CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONE – EARNING HER KEEP

As the day drew to a close, Maxwell regarded her with an expression that might have been pride. "You've done well, girl," he said gruffly. "You're not a werewolf, and you never will be. But you've earned your place here." Cassie felt a warmth bloom in her chest at his words. Coming from Maxwell, this was high praise indeed. As she made her way back to the main house, tired but satisfied, Cassie realized how far she had come. From a waitress in Chicago to a trusted member of a werewolf pack in Romania – it was a journey she never could have imagined. The peaceful rhythm that Cassie had found in her new life was shattered one crisp autumn morning. She was in the middle of her daily training session with Maxwell when Florian burst into the clearing, his face etched with worry. "Cassie, Maxwell," he panted, "we have a problem. Karl's men are here." Maxwell's eyes narrowed. "Where?" "In the village," Florian replied. "They're asking questions... about Elena." Cassie felt her heart dr