Chapter 17: Jayleen

The meeting room was replaced by the familiarity of the town as I made my way out, the cool evening breeze cutting through the tension that the war planning had wound up in me. I found solace in the quiet streets of our territory, their peacefulness serving as a reminder of what we were fighting for.

The pack wasn't just a group of werewolves and their mates. They were a community, a family. There were kids, elders, unmated wolves and humans, all living under the protective umbrella of the Silver Pack. And it was my responsibility to keep them safe.

The first house belonged to Luke and Rosie. They had a two-year-old daughter who was just discovering her playful wolf pup side. I smiled as I remembered my own pup days. As I knocked on their door, I put on my most reassuring face. I wasn't there to instill fear; I was there to ensure preparedness.

Each conversation had a similar pattern. There was initial shock, then worry. But by the end, there was understanding and a sense of unity.