Eric followed.
Dozens of wolves stood around the perimeter.
Every single one of them lowered their heads the moment they saw him.
"They stayed all night," Claudia said softly, watching his reaction. "To prevent the elders from going against your will."
Eric took a slow step forward. Then another. Conflicting emotions crashed into him all at once. These weren't warriors. These were pups. Young. Terrifyingly brave.
John moved toward him then. He looked tired but there was a quiet satisfaction in his posture. "Good morning, Alpha," he said evenly. "I believe our work here is done."
Eric's chest felt too full. His pack had protected him instead of the other way around.
It made him feel… loved.
Terrified, too.
John, perceptive as ever, added quietly, "Maybe now you'll think twice before subjecting them to a life without an alpha. Without protection."
"They were willing to lay down their lives," John continued, "even when the real threat was you."
"Thank you, John."
