A soft smile touched Charlotte's lips.
"My brothers… they protect me. My pack is kind. Warm. You'd love it there"
Her words faltered.
Reality hit.
Would she ever go back?
"It sounds wonderful," Vittoria said gently, sensing the shift.
Charlotte blinked, surprised by her kindness.
"Are you… a warrior?" Charlotte asked hesitantly.
Vittoria laughed lightly. "No. My parents are the pack's doctors. And my mate is the Beta."
There was happiness in her voice.
Charlotte's eyes widened slightly.
"And… I'm Gérard's childhood friend," she added with a small grin.
That explained it.
"Oh shoot," Vittoria suddenly said, stopping mid-step. "I forgot to tell you something important."
Charlotte's brows furrowed. "What is it?"
Vittoria hesitated.
"It's… outdated, honestly. But the elders still take it very seriously."
A chill crept down Charlotte's spine.
Why did this feel wrong?
"The Luna of the pack…" Vittoria began slowly, "must be a virgin."
Charlotte's heartbeat spiked.
