When Willie finally arrived at the estate, Eric sensed immediately that something was off. The boy's shoulders were hunched, his movements hesitant, his usual careless energy dulled. Teenagers were like that: raw nerves wrapped in bravado, drowning in emotions they didn't yet have language for.
It wasn't difficult to read them. The problem was getting them to talk. To trust. To admit fear without feeling weak.
"Hey, Willie!" Eric greeted, ruffling the boy's hair. "Join me for a walk. I want to smell the flowers for a bit."
"Yes, Alpha," Willie replied promptly, slipping his hands into his jacket pockets as he fell into step beside him. His shoulders were tense, posture guarded.
"Did you hear about the Gamma recruit program?" Eric asked after a moment, keeping his tone light.
"Yes," Willie said, a spark lighting briefly in his eyes. "I'll be enrolling. I just need my dad's approval first."
"Yes. He went on a task with the Luna Mother," Eric said, nodding. "I need your help."
