Despite my offer to introduce Mack to Ivy, I don’t immediately do so. Mostly because the moment Ivy shifts back to human, her packmates surge toward her with wide grins spread across their faces.

So Mack and I remain sitting on the dining room floor for the time being.

Mack crouches in front of me, his fingers gentle as he examines my bruised face.

“I’m okay,” I tell him.

His eyes focus on mine. “I felt you,” he breathes. “Out there, I felt your love, and it was the most ...