Phoenix Maplewood You couldn't stand to be near me.

She answered his questions readily, telling him about her small pack and how she was rather new to it. Atreus momentarily forgot about his mistrust of women as he mulled over this information. Void had been a lone wolf, like Atreus (thought he) wanted to be. This was the first time Atreus had ever heard of a pack beyond the rise.

What’s it like? Your pack? he pressed.

He suddenly wondered what it would be like to go live with another pack. What if he truly turned his back on the rise and left for good? Atreus swallowed, then drew in a deep breath through his nose and exhaled through his mouth, his breath fragrant with berries.