Eira's POV
I drew in a shaky breath, trying to steady the storm rising inside me.
"I need time," I admitted softly. "Everything is happening so fast. Things I never even imagined are suddenly becoming real. It feels like too much at once. I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it properly… and I might embarrass my parents. They are not ordinary people… and I…" My voice faltered. I did not know how to put the rest into words.
"I understand," Kael said calmly. "That is why I told him you would take your time."
I nodded faintly.
My gaze drifted to Rafe. He no longer looked bitter or mocking. His posture had relaxed, and the sharpness in his expression had faded.
For some reason, relief settled in my chest.
His opinion mattered. Whether I liked it or not, it did.
"There is something else," Kael continued. "Tomorrow is Evan's first shift. As his family now, Alpha Gerald wants us present for it. Only close family."
