The car's engine died as they pulled to a stop before the pack house.
Vael's hand was already on the door handle before Finn could make a move to open it for him. He was out of the car in one fast motion. His eyes lifted immediately to the entrance of the pack house, took a few steps, and then he stopped.
His body went rigid, feet planted as if the earth itself had reached up to claim him. Something pressed against his chest, invisible and immovable, a weight that made his lungs tighten.
The entrance was right there. Just a few steps away. He had walked through those doors a hundred times, a thousand times before. But now his legs refused to carry him forward.
This was different now.
Finn appeared at his side, careful to keep his voice low. "Alpha. I'll go get the Luna."
Vael's throat worked as he swallowed. His jaw tightened once, twice. A muscle in his cheek twitched. Finally, he managed a single short nod.
Finn disappeared inside without another word.
