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“Yeah.” He threw a rock at the road. “As you can see, I didn’t go anywhere.” He stood up, shouldering his backpack. “I’m going home. You coming?”

“In a minute,” I answered, watching him take the trail back to the village. I closed my eyes, wondering if I’d done the right thing. Keeping Caleb here benefited me since I didn’t want to be Alpha. The Elders were concerned about Caleb’s ability to lead and his judgement. Two things they should be worried about since he was a grief stricken teenager.

Jess’s happiness burst through me, chasing my dark thoughts away as I checked in with her.

“What are you smiling about?” I let the question skim over her thoughts, light as air, as I absorbed some of her joy.

“Anna,” she answered simply, “And you.” Contentment flowed through me as she added, “Home.”