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It’s unsettling how quickly I’ve gotten used to Gray being everywhere. His voice carries through the hallways when he’s delegating orders. His scent lingers in rooms long after he’s left. It’s not that he’s overbearing, exactly. It’s more that everything here revolves around him, like he’s the sun and the pack orbits him without even realizing it.

I’d call it arrogance if it weren’t for the fact that he doesn’t seem to notice it himself. Watching him now, striding through the packhouse with that unshakable confidence, I can’t decide if I’m impressed or irritated. Probably both. The pack looks up to him, and for good reason. He’s steady, decisive, and surprisingly patient—qualities I wouldn’t have pegged him for ten years ago.

But there’s tension beneath the surface, too. It’s in the way he’s constantly on alert, in the quick glances he shoots toward the edges of the forest every time we step outside, like he’s expecting demons to come crashing through the trees at any moment. He’s carrying the weight of everything—his pack, their safety, me—and he doesn’t even seem to realize how much it’s wearing on him.

He’s waiting for the other shoe to drop. And honestly, so am I.

From the corner of the training field, I watch him run drills with some of the younger wolves again. The wolves eat it up, hanging on his every word like he’s a living, breathing manual on how to survive. And honestly, he kind of is. He doesn’t just bark orders; he shows them, sparring when necessary, correcting stances, making jokes that set them at ease.

Gray’s a good leader. A great one, even. It’s not just the wolves on the field who respect him. Every shifter I’ve encountered in Red Arrow territory has spoken about him with admiration, even affection. That’s not a common thing for an alpha. Most packs follow out of obligation or fear, but these wolves? They’d follow Gray into hell if he asked them to. And it’s not hard to see why.

His leadership is the reason I’m here. The reason they’ve accepted me as one of their own. Well, mostly accepted me. There are still a few outliers who eye me like I might set their fur on fire if they breathe wrong, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. For the most part, the pack has been surprisingly… welcoming. And I know that’s because of Gray.

I owe him for that. And for more than that, really. He freed me. He gave me back my life. The least I can do is try to make his a little easier.

When he calls an end to the session, I slip away before he can notice me watching. I’ve already made up my mind to head into town, and the last thing I need is him asking questions. He’d probably insist on coming with me or try to convince me to stay put. And I don’t want to give him the chance to talk me out of this. Not when I’m trying to do something nice for him.

The town is quiet this late in the afternoon, with most of the shops winding down for the day. A few shifters pass me on the sidewalk, nodding in polite recognition. I keep my head down, scanning the storefronts for anything that might catch my eye. What do you get for an alpha who has everything? More importantly, what do you get for the man who broke your chains and gave you your freedom back?

A book? Too impersonal. Weapons? Too impersonal in the opposite direction. Maybe something practical, like new clothes or… no, that’s ridiculous. Why is this so hard?

I’m so caught up in my internal debate that I almost don’t see him until it’s too late.

Tim.

He steps out of a small café just ahead of me, holding a to-go cup and chatting with another wolf I don’t recognize. My stomach drops, and I freeze mid-step, debating whether I should turn around before he notices me.

Tim was one of the worst back then, the kind of bully who didn’t just throw insults but twisted the knife so deep, you’d feel it for weeks. He’d make snide comments about my magic, call me a freak loud enough for everyone to hear, and once even “accidentally” knocked over a potion I’d spent hours perfecting. He wasn’t subtle about it, either; he seemed to take genuine pleasure in watching me squirm. Since coming back, I’ve made it a point to avoid him. Pack gatherings, training sessions, even a simple walk through the halls—I’ve always managed to keep my distance. Until now.

“Jaslyn,” he drawls, dismissing his companion with a wave. “I was wondering when I’d run into you.”

I force myself to keep walking, pretending I didn’t hear him. Maybe if I ignore him, he’ll let it go.

No such luck.

“Hey, don’t be like that.” His voice follows me like a shadow, smooth and falsely friendly. “You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?”

I stop, cursing myself under my breath, and turn to face him. “I’ve been busy.”

“Busy,” he repeats, taking a slow sip from his cup as he steps closer. “Right. Too busy to say hello to an old friend.”

