And evenings... evenings were for the pack.
Maya had never felt like she belonged anywhere the way she belonged here. Pack members greeted her warmly, included her in conversations, treated her like she'd always been one of them.
"You're fitting in well," Eve observed one night during a pack bonfire. "I'm proud of you."
"I love it here," Maya said honestly. "I know I've only been wolf for a few weeks, but I can't imagine going back. This feels right in a way nothing in my human life ever did."
"Because you were always meant for this." Eve squeezed her hand. "I'm glad you chose to stay."
Across the fire, Maya caught Kai watching her. When their eyes met, he smiled and raised his drink in a small toast.
Maya felt warmth bloom in her chest that had nothing to do with the bonfire.
***
Week fourteen brought new challenges.
