Rick pov

“Rick, are you coming to training?”

I looked up at my mother. Ivy’s face was calm, not tense, and not commanding. It was just calm. I nodded and followed her through the forest paths where the pack trained. The air felt lighter now. There was no pressure pressing against me. No expectation that I carry everything.

The wolves noticed me, of course. That never changed. Some glanced quickly and looked away. Others slowed their movements as I passed. I didn’t mind. I had learned to ...