After Emma left, Jake offered to continue showing me around. We walked toward the edge of pack territory, where he pointed out the border markers.
"We take security seriously here," he explained. "Alpha Ezra has patrols running twenty-four seven. No one gets in or out without being noticed."
"Because of rogue threats?" I asked.
"Partly. But also because there are packs out there who don't like how Alpha Ezra runs things. The traditional Alphas think he's too progressive, treating omegas like equals and giving pack members a voice in decisions." Jake's expression turned serious. "Some would like to see Nightshade fail to prove their way is wrong."
I thought about Alpha Thorne and Marcus, about how they'd treated me and other omegas. "Their way is wrong."
"Agreed. But changing centuries of tradition isn't easy. Alpha Ezra is fighting an uphill battle." Jake studied me curiously. "What was your old pack like?"
"Terrible," I said bluntly. "I'm glad to be away from there."
Jake nodded, not pushing for details. "Well, you're safe here. Alpha Ezra doesn't let anyone mess with pack members. He got a reputation for being fierce in defense of his wolves."
We were heading back toward the pack house when I saw Ezra emerge from the building with another man, Beta Drake, I assumed. They were deep in conversation, but Ezra's eyes found me immediately, like he sensed my presence.
That strange jolt of energy hit me again, even from a distance. I saw Ezra pause mid-sentence, his expression flickering with confusion before he mastered it.
"Alpha," Jake called out respectfully. "Just showing Nessa around the territory."
"Good," Ezra said, approaching us. His eyes remained on me, intense and searching. "Nessa, this is my Beta, Drake. He'll be overseeing your combat training starting tomorrow."
Drake was slightly shorter than Ezra but built like a tank, all muscle and controlled power. He had brown hair and assessing dark eyes that studied me like I was a puzzle to solve.
"Welcome to Nightshade," Drake said, his voice gruff. "Alpha says you want to learn to fight."
"I need to learn," I corrected. "I spent too many years being helpless."
Something in Drake's expression softened. "Fair enough. We'll see what you're capable of. Training yard, dawn tomorrow. Don't be late."
"I won't be," I promised.
"Jake, Drake, give us a moment," Ezra said. It wasn't a request.
The two men left, though Jake threw me a curious look over his shoulder. Suddenly I was alone with Ezra, very aware of how he was looking at me.
"How are you settling in?" he asked.
"Everyone's been very kind," I said. "Emma's been showing me around. It's... different from what I'm used to."
"Different good or different bad?"
"Different good," I said quietly. "I'm not used to people being nice to me without wanting something in return."
Ezra's jaw tightened. "What did they do to you at your old pack?"
I looked away. "Nothing I want to talk about right now."
"Fair enough." He was quiet for a moment. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened yesterday. When we shook hands, did you feel…"
"The energy thing?" I finished. "Yes. What was that?"
"I don't know," Ezra admitted. "I've never felt anything like it before. It's not the mate bond, I recognize that. But it's definitely some kind of connection." He ran his hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "I've sent word to some contacts who might know more about Silver Moon abilities. Maybe it's something related to your bloodline."
"Maybe," I said, though I had no idea what could cause that sensation. "Does it bother you?"
"No. It's just... unexpected." His green eyes met mine, and I felt the pull again, like an invisible thread connecting us. "We'll figure it out. In the meantime, focus on training and settling in. If you need anything, let me know."
"Thank you," I said. "For everything. For taking me in despite the risks."
"You don't need to thank me. It's the right thing to do." He started to walk away, then paused. "And Nessa? You're not helpless anymore. You never really were, you just hadn't been given the chance to be strong. Don't forget that."
His words stayed with me the rest of the day. I wasn't helpless. I had power, potential, abilities I was only beginning to understand. I just needed to learn how to use them.
That evening, I joined Emma and several other pack members for dinner in the main hall. The space was huge, with long tables where wolves sat together regardless of rank. I saw omegas sitting next to warriors, young pups playing while their parents ate, everyone mingling freely.
This was what pack was supposed to be like. Not the rigid hierarchy and cruelty of Silverwood, but actual community and connection.
Emma introduced me to a dozen pack members, all of whom welcomed me warmly. A few asked where I came from, but when I gave vague answers, they didn't push. Privacy was respected here.
The food was delicious and plentiful. I filled my plate with roasted chicken, vegetables, fresh bread, and even dessert, apple pie that made me want to cry. It was so good. Around me, conversations flowed and laughter rang out. This was what I've dreamed about during those long nights in my basement room, but never really believed existed.
After dinner, some pack members invited me to join them around a bonfire outside. I hesitated, still not used to being included, but Emma dragged me along.
We sat around the fire telling stories and jokes. Someone brought out a guitar and played songs while others sang along. I sat quietly, just absorbing the warmth and camaraderie. These wolves didn't know my history, didn't know what I was or where I came from. They were just accepting me as one of them.
"You okay?" Emma whispered, noticing my silence.
"Yeah," I said, and meant it. "Just taking it all in. This is nice."
"It is, isn't it?" She smiled. "I grew up here, so sometimes I take it for granted. But seeing it through your eyes reminds me how lucky we are to have Alpha Ezra. A lot of packs aren't like this."
I thought about Silverwood, about the fear and cruelty that had been normal there. "No, they're not."
Later that night, lying in my comfortable bed, I let myself feel hopeful for the first time in forever. Maybe I could build a life here. Maybe I could be more than just a survivor. Maybe I could actually be happy.
But as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the nagging worry in the back of my mind. Victor was still out there. He was still hunting me. And eventually, he'd figure out where I'd gone.
When that day came, would Nightshade be ready? Would I be strong enough to face him?
I'll find out soon enough.