Page 127 of Savage Games

"They fear you," I murmur to Wyatt, quiet enough that only he can hear.“I doubt they’ve seen a rogue before.Or a shifter of your size.”

"Good," he replies, a hint of amusement in his voice."Keeps things interesting."

I elbow him gently."Be nice."

"I'm always nice," he says, straight faced.“Except to Brad.”

Despite everything, I laugh, the sound carrying across the compound.I see a few startled looks, then tentative smiles in response.

The pack hall’s massive timber frame rises two stories high.Carved wolf heads adorn the support beams, their wooden eyes seeming to follow us as we approach.Unlike Dean's packhouse, which blended modern comfort with tradition, the Northern Ridge pack hall feels older, steeped in history that predates even Brad's leadership.

"This building has stood for over two hundred years," Aaron explains, noticing my gaze."It's survived three territory wars and countless winter storms.The original alpha, Nathaniel Ridge, built it himself with the first members of the pack."

The weight of that history presses down on me as we climb the wide stone steps.

Inside, it’s been transformed with strings of lights and tables laden with food.It's not extravagant, but the effort is clear.As we enter, the gathered wolves part to let us through, many bowing their heads slightly in respect.

"Usually, there would be a formal ceremony."Aaron explains."But under the circumstances..."

"This is perfect."I assure him.

The next few hours pass in a blur of introductions and conversations.

Wyatt moves through the crowd with a natural ease that surprises me, learning names, asking questions, and listening more than he speaks.The initial fear gives way to cautious respect as the pack realizes their new alpha isn't the monster of rumors.

I find myself drawn into my own conversations, reconnecting with faces I haven't seen in months.Some are genuinely pleased to see me.Others are merely polite.However, all are curious about what will happen next.

"Will you be staying?"Sarah asks as she refills my drink."For good, I mean?"

I glance across the room to where Wyatt is deep in conversation with several of the pack's hunters."I think so.”

She nods."It won't be easy.Changing things."

"Nothing worth doing ever is," I reply.

As the evening wears on, I feel some knots in my chest loosen.This place isn't just defined by Rowan and Brad.There are good people here, people who deserve better than what they had.

Maybe we could give them that.

I watch from across the room as Wyatt crouches down to speak with an elderly pack member, making himself smaller and more approachable.No posturing, no demanding respect, just genuine interest and care.A wolf his size could intimidate without effort, but he chooses connection instead.It's these small moments that show just how different his leadership will be from what they've known.

I gravitate toward the tall windows that look out over the territory.The last light of day casts long shadows across the compound, turning the forest beyond into a sea of dark silhouettes.In the distance, mountains rise against the twilight sky, their peaks still catching the sun's last rays.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"a voice says beside me.I turn to find a young woman, maybe twenty, with intelligent eyes that remind me of someone."I'm Lena," she adds."Aaron's daughter."

"The view is breathtaking," I agree."I'd forgotten."Probably because every memory is tainted by what Brad and Rowan did.

But from now on, any memories will be good ones.

When the celebration finally winds down, Aaron shows us to the alpha house, the very place I'd sworn never to enter again.It's been cleared of Brad's belongings, freshly cleaned, and is waiting for its new occupants.

"I hope it's suitable," Aaron says, hovering in the doorway."If you need anything at all..."

"We'll be fine."Wyatt assures him."Thank you for everything today."

Aaron nods and backs away, leaving us alone in our new home.

The alpha house sits apart from the others, perched on a small rise that gives it a commanding view of the entire compound.It's larger than I remembered, a sprawling log structure with a wide covered porch wrapping around three sides.Stone pillars support the heavy timber roof, and large windows punctuate the walls, allowing light to flood the interior during daylight hours.

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