more alert. Her silver eyes sweep the assembled wolves before settling on the standoff between Levi and me.
“Is there a problem here?” she asks, her voice carrying the authority of her Beta rank.
“No problem,” Levi says smoothly. “Just getting to know our guest better.”
Lithia’s gaze flicks between us, and I can see her reading the tension in the air. “Kier, how are you settling in?”
“Fine,” I say, though we both know it’s not entirely true.
“Good.” She turns to address the watching wolves. “Training time is over. Find something productive to do.”
The crowd disperses with the efficiency of wolves who know better than to argue with their Beta. But Levi doesn’t move, his yellow eyes still fixed on me with unmistakable hostility.
“Gamma,” Lithia says, her voice carrying a warning edge.
“Beta,” he acknowledges, but doesn’t retreat. “I was just?—”
“I know what you were doing.” Her tone cuts off whatever excuse he was preparing. “Don’t.”
For a moment, the air crackles with competing dominance—Levi’s barely contained aggression, Lithia’s cold authority, and my own wolf’s insistence that I shouldn’t need her protection. Then Levi steps back, inclining his head in a gesture that’s respectful but grudging.
“Of course, Beta. Excuse me.”
He stalks away, his two companions falling into step behind him. But I catch the look he throws back over his shoulder—a promise that this conversation isn’t finished.
“Charming fellow,” I mutter.
“He has his moments,” Lithia says dryly. She looks like she wants to say more, but Dane’s presence stops her. “Brother.”
“Sister.” Dane glances between us, then grins. “I’m gonna go.”
The impetuous pup doesn’t even bother to make up an excuse. I like him.
After he leaves, silence stretches between Lithia and me. I can feel her studying me, cataloging details the way she would assess a potential threat.
“How are you really?” she asks finally.
“Adjusting.” I retrieve my shirt from where I’d discarded it. “Your pack is intense.”
“We’re close-knit. It can be overwhelming for outsiders.”
