Chapter 17. Edge of Shatter

The grove was shadowed, heavy with the scent of pine and salt from the nearby sea. Mira stumbled on a root, and Kaelen caught her elbow.

“Damn,” she muttered. “Forgot my flashlight in your tent.”

He tightened his grip on her hand. “Don’t need it. I see fine in the dark. Wolf senses.” His thumb brushed hers as if to reassure. “Just hold on to me.”

She let out a slow breath. His touch was grounding, warm despite the rough calluses.

“Why are you helping me?” she asked softly.

“That’s what my pack does,” he answered without hesitation. “Rescue lost wolves. Give them a second chance.”

Mira smirked. “Sounds very noble. Too noble. No way.”

He chuckled. “Practical too. The pack grows stronger when we bring in wolves who’d otherwise be lost. They get safety. We get their strength. Everyone wins.”

She laughed, the sound light despite the night’s heaviness. “So this is all just a ploy to make me join your pack?”

He gave a careless shrug. “I