Emma Pov

　　Jordan and I walk to a downward slope in front of our main house. The view of the rocky area below is divine, bringing peace as I gaze at the vast, uninhabited territory.

　　"You've been an excellent Leader, Emma. After years in my former pack, the way laws are enforced, the oppression and greed of most alphas," Jordan says with a bitter tone. I lean my shoulder against his in a gesture of affection.

　　"I believe there must be many packs led by women. By the Goddess, I hope so," I comment, hopeful.

　　Jordan turns to me, and I notice his face getting more serious, his forehead slightly wrinkling under the sun now warming his dark skin. Jordan kneels in front of me, and my heart races, understanding what he's about to do. "Emma Smith, Alpha of the Stonehaven Pack, I come here to swear loyalty, honor, and my blood to be your beta. I will never allow anyone to harm you or our pack. I will protect with my life and soul all members of the Stonehaven Pack. Please accept my offer," Jordan declares decisively before bowing his head in submission.

　　I stare at Jordan, unsure of what to say. I never thought any of them would want to be my beta. After all, as Kylian said, we are only six werewolves; there are much larger packs than ours.

　　I place my hand on Jordan's shoulder. Even kneeling in front of me, Jordan's head is only a few inches below my chest line. "Jordan, I'm flattered by your offer. I believe you and your brother are part of my family now, just like Amelia, Kylian, and Faylen. And what I want most in a family is unity, talking, and knowing how everyone feels," I lift Jordan's chin so his beautiful black eyes can look at me. "I will accept your offer if everyone in the pack also agrees. That's how I, as the leader of this pack, handle important decisions... with the support of everyone."

　　A broad, warm smile spreads across Jordan's full lips. "That's why I want to do everything I can for the Stonehaven Pack. I'll wait for everyone's decision."

　　"Great! Now let's get back because I'm sure Amelia might use Kylian's blood to turn those white paints into the red she wants so much," I joke as I help Jordan get up, though my help is unnecessary.

　　"Ah, those two, I bet they'll be destined mates once they turn eighteen," Jordan laughs, and I agree with a chuckle.

　　"Emma!" Faylen's voice suddenly appears in my mind through the mindlink, her tone worried, making my heart race.

　　Jordan and Brunno went to pick her up from town after shopping for supplies we needed for the rest of the month.

　　"I'm here, what's wrong?" I ask Faylen mentally, worried about the urgency I feel through the mindlink.

　　"There's a little girl in the middle of the road. She won't let us pass unless we take her with us," Faylen explains, and I frown at the information.

　　"Little girl? What little girl? Is she hurt?" I ask, concerned.

　　It takes a few long, painful seconds for Faylen's reply to reach my mind. "Charlotte. She said her name is Charlotte."

　　My heart freezes in my chest for a few seconds upon hearing that. Charlotte is here? How is that possible?

　　I drop the brush into the paint can, making it splash on my skin, and run out of the house.

　　"Bring her, bring her!" I say urgently through the link. "Is she alone?"

　　I run towards our main road. I don't know how far the twins' pickup is from our pack, and I don't care; I need to see Charlotte.

　　"Yes, she's alone. We're bringing her," Faylen responds.

　　Five minutes and almost three kilometers later, I spot the pickup and a little girl sitting between Brunno and Faylen in the back seat. My heart races, seeing that it is indeed Charlotte. I stop running and try to steady my breathing.

　　The pickup stops beside me on the roadside, and I notice the passenger window is down. I approach to see Charlotte with a pink fairy backpack on her lap and a stuffed cat named Mr. Spell.

　　"Hi, Emma!" Charlotte waves excitedly, and I smile at her.

　　"Charlotte, what are you doing here?" I ask, filled with curiosity and concern. I'm far from the Night Howlers Pack territories.

　　"You left without saying goodbye. I thought it was better to come to see you so you could at least give me a farewell," Charlotte replies, pouting, making my heart ache. I open the passenger door and sit next to Faylen.

　　Charlotte jumps into my lap as soon as I settle in the passenger seat, and I wrap my arms around her, hugging her with affection and longing.

　　"Sorry, I didn't say goodbye. But I'm sure Matthew is worried about you. We should take you back," I say seriously.

　　Matthew is probably turning over every stone looking for Charlotte. I ask Jordan to turn the pickup around to head towards the Night Howlers Pack, but the engine suddenly stops working.

　　"Someone cast a spell," Brunno declares. "This is an ambush!"