CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE – A NEW POSITION IN THE PACK

In the days following her successful completion of the Trial of the Lone Wolf, Cassie found herself adjusting to her new status within the pack. While the outright hostility had faded, she still felt the weight of expectation on her shoulders. She knew she had more to prove. One morning, as Cassie was taking her usual walk through the estate's gardens, she encountered Maxwell. The gruff older werewolf regarded her with a thoughtful expression. "So," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind, "you survived the trial." Cassie nodded, unsure of how to respond. Maxwell had always been something of an enigma to her. Maxwell studied her for a moment longer before speaking again. "You've got potential, girl. But potential isn't enough in this world. You need skills, knowledge." Cassie straightened her spine. "I'm willing to learn." A hint of a smile tugged at Maxwell's lips. "Good. Because I'm offering to teach you." Cassie's eyes widened in surprise. "You? But I thought..." "That I did