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I laughed and looped my arm around Tavi’s waist. “Nope! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate.”

Tavi giggled. “Right? Good food is all that matters.”

Dom released a long, belabored sigh. “The two of you are peas in a pod, huh?”

“Of course! We were destined to find each other.”

My chest warmed at Tavi’s words. The three of us continued to chat as we walked, and I was surprised at how normal and right I felt. It was so fulfilling to laugh and joke like this. If having friends was this sweet, I never wanted to be alone again.

Though I was in high spirits on the walk leading up to the mess hall, my mood changed as we stood at the entrance. The moment we arrived, Dom left us to speak to another wolf. As we stepped inside, every head turned to take in the new human. My gaze immediately dropped to the ground. I didn’t want to risk reading disgust in their eyes.

“It’s okay,” Tavi whispered. “You’re okay.”

I wanted to trust her, but I couldn’t be sure that she was right. As we walked towa