The moon filtered through the glass windows of the villa as Estella stood by the edge of the bed, her arms crossed lightly around herself. The meeting with the other packs is still playing in her mind. She turned as she heard the door close behind Crassus. He approached silently, but the weight of his presence settled comfortingly around her.
"Crassus," she began softly, her voice more vulnerable than usual.
He raised a brow, curious. "Hmm?"
"I just wanted to say… thank you."
Crassus gave her a familiar look, already shaking his head, half amused, half exasperated. "Estella, how many times have I told you—"
"I know," she interrupted quickly, holding up a hand. "I know you don't want me to thank you anymore. But I just… I can't help it."
