Warner's POV
I gazed at the massive black wolf sprawled across the sand, her amber eyes reflecting the afternoon sun. "Niall, it's time to bring her back," I said, reaching out to scratch beneath her chin as she lifted her head toward me.
The wolf released a frustrated huff, sand spraying from her nostrils before she rose and deliberately kicked more grains at me with her powerful hind legs. The pups remained in their shifted forms as well, and many hours had passed since Arlene had eliminated the threat that endangered our family.
"We cannot leave them unattended, Vaughn," my father warned, fatigue evident in the way he rubbed his weathered face. "You understand how unpredictable she becomes in this state."
"Go rest, old man. I can handle this." I dismissed him with a wave of my hand.
My father muttered something about waking me if needed before trudging away across the beach, leaving behind words that felt hollow and meaningless to my ears.
