Scarlett’s POV

The car glides through the pine-lined road like a shadow. Kieran drives in silence, one hand on the wheel, the other resting lightly over mine on my thigh. He isn’t touching me in a sexual way—he never does unless I move first—but his palm is warm, grounding, claiming.

The moment his skin touches mine, my heart steadies.

But my stomach twists.

Because I know where we’re going.

Another pack function.

Another gathering full of judging eyes, stiff smiles… and ...