I knew this kind of gesture wasn't unusual. Newcomers often brought offerings to ease their way into the pack, small acts meant to soften tension and build early alliances. So when Grace told me the coffee was from Aliona, I let out a quiet "oh" and reached for the cup. I didn't hesitate, taking a sip as the warmth spread through me, even though my wolf stayed faintly alert beneath the surface.
"Anastasia, everyone is saying Miss Dora is the Alpha's relative. What do you think?" Grace leaned closer, her curiosity obvious, her voice lowered like she was sharing something important. Gossip always traveled quickly in a pack, carried from one wolf to another without effort.
I only shook my head with a small laugh, keeping my tone light. "I'm not sure about that."
Grace blinked, clearly disappointed. "You don't know either?" she murmured, as though expecting me to confirm it.
