32

CASSY

After the hurricane, Teddy, Phin, and I went out to survey the damage to the omega camps. The devastation was immense, and the camps were all but gone.

This wasn't just about homes being lost, it was about lives being shattered. I glanced at Teddy, whose eyes mirrored my own sense of determination, and then at Phin, who looked more worried than ever.

"We can't let anyone return to these camps," I said firmly. "We'll create community housing up by the packhouse."

Phin frowned. "That's gonna cost a lot, Cassy."

"I don't care about the cost," I replied. I could see the conflict in his eyes. He struggled with the idea of me, a female, taking charge and making significant financial decisions... As usual.

It was emasculating for him, but there was no time for that.

This was about the pack's survival. About twenty families without a home to call their own.

If what they had in those Omega camps could have been referred to as homes.

It is more like a shelter at best.

I immediatel