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The wolf dashed straight into the house unimpeded by the half opened doors. Only a few wolves had stayed behind, some to protect the pack house in their absence, some because they were unable to, too sick in the heart, or too old to join. Some of them expressed mild surprise at the Alpha pair coming back so early, but they questioned nothing, only bowing their heads slightly as both wolf and woman dashed up the stairs to the newly decorated Alpha and Luna bedroom. Kihara’s luggage and possessions had been brought up here and arranged meticulously to suit her preference.

Asher lowered himself so that Kihara could slide down easily and land softly on the ground. Kihara stood, her muscles and tendons stiff and yet shaky with shock. She heard the sound of bones contorting as they snapped into place and knew that the wolf was shifting. Her back was to Asher when he called out to her.

“Kihara.” His voice in her ears was her only telling that if she looked back at him, he would no longer sta