With each day, their conversations grew more personal. The teasing took on new undertones. Glances lasted longer. Accidental touches seemed less accidental.
Laura found herself looking forward to seeing him, planning what she would say, wondering what would make him laugh.
The rest of the pack noticed too. Where once they had avoided her, now many approached with questions or invitations. A young wolf named Kai asked her to join their training sessions. An elder named Thea shared rare herbs from her garden.
"You've impressed them," Mira told her as they shared tea one afternoon. "Not just with the box, but with how you handle Zephyr."
"What do you mean?" Laura asked.
Mira's eyes twinkled. "No one challenges him like you do. It's refreshing."
Not everyone was pleased with Laura's grow
