Swiftcurrent Creek whats comes next,

She chose to stay—he did not delve into the feeling of disappointment that nudged in him for it held no place in this moment. His shoulder tended, her ministrations as gentle as any, he found his eyes tracing the distance now—thoughts lingering back to the the missing pup among them. Was he alone? Scared?

… Worse, did he feel nothing, any longer?

A tick in his jaw, her words drew his gaze once more, pale champagne meeting frosted ice. The plea that rose from her—he expelled a long breath, his own determination to ensure the valley remained a haven heavily at the forefront of this all.

“And if I need to meet violence to spare us from further violence?”

Battle—war. Death was not a stranger to him—and he had learned it was not for the star-kissed woman before him, either.

But to what lengths did they go to ensure this?

“There will always be violence. War. I had every intention of keeping Rising Sun Valley as a safe haven for others. Children—families. It feels like for each step we take, we are still three steps behind.”