CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO - PUBLIC SHIFTING

Later that night, Anna recounted the interaction to Erik as they relaxed in his study. Erik frowned. "Cassius is loyal, but he can be... protective of the pack's hierarchy. Don't let him intimidate you." "I won't," Anna assured him. "But I can't help feeling like I need to prove myself to everyone." Erik took her hand. "You don't need to prove anything to anyone but yourself. Remember that." The next day, Erik introduced Anna to Lena, a petite blonde werewolf with a friendly smile. "Lena will be helping with your combat training," Erik explained. "She's one of our best fighters, despite her size." Lena grinned. "Don't let the package fool you. I pack quite a punch." Anna liked her immediately. As they began training, Lena proved to be a patient but challenging instructor. "You're thinking too much," Lena said after Anna failed to land a hit for the tenth time. "Trust your instincts. Your wolf knows what to do." Anna took a deep breath, trying to connect with her inner wolf. Th