The training grounds felt strangely small as we gathered for the morning patrol. Mist curled lazily around the cabins, weaving through the trees like it belonged here, like it had always been part of this land. I should've been nursing my ribs still, or at least taking it easy, but as soon as Aaron mentioned the perimeter sweep at last night's pack dinner, my hand shot up before I could stop myself."I'm going," I said, forcing a casual shrug. "I want to see some of the territory and my ribs don't hurt anymore."Okay I may have lied just a little about the last part... so what? A few packmates exchanged glances, quiet smirks flickering between them. I could feel the subtle curiosity—outsider, guest, reckless boy. Aaron, of course, said nothing. Just held my gaze, those dark eyes of his like a question, like he was weighing my stubbornness against common sense. I met it evenly.Finally, he gave a slow, almost imperceptible nod. "Fine. Stay close."I barely restrained my grin.———The
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