Ethan's POV The funeral was held under a slate-gray sky. The Thorne Ridge Pack, and Stone Haven Pack had gathered in quiet solidarity, their presence a testament to the strength of Olivia’s leadership and the love they held for her mother. Despite the crowd, the space around Olivia felt like a protective barrier. She stood at the front, her shoulders squared but trembling faintly, and I stayed close, right by her side, ready to catch her if she faltered. Her pain was palpable, I wasn’t the empath, but it radiated off her in waves that my wolf couldn’t ignore. He paced restlessly in my chest, both of us torn between the instinct to protect and the helplessness of knowing there was no fixing this for her. Olivia’s voice wavered as she spoke, a eulogy that was both heartfelt and brave. H

