The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the clearing as I stepped outside, my sons trailing close behind me. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the area, where a long wooden table had been set up beneath the towering trees. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chatter of pack members seemed like something I hadn't experienced in years.
At the center of the table sat Sarah and Gideon. Their daughter, Hiyasmin, perched between them, already munching on a piece of bread. Across from them, Beta Wilhelm leaned back slightly, his scarred face calmly observing everyone. Suddenly, his eyes glanced at me and my sons approaching.
I hesitated for a moment. I wasn't used to this—sitting at a table surrounded by those who didn't want to hurt me or my sons. Sarah, noticing my pause, smiled warmly and gestured toward the empty seats.
"Come," she said. "Sit with us…"
