The dog rode shotgun, staring out the window like he was wildly interested in our surroundings, which made me giggle. He turned and cocked his head sideways like he didn’t understand what was funny. “It’s you.” I laughed. “Your excitement.” I began to relax and he laid a paw on my hand. “I like you too.” I could feel the stress melting away. This silly dog made me feel at ease in a way only Quinn had before.

Finally, I reached the gate to Phoenix House and punched in the code. The gate opened and I followed the driveway up to the mansion. When the dog saw the place, he made a sound that roughly translated to ‘huh?’

I nodded. “I live here for now. This is the Asheville Phoenix House. We have lots of places scattered around the mountains here. There’s a place out near Boone.” I sighed. Then I looked at the dog and frowned. “I didn’t pick up anything for you. No bowls. No food.” I rubbed his head. “Think you can survive on people food for the night?” He danced in response.

I opened the door and we exited the vehicle. As we walked into the house, the dog remained at my heels. Soon enough, the pups realized I’d returned with a pet. They fawned all over him. I laughed, but he looked highly uncomfortable. “You’re fine. I’m going to the kitchen to talk to the adults.”

Sure enough, they were all gathered around the table and sitting on stools by the island—all except for Lennie, who sat on the floor beside Tanner. Though it made my blood boil, I strode over to the fridge, pulled out a can of Coke, and popped the top. As soon as I’d had a few sips, I realized the room had grown silent. “Okay, so the architect has designed a fantastic home to replace the one we lost.” I blew out a breath. Then I heard the sound of scratching that could only come from a dog walking on tile. I smiled at him.

“What’s this?” Shelby grinned and rushed over to him. “We’ve never had a dog before.”

“We don’t have a dog now.” I shrugged. “He looked hungry and lonely, so I brought him home.”

With a hand on her hip, my sister sighed. “And that’s how it begins.” She squatted down and rubbed his head for a moment. “He’s definitely yours. Look!” Shelby gestured to the dog. “He can’t take his gorgeous blue eyes off of you!”

The rest of the pack remained silent until Dallas spoke up. “Alpha, how long will it take before we can move back home. I know the pack always stays together, but we’re driving to the homestead each morning so the kids can catch a bus. School will be out soon…” His voice trailed off. “There’s much work to be done. We need to be there, not here.”

I leaned on the counter, my hands clasped together. “I know. I’ve been thinking about this.”

“And what did you come up with?” Tanner grumbled.

Standing tall, I shared my impulsive decision. “I’m going to take father’s truck, buy an RV, one of the tow behind ones. There’s no reason for all of you to be inconvenienced because our home burned down.” I nodded at Dallas. “We’ll move back tomorrow. The three of us will live in the RV until the house is built.”

The pack looked instantly relieved. “Thank you, Alpha.” Dallas bowed slightly.

Taking another swig from the can, I finished off the Coke. “Okay, I don’t know about you, but I need to run off some tension. Feel free to join me if you’d like.”

There were murmurs amongst them and I recognized the interest. Few things made us happier than running through a forest on a clear spring night. I motioned for the dog to follow me, then I made my way to the Alpha’s bedroom on the second floor. Pushing open the double doors, I waited for him to enter before closing them behind us. Then I ran and jumped on the king-sized, four-poster bed.

“Looks like I’m buying an RV tomorrow.” I rubbed my temples. The dog crawled closer and pressed his wet nose against my cheek. “I’m going to be camping for months. You’ll be my only security.” I sat up abruptly. “You’ll stay with me, right?” I took his face in my hands. “I need you. And that’s saying something because I never need anyone. My father taught me that.” I laid my chin on his head.

Finally, feeling calmer, I slid off the bed. “I have a surprise for you. Don’t freak out, okay?” I lazily undressed, folded each item, and placed them on the bed for when I returned. I loathed shifting on the fly and having to gather up a pile of clothes.

The dog had been staring at me until I began undressing, and then he averted his head, growing suddenly interested in the French doors leading out to the deck. He pawed at the door. Maybe he had to pee.

