"Kade may be able to stay mad at you, but his wolf?" She stopped and looked directly at May. "Never. Wolves don't forget their mates, May. They don't want to forget. His wolf wants you even when Kade's pride doesn't."
They continued together in silence for a few moments, the night wrapping around them. The crickets hummed, and the wind whispered through the trees.
At last, Ava gestured toward a narrowing trail veering off into the woods. "Follow this path," Ava instructed. "You'll find him on a hill. Lucas goes there too, when he wants to brood."
She stood at the mouth of the trail, her pulse drumming in her ears. Behind her was safety, ahead was danger and a wolf who had nearly claimed her only hours ago.
"Go," Ava urged softly, squeezing her shoulder. "You're the only one who can bring him back tonight."
May nodded, inhaled deeply, and stepped into the darkness. The woods swallowed her whole.
