Chapter 41

Training Brinley Langdon and I sat outside on a back porch overlooking the north garden. Darcie had just efficiently dismissed us so she could speak with Coal alone. I was surprised Coal had relinquished me so easily into Langdon's care. Well in truth, he hadn't, not until Darcie convinced him. Her presence and wisdom seemed to have a calming effect on him. Still, it was surprising behavior for any alpha wolf to go against their instincts based on the word of another wolf. But Darcie wasn't just any other wolf. She was special. Coal had lost his mother even younger than me. I wondered if he too felt the same motherly connection to Darcie that I did. I stared out at the snow-covered landscape, the white powder providing a glistening shine as the bright sun reflected off of its surface. Darcie had been right. It was beautiful. Langdon was still. From my peripheral vision, I could see him studying me. After a moment of comfortable silence between us, he murmured, "Are you happy?" I