The pack house was finally quiet.⁠ No shouting, no guards running through the halls, no scent of blood. Just stillne⁠ss.

Bella sat by the open window, watching the moonlight slide across the floor. Alf⁠red came in behind her, his steps soft. He didn’t speak right awa⁠y. He didn⁠’t have to.

“You’re awake,” he said finally.

“⁠I couldn’t sleep.”

He moved closer and leaned against ...