Darius had been gone for two days now, away at Silverblade Pack for Michael and Kathy’s Alpha and Luna ceremony. To Elaine, those three days felt like weeks. The absence of his steady presence left the pack house too quiet, the nights too long. She told herself he was strong, that he had promised to behave, that he wouldn’t let anger or old wounds drag him into something reckless. She trusted him—she truly did—but her heart still couldn’t shake the unease.
She tried to distract herself. She checked the nursery again, her hand trailing over the soft blankets folded neatly in the crib, her lips curving in a small smile at the growing collection of toys.
Darius’s love was carved into every corner of the room. He wasn’t just preparing for a pup—he was preparing for their family.
Still, she
