Chapter 191

Ardan’s PoV 17 years later Over the years, my pack and Joachim’s have been able to coexist in the same territory but different lands. We had rebuild enough that were no longer staying in tents but high rise buildings. I sat comfortably settled behind my desk sifting through maps and reports. The years had not been completely kind to me. I stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours, seventeen years of leading a fractured pack, of raising Evelyn alone, of waiting—always waiting—for Serena to wake. My contemplations were cut short by the appearance of Alpha Joachim. Standing at the entrance, he entered through the doorway, with his face as scowled as ever. “Ardan,” Joachim greeted. “Joachim,” I confirmed, pointing to the seat near me to let him know to sit down. “What brings you here?” Joachim unrolled a parchment and laid it flat on the table. “We must talk about these unpredictable associations we’ve been hearing about. Threats that are outside of our borders are increasing. It is c