Page 13 of Blood, Shadow & Claw

"It is. But it's worth it—for them, for you."His admission sent warmth spiraling through me, starkly contrasting the cold loneliness that had often been my shadow.

"And speaking of the pack..."Ajax stood, extending a hand to me. "The females are back from their trip. I think it's time you met some of them, including Eva."

"Okay."I slid my hand into his, the contact igniting a spark that seemed to jump between us.

We walked together, my heart thudding in a rhythm that matched ourstepsuntil we entered a bustling common area. Several women turned to greet us, their smiles welcoming, but I could sense the subtle shifts in their stance and the cautious appraisal in their eyes. They were taking my measure, determining where I fit into their world.

Then there was Eva, her curly red hair, a fiery halo around her head, andher bright green eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that felt like a challenge and an embrace. She was pretty without all the trappings I was used to in the outside world. She also looked so warm and friendly that I couldn't help but relax.

"Hi, I'm Eva,"she said, her voice tinged with a warmth that eased some of the tightness in my chest. "Welcome to the madness."

"Thanks, I'm Mazie,"I replied, finding comfort in her simple grin.

"Let's show you around, shall we?"Eva looped her arm through mine, her touch a lifeline as I navigated these fresh waters.

"Lead the way,"I said, feeling the first tendrils of connection taking root. With each step, with each shared laugh and exchanged story, the edges of my loneliness began to fray, unraveling under the weight of newfound camaraderie.

Stepping outside with Eva, the cool mountain air wrapped around me like a whisper of welcome, or maybe that was just my hopeful heart trying to find its place in this rugged terrain. The expanse of the territory stretched before us.

"Okay, so I know you're new to all this,"Eva began, her arm still linked with mine as if she knew I needed the anchor. "But every landmark here has a story, a purpose within our pack."

I nodded, feeling like Alice after tumbling down the rabbit hole.

"Over there,"Eva pointed to a cluster of boulders at the base of a hill. That's where we gather for celebrations—full moons, victories, you name it."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself grinning despite the whirlwind of information. "And the people? Ajax mentioned unique gifts?"

"Ah, yes."Eva's eyes danced with excitement. "Like Abbey, over by the creek. She can sniff out a lie better than any polygraph."

"Really?" I asked, astonished.

"Seriously. It's uncanny,"Eva chuckled. “Then there's Devon,"she continued, her voice softening to a dreamier quality. “He's one of Ajax's betas. He dreams things that come true, glimpses of futures."

"Sounds intense,"I murmured, watching a blush creep up Eva's cheeks at the mention of him.

"Intense but amazing,"she sighed, her crush practically tangible in the air between us.

"Any other talents I should know?"I inquired, more to draw her out of her reverie than anything else.

"Plenty,"she assured me. "But you'll get to know them in time. For now, let's focus on getting you settled in."

"Settled,"I echoed, rolling the word around. What would it feellike to truly settle somewhere, to be part of something as enduring as the surrounding mountains?

Eva shared snippets of pack life as we walked, each piece a puzzle I was eager to solve. With every step, the land and its lore seeped into my bones, easing the ache of loneliness that had long been my shadow.

"Thank you, Eva,"I said, sincerity lacing my words. Thank you for showing me this, for being... well, a friend."

"Girl, that's what Pack is for,"she replied with a wink. "We're your family now."

As the forest gave way to a clearing, Eva paused, her arms sweeping grandly over a vista that seemed to hold centuries of secrets.

"Right here,"she began, her voice hushed as if the air might carry her words back in time, "this is where our ancestors first settled. They were fleeing persecution, looking for sanctuary. They found it in these woods."

I took a slow breath, letting the weight of history settle on my shoulders. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their leaves whispering tales of resilience and strength. I imagined generations of umbra’s gathering in this sacred space, sharing victories and mourning losses.

"I wonder. Did they ever feel out of place?"I asked, my words barely above a whisper.

"Always,"Eva replied with a knowing smile. "It's the burden of those who are different. But it's also our greatest gift. Our unity comes from that shared feeling of being 'other.'"

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