CHAPTER NINETEEN

IT seemed to take forever, but eventually they left the woods. Lucia’s pack milled around, waiting for them. As they drew closer, people began clapping. Someone had built a bonfire, and the scent of roasted meat lingered in the air.

Lucia pranced in front of him, tail up and wagging, as she made a beeline straight for her father.

“Well done, Lucia. A most excellent hunt.” Alpha Salvatore bent and hugged Lucia. He straightened as Solomon approached. “I see now why you asked if my pack could be trusted with your secret. It most assuredly will be kept quiet.”

Solomon nodded, pleased. He held out his hand in a gesture of goodwill. After all, by tomorrow morning he’d be related to the Alpha.

Laughing heartily, Alpha Salvatore pushed Solomon’s hand out of the way and embraced him. Shock caught Solomon off guard. Werewolves, as a rule, didn’t touch outsiders. This more than anything told Solomon he’d been accepted into the pack.

As they hugged, Alpha Salvatore whispered, “Thank you for honor