“Gimme a second. Almost done.” I tucked my panties under my shorts. “Remember, you’re not going to lose your shit. It’s still me, only better.”

Peeking over at me, the dog panted while glancing at me and then the door. I strode past him to open the doors. There would be no opening them in wolf form. Then I laughed at his impatience and shifted. To my surprise, he was bigger than me when I was in wolf form. Ever so cautiously, I moved toward him, waiting to see if he’d bare his teeth, growl, or snarl. He did none of those things. Together, we made our way down the stairs to the backyard.

At the bottom, I recognized several members of our pack who had shifted to join us. They bowed as I finished descending the stairs. The dog looked at me, the confusion or maybe even wonder, obvious. Shelby came and stood beside me for a moment.

Can we talk before bed tonight? There was a playful look in her eyes.

About what? When she didn’t answer immediately, I questioned further. Is this sister talk or pack talk?

Her head tilted. Both. Then she trotted off toward the woods. Bet you can’t catch me, she teased.

I launched off my back legs. Bet I can.

Soon the rest of the pack had followed and our romp through the woods had begun. I wish you could hear me. I glanced over at the dog keeping pace with me, his tongue hanging out of his mouth, exuding pure joy. I wish I was as free as you, but father chose me, groomed me until I went off to college, and left me responsible. I had to become the Alpha. I paused. We were on the edge of the mountain. From there, we could see for miles during the day. At night, the sky opened up, speckled with countless stars.

The dog sat so close, I could feel his heat, his reassuring presence. While he leaned into me, he seemed to look around, constantly on the alert, wary of every sound. For someone who suddenly had to watch out for everyone else, it felt nice to have someone watching over me, even if it was a canine.

Though I’d expected the run would soothe my restless wolf, it didn’t seem to be working. Still, she howled for her mate. Opening my mouth, I indulged her, allowing this baleful sound to escape me. The dog’s head dropped. Then he pointed his nose at the sky and joined my song. His sounded different. His was more of a yip yip howl. I liked it. Finally, my wolf seemed content. I lay on the ground and the dog did the same, wrapping himself around me, laying his head on my back. I could’ve slept like that, only I was needed elsewhere.

We should go back. I stood, hoping he’d get the hint. I turned toward the house, ready to run as fast as my four legs would carry me. My wolf loved her freedom. The dog nuzzled me and licked at my face. Oh, boy. Come on. I’m already involved in one hopeless relationship with Quinn. Not you too. So, I jetted away and raced back to the mansion.

As we neared, I slowed my pace, first to a jog, then to a walk. At the edge of the woods, I halted completely, taking time to sniff the air. While once I was carefree, I was quickly becoming careworn. I didn’t smell anything out of the ordinary, so I stepped out of the forest, ready to mount the steps to the Alpha suite. I hadn’t made it more than two feet when I was tackled from behind. In an instant, I had rolled and found my feet. My head was down, lip curled to reveal my fangs, and a growl resonating in my throat. Then I heard the giggle before I had a chance to recognize her.

Thought you were going to get me. Shelby was in a mood to play.

Before I could respond, the dog had tackled her. He stood over her, glaring down, snarling and snapping his jaws like before.

Wanna call off your hound? Shelby rolled her eyes.

Before I even thought about others being around, I shifted so I could communicate with the angry husky mix. “Hey, dog. It’s okay. It’s my rotten little sister.” I walked over, crouched beside them, and pet Shelby. The dog stepped away, his head down. Then his ears perked up and I realized the rest of the pack had returned. He whipped around and looked at me, standing there naked.

“Up we go!” I laughed. “Shelby, if you want to talk, come knock after you dress.” I started up the stairs with the dog behind me, pushing me the whole way. “They’re safe too. Just part of the pack.” I grinned as I retrieved my clothes from the bed and began dressing.

Once completely clothed, I shut the French doors. “Let’s snuggle.” I jerked my thumb at the bed. Immediately, he hopped on the bed and danced around while he waited for me. I had barely flopped onto the mattress when I heard the light rapping on my door. “Come in,” I called.

