Raven’s threat echoed in my head “Whatever you see in him, I’ll make sure it ends” as I stood in the Combat Yard, the morning sun harsh on my face.

Val’s silence last night, her stubborn refusal to open up, had left me restless, my wolf pacing. The bond burned, pulling me to him despite my doubts, his walls clashing with my emotional walls.

He was a lot of things but open wasn't one of them. Always on the defensive. It was really frustrating when all I want to do is help him.

It ...