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I should go find Arlene.

Instead, I look at Rylan.

My wolf stirs. Go.

I walk toward him.

Joshua notices me first. Rylan follows his gaze.

I stop in front of them. “Did you mean everything you said?”

Rylan’s brow lifts slightly. “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”

I nod.

For a moment, I don’t know how to explain what has been sitting in my chest since the conversation started.

“I was trained for leadership my entire life.”

Rylan says nothing.

“Pack operations. Defense. Training. Politics. Whatever my father thought an Alpha heir needed to know.” I glance toward the male wolves still leaving the gathering. “I don’t want a title.”

Joshua watches me quietly.

“But I want to help build that.”

Rylan’s expression changes slightly.

“The pack you just described. The one where my mate is safe. My pups are safe. Where Damian can grow up strong without believing strength gives him the right to hurt somebody weaker than him.” I meet Rylan’s eyes. “If you need help building it, I’m here.”

Rylan studies me.

“I know.”

My wolf goes still.

Joshua and Rylan exchange a look.

I narrow my eyes. “What?”

“Monday morning,” Rylan says. “My office. Eight.”

“For what?”

Rylan turns away.

“Monday, Darian.”

I stare after him.

My wolf settles inside me. I think we just volunteered for something.

Apparently.

23

Arlene’s POV