Rox POV
Amy was right—I am a homebody. I like my peace and quiet, which is why I bought the most secluded house deep in the forest of Eirindral. Nature is my escape.
Sitting on my back porch with a hot cup of cocoa and a grilled cheese, listening to the rain and watching the waterfall in the distance—that's my happy place.
Small talk and constant smiling? They drain me. I'm friendly, sure, but people wear me out.
No one knows I'm a Volana wolf, and that's how it has to stay. We're hunted and bred for our power, so I've kept it hidden my whole life.
The week leading up to the Lycan King's arrival blurs together with constant planning and meetings.
I barely have time to breathe between organizing events, coordinating my team, and reviewing every detail to make sure nothing is missed.
By the time I get home each night, I crash on my couch, too tired to think.
"Maybe you feel this way because we don't have a mate," Mist, my wolf, chimes in one evening, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Where have you been?" I snap. "It's probably your fault I'm this exhausted."
"Sure, blame me. But I've got a good feeling about tomorrow," she says lightly before retreating again.
Mist is strong-willed and sharp-tongued. She doesn't back down, not even with me. Her comment lingers, though. What did she mean by that?
I've never cared much about finding a mate—maybe because I've never met mine.