Hailey sat on the edge of the wooden dock behind the pack house, kicking her feet gently above the lake's surface. The late afternoon sun shimmered over the water, warm and calm—nothing like the nervous storm inside her chest.
Tonight she would shift.
Tonight she might meet her mate.
And even though her family loved her, fear still stuck to her ribs like glue.
She heard footsteps behind her, soft but familiar.
Claire.
Her sister eased down beside her without saying a word at first. She just bumped her shoulder gently into Hailey's, the way she always did when she wanted Hailey to know she wasn't alone.
"You're awfully quiet today," Claire said finally, voice warm and teasing.
Hailey huffed a small laugh. "That's funny. I thought I was talking a lot. In my head, at least."
Claire leaned her head against Hailey's. "Overthinking again?"
"Always." Hailey looked down at her hands. "I know everyone is excited… but I'm scared, Claire."
Claire didn't smile this time.
She didn't tease.
Instead, she took Hailey's hands in her own and turned fully toward her.
"Look at me."
Hailey lifted her eyes, and Claire's gaze was steady and full of so much love it stung.
"Whatever happens tonight," Claire said slowly, "I am with you. Always. You hear me? You are my little sister. You are my heart. Nothing—no mate, no moon, no fate—will ever change that."
Hailey swallowed hard, blinking back tears. Claire squeezed her hands tighter.
"And Ivan feels the same."
Hailey blinked. "Ivan? Really?"
Claire rolled her eyes fondly. "Hailey, my mate sees you as his sister. He worries about you almost as much as I do. Sometimes more, if I'm being honest."
Hailey raised her brows. "Ivan worries? Because of me?"
"Oh, absolutely." Claire laughed, then lowered her voice, imitating her mate's deep tone.
"'Claire, does Hailey look tired? Claire, is she eating enough? Claire, is she anxious about her shift? Claire, do I need to track down whoever's stressing her?'"
Hailey burst out laughing. "He does not!"
Claire gave her a look.
"He does. Literally every day."
Warmth filled Hailey's chest, spreading slowly like sunlight.
Claire wasn't done.
"And get this—" she continued, smirking. "He's been in the training grounds for the last week, making weapons."
Hailey's eyes widened. "Weapons? Why?"
Claire's expression turned fierce, protective, proud.
"Because in his exact words: 'If anyone even thinks about hurting Hailey, I swear I'll break their damn neck.'"
Hailey's jaw dropped. "He said that?"
Claire wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "Yep. My mate takes family seriously. And Hailey… you are his family."
Hailey felt her throat tighten again, but this time with something warm—something steady.
"Claire…" Her voice cracked. "I don't deserve all of this."
Claire grabbed her chin, forced her to meet her gaze.
"You deserve all of it. And more."
Hailey didn't know when she started crying, but Claire was already wiping her cheeks with gentle thumbs.
"You are loved, Hails. Not because of your wolf. Not because of fate. Not because of what you can or can't do." Claire kissed her forehead. "You're loved because you're you."
Hailey leaned into her sister, letting the comfort wash over her.
For the first time all day, her breathing steadied.
Her heart calmed.
She wasn't alone.
Not now.
Not tonight.
Not ever.
Claire squeezed her once more. "And if your mate gives you even one look you don't like…" She grinned wickedly. "Ivan and I will handle it."
Hailey laughed through her tears.
Maybe tonight wouldn't be so terrifying after all.