Nathan's POV
The first thing I noticed when I stepped into the packhouse was the silence.
A mourning silence.
The guards at the gate bowed their heads in respect. The air was thick with the heavy scent of grief, candles, and unfamiliar wolves who came to offer condolences.
Her father was gone.
I knew that already. She had called earlier. And even though I wanted to come the moment I heard it, things at my own pack had exploded—rogues near the border, council pressure, warriors to organize. I had to put out fires before I could leave.
But now I was here.
Finally.
I walked past the main house and stopped a few steps away, pulling my phone from my pocket. I didn't want to just walk in. I wanted to hear her voice first and then prank her.
I dialed her number.
It rang once.
Twice.
Then her soft voice came through. "Hi…"
My chest loosened just from that single word.
"Hailee…" I breathed, my voice low. "How are you doing?"
She was quiet for a second.
