RILEY'S POV
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the glass windows of the black SUV as it rolled along the coastal highway.
The early breeze carried the faint scent of pine and salt from the Northern Woods.
Dad sat beside me, calm and perfect as always. But I could feel my heartbeat thudding in my chest.
"Callum isn't coming with us?" I asked quietly, breaking the silence.
"No, he left earlier," Dad replied, his gaze stayed on the road.
I nodded, forcing a small smile, though my stomach twisted in unease. I turned toward the window, catching my reflection in the glass.
My long brown hair was pulled into a neat bun. I wore a fitted cream blazer and matching trousers... simple, professional, but sharp enough to make a statement. My wolf stirred, as if sensing what today meant.
"Do you remember when I took you to your first council meeting at Highridge?" Dad suddenly chuckled, his deep voice filling the quiet car.
