Chapter 40

Olivia Martins

The celebration hummed with life. Flames flickered in the courtyard’s fire pits, casting golden light over dancing bodies and long banquet tables piled with food. Laughter rose into the cool night air, and somewhere behind me, Ryker’s booming voice rang out as he accepted his official Beta title.

I smiled, my heart warmed by the joy around me. After everything we’d been through, it felt good to celebrate something that didn’t involve blood or survival. Just the pack, together, honoring one of our own.

I wandered toward the edge of the courtyard, needing a break from the noise. The trees stood tall and still at the perimeter, their shadows offering quiet. Just as I stepped past the last ring of torchlight, a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.

I spun, heart thudding, my body tensing to fight. But then I saw the face.

“Blake?” I blinked in disbelief.

He grinned. “Hey, sunshine.”

A laugh burst out of me as I threw my arms