The fire crackled in the middle of the camp, the warm glow casting flickering shadows over the victorious warriors who sat around, drinking and laughing. They had survived another battle. They had won. And they celebrated.
Ava sat comfortably among them, her legs tucked beneath her as she listened to the men share exaggerated battle stories, each one trying to outdo the other.
She laughed, shaking her head.
The camaraderie among them was strong, and though she wasn't technically one of them, they had accepted her presence with ease. But someone was missing.
Her gaze drifted across the camp to where he sat alone, a beer bottle clutched loosely in his grip.
Ava frowned.
This was supposed to be a night of unity. A night to show appreciation, to remind the pack that their sacrifices mattered. But Lucas, in his infinite stubbornness, was sitting apart.
She sighed. Typical.
Pushing herself up, she made her way over to him.
"You should join them," she said, stopping beside him.
