Chapter 22. Celeste Is Alive

Leon’s POV

The Crimson Howl pack was as busy as ever: some members were working on new housing, others were harvesting plants, and a few were training the cubs in combat. From time to time, I slipped away and patrolled the forest in my wolf form. My presence reassured the pack, giving them a sense of safety, and the solitary run helped clear my mind. But mostly I used these patrols to escape Lira and her persistent advances.

She’d grown bolder lately, trying constantly to get me alone so we could mate. Truth be told, her persistence—and her body—were starting to disgust me. My thoughts always drifted instead to Celeste. The memory of her desire made me spring out of bed each morning.

I hadn’t meant to wound her by speaking harshly, but I did, and because of my words she rejected the bond we shared. Because of my mistake, she nearly died, and now she’s gone. My wolf consciousness never let me forget: it was all my fault. I agreed with it. I wanted to apologi