Chapter 115

Spring.

Like winter, it came gradually, melting away the frost with a slow, gentle sweep of its fingers across the land. Birds called from trees sprouting green leaves, and the air, gilded with sunshine and kissed with a breeze, tasted richer. I drew it in deep and smiled, though the corners of my mouth pinched.

I'd been waiting for this day for months, had been counting down to it while the world had repeatedly crushed me down. Yet somehow I was still upright, walking through the Crimson Forest with my chin held high, three wolf shifters at my back, and two in my arms.

The pups' gazes flittered toward the wilds skittering from tree to tree and wriggled to give chase, but they weren't going anywhere. Even Ronin, who'd gradually learned to trust me. My swollen belly rode high, and the two sisters perched atop it so I could squeeze them closer to my heart.