My wolf and I share a deep bond, and we both relish the freedom of running along the vast borders of Dark Moon''s territory. After three hours of relentless pace, we''ve barely scratched the surface of the expansivend. The cool evening air brushes against my skin as we finally return, just in time for dinner, which is already bustling with activity. One tradition we''ve never been able to escape is ourmunal meal. We''ve arranged a spacious patio area,plete with several fire pits casting a warm glow, two enormous grills sizzling with food, and enough seating to amodate forty souls. Every night, without fail, the pack gathers here—even those who don''t reside within the main building. Most of us live in the apartments along the southern edge of the pack''s domain, near a ce ominously called ''No Man''s Land.'' No one has ever exined why it earned such a name or what caused thend to be barren and incapable of supporting growth. Perhaps that''s a piece of pack history we''ll uncover if we''re fortunate enough to stay and be epted as official members.
"Finn! Where have you been?" Rosie calls out as I weave through the crowd, exchanging greetings and nodding to familiar faces.
"Just patrolling the borders, Rosic. I''ll be down shortly-I need to shower first," I reply, already turning toward the stairs leading to my room.
"Don''t take too long this time. You don''t have to eatst anymore, you know," she warns, a teasing edge in her voice. "Don''t think I haven''t noticed your little habit of avoiding dinner, like you''re scared to die next to that cranky old man.” She jabs a finger at me yfully. I arch an eyebrow, attempting an innocent look.
"Don''t give me that look, young man. We need to keep you healthy too," she adds, a hint of sternness beneath her warmth.
"I''m healthy, Rosie. Really, don''t worry about me," I assure her, trying to sound confident.
"Your Nan would never have let you get away with this, and neither will I. If you don''te down here and eat with us like a normal person, I''lle up after you," she threatens, still pointing firmly.
"That sounds like an invasion of privacy. What if I''m just rxing in the shower?" I tease, stepping closer to keep her from raising her voice and drawing too much attention. "Are you just going to barge in? I think I''m a little too old for that kind of thing, don''t you?"
She straightens up to her full height, lowering her gaze until her face is level with my chest. “No, I don''t think you''re ever too old to be told off for avoiding us.” She steps closer, her voice softening as she rests a hand gently on my arm. "I know what you''re doing, and old habits die hard. But you don''t have to protect us anymore—not like before. Dark Moon is looking after us now. We''re part of this pack."
"But for how long, Rosie?" I interrupt, letting my usual confidence falter for a moment. Since Nan passed away, Rosie has stepped in as a kind of mother figure to those of us who came into the pack as kids, even though we''re all adults now. It''sforting to have someone to be vulnerable with. “None of you did anything wrong. You''re all safe here, and I want to keep it that way... just in case..." My voice trails off as I look down, unable to voice the nightmare that haunts me every night since we arrived in Dark Moon.
"You can''t seriously believe the Alpha and Luna would send you away after all this time," she says firmly. "You have to see how much she cares about you."
"That might not be enough," I admit quietly. “She was taken on my orders. Alpha Ryker might agree with it for now, but her beta, gamma, and lead warrior don''t like me. If they get a say in whether I stay, her vote might not carry the day. I have to be prepared for that.” I straighten up, trying to steady my voice. "We still have six months left, Rosie. Don''t worry about me right now. I promise, I''ll be down soon." I press a gentle kiss to her forehead before heading up the stairs, leaving her no chance to argue further.