Shelby peeked her head in. “Is it safe? Do I risk being attacked again?” Her brows arched.

I laughed. “Not if you behave. Otherwise my fierce protector will eat your face.” Then I shrugged like it was no big deal.

“Not my face! It’s my only true asset.” Shelby batted her lashes at me. “How will you get me mated and out of the house if I’m horribly disfigured?”

My lips twitched as I tried to hide my smile. “Dowry.”

She grabbed a pillow from the chair by the door, hopped on the bed, and began to pummel me with it. With a giggle, I grabbed one from the bed to defend myself. “Hey! I thought you wanted to talk.”

Immediately, she stopped. “I did.”

“So, what is both sister and pack business?” I gave her the side-eye.

“Tell me about the architect.” Shelby wiggled her brows at me.

“Oh, that’s nobody’s business.” I looked away, reluctant to share.

“Come on. There’s something going on. I can feel it. Spill.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

With a sigh, I leaned back on the pillows while Shelby climbed around the dog to join me at the head of the bed. When she finally settled in, I rolled my eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Geez, I just wanted to be comfortable. Sue me.” She glared. “Architect.”

“Nothing to tell.” I played with the hem of the pillow. “This needs to be repaired,” I noted absently.

“Is he cute?” Her brows popped up.

The dog lay on my legs and stared up at me. “You too?” I shook my head. “Yes, I find him very attractive.”

“Do you think he likes you?” Shelby was practically bouncing.

“He told me he did.” I smiled shyly.

She slapped her thigh. “Hallelujah! We’ve found your mate.”

I shook my head. “Nope. Not a shifter.”

With a frown, she tapped her lip. “Are you sure? Father recently told me to be careful because he’d just found out there were at least three other packs in the area. He always worried one of them might snatch me up and run off with me.”

“Not everyone is a shifter!” I grew agitated.

Shelby leaned in. “How can you be sure?”

“He doesn’t smell like one. There. You satisfied?” I laid my hand on the dog and rubbed his ears.

“You’re disappointed.” She sighed. “Me too.” She curled up and wrapped her arms around her knees.

“Why are you disappointed?” I rolled to face her, and the dog crawled up the bed and nuzzled in my neck.

“Because I think I found my mate.” She squeed. “Sorry. I really like him. The attraction was undeniable.”

My brows rose. “Oh really. And where did you find this magical male?”

She leaned in. “The fireman. Before you ask…I’m pretty sure he likes me too.”

I rubbed my face. “So Lenoir is busy chasing Tanner and you’ve got the hots for a fireman.”

“You’ve got the architect,” Shelby reminded me. “Besides, it doesn’t matter. You know I’ll never leave you until I know you’re happy.” She slid off the bed and wandered over to my side. “But I’d like to reiterate how much I like this guy, so hurry up and get happy.” She giggled and then ran out the door before I could swat her.

I groaned. “Like it’s that easy.” I shook my head. “Finding a mate is a big deal. And let’s face it, I’m no easy conquest.” The dog groaned. “Oh, you’ve noticed?” I chuckled. “Plus, I’d have to find a shifter who was okay with his wife as the Alpha. I don’t know a single man who would ever fall in line like that.” I rolled toward the dog. “Good thing I still have you.” I frowned. “But you could use a name. What shall I call you? Quinn is too obvious. Maybe you need a dog name and not a people name. Like…wolf?” He whined. “Or husky.” He stared at me blankly. “Okay. So, I suck at naming.” Inside, my wolf paced. “Let’s call you…Howl.”

The dog was still for a moment and then he licked my face.

“Ew, stop! You lick your butt with that tongue. Gross.” I pushed him away from my face. “I’m exhausted. Wanna go to bed?” I hopped out of bed to turn out the lights, and then I pulled back the covers, ripped off everything but my panties, and climbed back onto the mattress. “We’ll talk more in the morning, Howl.”