_Leah's POV_

After breakfast, Tariq stood and stretched, his eyes softening as he gazed at me. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I have to attend a meeting,” he said. “There are new rules I need to set for the pack now that I am officially their leader.”

I met his gaze, trying to smile but feeling the familiar weight of uncertainty in my chest. “It must be a big responsibility,” I said softly.

Tariq’s expression softened even more, his thumb ...