Asher Talbot walked out of the Shaw pack meeting, his thoughts still tangled in the aftermath of the heated discussion about territorial boundaries. His role as the second-in-command often required him to maintain a calm, composed demeanor, but today, something felt different. His mind wasn’t on the pack’s politics or the upcoming challenges. Instead, his eyes were drawn to a figure standing near the edge of the clearing.

She was standing on the sidewalk, just outside a modest house—her house. His new neighbor.

Asher’s heart skipped a beat, and before he could even process the overwhelming pull, his foot caught on an exposed root, sending him stumbling toward a nearby tree. With an audible thud, he collided with the bark, his hand slapping the trunk for support.

He straightened up, his cheeks flushed, but his gaze never left her. She hadn't noticed his clumsy entrance, too absorbed in adjusting something in her yard. He stood there, frozen for a moment, completely taken by the way the sunlight caught her hair, the softness in her posture, the way her presence made the world feel… warmer.

Shaking himself out of his daze, Asher cleared his throat, forcing his mind to focus. He knew he couldn’t afford to let his emotions distract him, especially not now, but the connection he felt was undeniable. The moment their eyes met, his pulse quickened.

Her smile was the only thing that kept him from making a complete fool of himself.