#Chapter 173 – The Heart of the Pack

Ella It takes me a while to drag myself away from the orphans once they’re settled in the palace. I know I have about a thousand things to do, but seeing so many little ones in need of love and care is simply too much for me to resist. I stay for a few hours to help Isabel and James set up, glancing furtively in their direction every now and then to see how things are going. Isabel is as standoffish with James as she is with me, but he’s gentle and steady, not seeming to mind her cold demeanor. Every now and then I find the she-wolf returning my glances, but there’s a distinct tinge of jealousy in her observation. I can’t blame her – in her shoes I’d probably hate me for being so happy too. After a while she marches over to me, interrupting me as I make up cots for the pups. “You should let us finish this. You must have more important things to do.” I shrug. “Actually this is about the time I’d usually be taking a nap.” I share, wondering if it was a mistake to reference my preg