Omegas bring up trays laden with food, but this time, each item is carefully inspected by a warrior before we’re allowed to eat. The cautionary measures are a sharp reminder that being a warrior isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about resilience in the face of the unknown. This faceless threat, shrouded in secrecy, lingers around us like a shadow, and I realize the real challenge isn’t just the fight but the haunting quiet before it, where your mind races over every possible danger.

We’re all gathered in Luna Ava’s quarters, though no one can sit still for long. The warriors stationed around us do their best to move quietly, checking windows and doors with vigilant eyes, but their presence only magnifies the tension thrumming through me. I can’t stay still, either. Each time I find a spot, the need to be close to my friends—to feel that shared strength—pulls me toward one of them, only to be drawn to another a few minutes later.

Eventually, exhaustion overtakes me, and I nestle between Aaron and Ryan on Luna Ava’s bed. Their warmth and the steady rhythm of their breathing wrap around me like a protective shield, and for the first time since hearing Luna Ava’s story, I feel myself drifting into sleep. But eventually, the warmth becomes too much, like a heater I can’t escape, forcing me to shift out from under their weight.

I roll over to join Devin and Kylie, finding comfort between their playful banter as I drift off again, lulled by their familiar scents. When I wake, Aaron and Ethan are talking in low voices nearby, their tones serious but muffled.

“Come on, let’s get her up,” Aaron says. His words are met with a deep mumble from Ethan.

“Not happening until she’s ready,” Ethan insists, his voice firm but protective. “She needs the rest more than anyone right now.”

“You jealous she spent more time sleeping next to him than with you?” Devin teases, though it sounds like he’s ribbing Aaron more than Ethan.

A smile sneaks across my face as I listen to their debate, but I give myself away when my stomach growls loud enough to cut through their conversation. I blink up at Aaron, who’s looking down at me with a knowing grin. “See? Starving,” he says, his tone triumphant.

I stretch, the last remnants of sleep melting away. “Wait, you guys were just sitting around talking? No one bothered to get breakfast?” I yawn and try to work the pins and needles from my arm. “Is the Alpha King leaving soon?” I ask, catching sight of Andrew standing nearby, still dressed as if ready for travel.

Aaron chuckles, helping me to my feet. “Yes, he is. And the rest of us can finally head downstairs without a warrior growling at us to go back to our rooms.”

We make our way to the elevator. As we step in, they’re quick to crowd around me, a wall of height and broad shoulders boxing me in. I glance up, feeling a surge of exasperated affection as Ryan pulls me into his chest, wrapping an arm around my waist.

When we reach the first floor, a hum of voices fills the hallways. Most of the pack has been freed from lockdown, but the air still feels thick with anticipation and relief. As we head out to the garden, I veer toward a shaded spot nestled behind the hedges—a quiet little escape where I’ve read countless times.

As we settle in with our food, I can feel a little bit of the tension from the last 24 hours start to ease. The guys dig in, eating like they hadn’t seen food in days. “You guys really made it through yesterday with just ham and cheese sandwiches?” I tease.

Kylie laughs. “That, and a ton of nervous energy.” She nudges me with her elbow. “This is a beautiful spot, by the way. How long have you been hiding this little sanctuary?”

“Luna Ava set it up a while ago,” I reply. “It was my hideout when I needed some quiet time.”

Andrew finishes his meal and stands, dusting off his pants. “Selene, walk me out? Looks like our crew’s finally ready to head back.” He gives me a small smile, his eyes bright.

I nod, standing up with him, but my personal bodyguard squad is already gathering around us. They fall in step like clockwork, each positioning themselves around me without saying a word. The lighthearted goodbye I wanted to give Andrew is turning into an armed escort.

Andrew smiles, bemused by their unspoken coordination. “You know, you’re welcome to visit anytime. My mother would love to meet you, and it’d be nice to return the favor.”

I laugh, pushing past the twist of sadness at the thought of a summer without my friends. “I’d love that. It’ll be strange here with you all gone.”

As we near the driveway, a familiar voice calls out, stopping me in my tracks. “Little One, you really do have a knack for making allies and enemies alike,” Warrior Hogan’s voice booms out, his face impassive but eyes twinkling as he strides over.

“Still not sure what you mean by that, but I think it’s your turn to explain,” I say with a grin. “Also, why are you the only one I know who everyone calls by his last name?”

A snicker from Andrew catches my attention. “Wait, did you actually introduce yourself with your first name?” He looks between us, his expression incredulous.

Hogan ignores him, though the edge of a smile tugs at his lips. “Some people are simply worth the exception, Little One. And you seem to be one of them.” He crouches slightly, meeting my eyes. “Now, if you’d like to return the favor…”

I roll my eyes but hold out my hand. “Give me your phone,” I say, exasperated. He hesitates, and I raise an eyebrow. “I won’t be signing you up for any newsletters,” I tease.

He hands over his phone, and I quickly add my number to his contacts, shooting a quick message to Andrew with my info as well. His phone pings, and when he looks down to see my name pop up, a huge grin spreads across his face.

“You’re one of a kind, Selene,” Andrew says, genuine admiration in his voice.

As the Alpha King and Queen approach, I exchange goodbyes with them as well. Alpha Michael gives me a firm handshake, his eyes filled with an approving warmth. “I look forward to seeing what you achieve, Selene.”

Luna Anne pulls me into a hug. “Keep in touch, darling. You’re welcome with us anytime.”

I smile, holding onto the feeling of comfort and strength that their words bring. As they head out, my friends and I make our way back inside, but a familiar sense of unease curls in my stomach, the remnants of something unspoken.

As I walk back through the door, I can’t shake the feeling that, despite the calm now settling over the pack house, this is only the beginning.