Ryder’s POV

I told myself nothing had changed. Amelia was gone, but life went on. I was Alpha. I had responsibilities, duties, a pack depending on me. I told myself I could shoulder it the way I always had: silent, cold, unshaken.

But every corner of the mansion proved me a liar.

The Luna suite was the worst. I avoided it during the day, yet I always found myself pausing outside at night, hand brushing the doorframe like maybe I’d hear her voice if I listened long enough. Her scent lingered ...