Chapter 36. Trapped

Alison’s POV

The night felt too quiet, the kind of quiet that always made my instincts hum with unease. I sat at the kitchen counter, swirling the last dregs of red wine in my glass as the faint ticking of the wall clock filled the space. The air was heavy, like something was waiting just beyond my grasp, a tension I couldn’t shake. I tried to focus on the warmth of the wine spreading through me, grounding me, reminding me that I’d earned this moment of peace.

Only a few months ago, I had felt like an intruder here, a trespasser in a life I wasn’t sure I belonged in. But things had changed. Not only have I warmed by way into the hearts of the people, Xander’s mother Katherine had extended her approval, and I couldn’t be any less happy.

Most of the pack women, who once whispered behind my back, now came bearing genuine smiles and warm embraces. Yesterday, they’d visited me, leaving me with a basket of homemade treats and heartfelt words of welcome.

For