I rolled my eyes at Cel and rounded the final corner to the training field. Wolves were already gathered in clusters, some talking, some stretching, the air buzzing with a collective energy that felt sharper than usual. With Phoenix back, the adrenaline was running high and everyone knew it.
I was nervous though, more than I wanted to admit. It had been weeks since he was last here, and the only time I had seen him since his return I had cocktails doing most of the heavy lifting for me. Now I had nothing. I was nervous about training, worried I wouldn't be up to standard, but also quietly aware that if I was too impressive it might just push him toward the rejection I had been dreading.
"Hey, Nova!" Molly called from beside the water fountain, a cap pulled low on her head while she slathered sun cream across her shoulders.
"Want some?" she asked as I reached her.
