Chapter 35

Paige's POV "What happened to you? Are you okay?" Steve asked, his voice thick with concern as he gently cupped my face between his palms. The warmth of his touch steadied me, and I grasped his forearm, drawing comfort from his familiar scent of storm-soaked oak and cedar resin. "I-I just visited Aunt Precy's grave," I stammered, swallowing hard as guilt washed over me for using my aunt's memory as an excuse. I'm sorry, Aunt Precy. Steve exhaled heavily, his thumb tenderly wiping away the tears tracking down my cheeks. He pulled me into his embrace, one hand stroking my chestnut hair as he whispered against my ear, "I came to surprise you, but you surprised me instead. Hush now, little wolf. Hush." Tiana whimpered inside me, seeking comfort from Steve. Unlike many wolves, Steve never made her feel threatened or dominated. I sniffed and nodded against his chest. "Sorry." Pulling away, I hastily wiped my tears and attempted to fix my hair and dress, suddenly self-conscious about how I mu