Ashley's POV
I stood beneath the dead oak tree at the edge of Blackwood Pack's territory, clutching my wool shawl tightly around me.
"Ashley!" Vicki's voice echoed in the wind.
Her eyes were red and puffy as she threw herself into my arms, her grip on my neck almost suffocating. I hugged her back just as hard. She was the only friend I had in Blackwood Pack.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Ashley." Vicki's voice broke as she struggled to hold back her sobs. "You won't be part of Blackwood Pack anymore, and we'll hardly get to see each other."
A wave of stinging sorrow rose in my chest, and tears streamed down my face before I could stop them. "Me too, Vicki," I said, my voice choked. "I'll miss you."
Vicki pulled back just slightly, her hands cupping my face firmly. Her
