The cool evening breeze swept through the large pack garden as Alpha Derrick walked alone, his hands clasped behind his back.
It had been ages since he took such a walk, and the rare sight of their alpha strolling unaccompanied caught the guards off guard.
They bowed their heads deeply in respect as he passed, murmuring their greetings.
Derrick only nodded briefly in acknowledgment, his thoughts too heavy to engage further.
*Kimberly... She's a puzzle, a stubborn one. She's acting rigid, yes, but that's expected after everything.
How do I make her drop her guard? How do I make her trust me just enough?
I need her. Not as she is now—but for what she is capable of bringing me.* Derrick's face twisted with frustration as he pondered.
His steps, though unhurried, were purposeful, and before long, he found himself at the door of the old physician's chamber.