I bite back the urge to laugh. “Friend? Is that what we’re calling it now?”

“Come on, Jas. Don’t be like that. We’ve got history.”

“And most of it involves you making my life miserable.”

He chuckles like this is all some kind of joke. “Still holding a grudge, huh? That’s cute. I thought our luna would be above that. But you’ve got to admit, you weren’t exactly easy to get along with back then.”

My magic stirs uneasily beneath my skin, and I clench my fists to keep it in check. “What do you want, Tim?”

He shrugs, his gaze roaming over me in a way that makes me want to claw his eyes out. “Just wanted to catch up. You’ve been back for a while now, and I figured it was time we had a little chat. Clear the air.”

“There’s nothing to clear. Whatever you’re trying to do, I’m not interested.”

“Relax,” he says, holding up his hands like he’s some kind of saint. “I’m just saying it’s funny how you waltz back in here like nothing ever happened. Like you’re one of us again. You really think the pack’s just going to forget what you did?”

“I don’t need their forgiveness.”

“Maybe not, but you need their trust. And trust me, Jaslyn, that’s not something you’re going to get.” His tone loses the false friendliness, and his eyes narrow. “You don’t belong here. You never did.”

The words sting, but I refuse to let him see it. Instead, I take a deep breath and summon my magic, letting it pool in my palms. A shimmering barrier of energy forms between us, crackling faintly as it holds him at bay.

“You’re not going to intimidate me, Tim. Not anymore.”

For a moment, he just stares at the barrier. His lips curl into a sneer. “Cute trick. But we both know you can’t keep that up forever.”

“I don’t have to,” I reply.

His jaw tightens, and I see the moment he considers testing the barrier. But before he can make a move, a low growl cuts through the air.

“Tim,” Gray’s voice is quiet, but it carries enough authority to make Tim freeze. He steps out of the shadows, his expression calm but lethal. “Is there a problem here?”

Tim glances between me and Gray, his bravado faltering. “No problem, Alpha. Just catching up with an old friend.”

Gray’s eyes flit to me, then back to Tim. “I think you’ve done enough catching up. Leave.”

Tim’s gaze lingers on me for a fraction too long. Then he mutters something under his breath and stalks away, his shoulders stiff with barely concealed anger.

Gray waits until Tim is out of sight before turning to me. “You okay?”

I nod as I let the barrier dissolve. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine. What happened?”

“Nothing I couldn’t handle. He was just trying to get under my skin.”

“And did he?” Gray asks, his eyes searching mine.

I hesitate, then shake my head. “Not as much as he used to.”

A faint smile tugs at his lips, and he nods. “Good. Because you handled that exactly right. Don’t let him bait you into anything. He’s not worth it.”

I pinch my eyebrows together, surprised. “You’re not mad that I used my magic in town?”

“Mad?” He arches a brow. “At you? For standing up for yourself? No, Jaslyn. I’m proud of you.”

The words catch me off-guard, and I look away, unsure how to respond. Heat creeps up my neck as I grumble, “Thanks.”

“Why were you out here, anyway?”

“It’s nothing,” I say quickly, but he doesn’t let it go.

“Jaslyn.”

I sigh and brush my hair over my shoulder. “I was looking for something. For you.”

“For me?”

“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” I warn. “I just wanted to get you a thank-you gift or something. For… you know. Everything.”

Gray shakes his head, and a small smile plays on his lips. “You don’t need to do that.”

“I wanted to,” I insist. “But now it’s ruined, so forget it.”

He chuckles softly. “It’s not ruined. And since we’re here, how about I make it up to you?”

I frown, suspicious. “Make what up?”

“This,” he says, gesturing to the street. “Dealing with Tim. Let’s enjoy the night. My treat.”

I take the time to study him for a moment. He looks relaxed for the first time all day, and there’s a hint of mischief in his smile that makes me wonder what kind of treat he has in mind. God help me, I want to find out.

“All right, Alpha. Make it up to me.”

“Good,” he replies, his grin widening. “Let’s start with dinner.”

As Gray leads the way with his ever-confident swagger, I realize that maybe this night doesn’t have to be about the past, or even the pack. For once, it can just be about us.