“Emma.” Varian’s eyes tightened. It was infinitesimal, but Devan saw it. “We loved her very much, and you may find some... resistance among our wolves at first, especially from those closest to her.”
“I’m prepared for hostility.”
“Well, hopefully it won’t come to that, but I’m not an alpha who orders my pack to feel the way I want them to. If you encounter any problems, we’ll address them individually.”
“I can see why Dash likes you.”
“He taught me well.”
“He did?”
“Long story, dear friend. Perhaps when we’re not so pressed for time, I will tell it to you.”
“I’d like that.”
“I thought you might. Dash told me you’re a thinker. We could do with some of that around here.”
“Your wolves are young?”
Varian sighed. “They are, and they can be... difficult to guide without methods I choose not to employ, but they have good hearts. In times of war, that matters.”
“And in peace, I’d imagine.”
“It’s been a long time since I knew peace, brother.”
“How long have you been their alpha?”
“Some of them a few years, others a few decades. We are comprised of decimated packs and fractured families, all of us survivors of some kind.”
Devan filed the information away. Varian’s warm welcome had relaxed him somewhat, but his mind was still haphazard, as though his thoughts hadn’t quite caught up. Or maybe they had. Maybe they were miles ahead, and it was he who wasn’t up to speed.
He fought the urge to sniff the air, to seek out the addictive scent that had kept him awake every moment since he’d first caught it in Manchester. Somewhere outside, a wolf called to the night sky.
Devan’s blood rushed. His skin tingled, and he found himself drawn towards the window. He’d never heard a wolf running free before—there were no wolves in Shadow Clan, none had chosen the form.
The wolf howled again, drawn-out and plaintive. It was haunting and beautiful, and Devan wanted to hear it again and again. To commit it to memory so he’d hear it even after he left this strange place.
Varian joined him at the window. He turned his gaze to the horizon. “Zio. You’ll meet him very soon, I’d imagine. He shares your bungalow, though he doesn’t settle much.”
“Restless?”
“Always. I’m hoping we’ll tame him one day, though. He’s special to me. To all of us.”
“Was he close to Emma?”
“Extremely.”
“They were mated?”
“No, but I did wonder many times if there was a potential bond there. If it would be triggered by the dangers they both faced. It would’ve complicated pack life considerably, but I don’t doubt it could’ve been the making of Zio.”
Curiosity burnt brightly against the myriad of other emotions rampaging through Devan, but he pushed it aside. He’d meet his wild roommate soon enough. For now, all he wanted was a shower, some food, and despite what he’d told Varian, a bed to faceplant on.
Perhaps reading his mind, or perhaps not, Varian pressed the keys into Devan’s hand. “Gale is outside. He’ll take you to the bungalow, but I’d like to meet again tomorrow, if that’s okay.”
“That’s up to you, isn’t it?” Devan said absently. “I’m here with you as my alpha.”
“But you are still free. I will call on you only when necessary. Outside of those moments, your time is your own.”