Chapter 28

The journey home was a welcome reprieve from the tensions of the academy. As we pulled into the long, winding driveway of the Shadow Pack's imposing mansion, I felt some of the day's stress begin to melt away. The territorial markers of Leo's pack—subtle scent boundaries that Ava could now detect—created an invisible shield of protection around the property that made both of us feel secure. As soon as we stepped through the grand entrance, Rosa appeared in the foyer, her warm smile a balm to my frayed nerves. "Welcome home, Alpha, Luna Victoria," she greeted us, her eyes twinkling with genuine affection. "Dinner is almost ready. I've prepared something special tonight." Leo's hand rested possessively at the small of my back. "Thank you, Rosa. We'll both be down shortly. Victoria needs to freshen up after her first day of training." "Of course," Rosa nodded, giving me a sympathetic look. "The bathroom in your suite has been stocked with fresh bath salts. A hot soak might be just what yo