While he didn't want to appear dismissive, he thought it important to reassure the girl that any demons thus far were of her own making. She was still so young, so inexperienced, and he would never forgive himself if she followed the same path of self-doubt and isolation he had as a pup.

Nonsense, he said decisively. There isn't any reason not to like you. You're Solvi's daughter, and she's one of the most popular wolves in Dawnbreak! Truly.

Bubbly, extroverted, overwhelmingly kind - of course she was. Alder, on the other hand, still remained something of an amorphous presence, no longer outcast but still difficult to categorize. He was just happy to be included - and honored to be mate and father to the precious family he'd helped create.

I'll be with you the whole time.

Offering her a lopsided smile, he lifted a paw to tousle the fur on her head. Don't be like I was. You tried playing with Nik and Hemlock? They're always up to something - and Hazel's usually trying to get out of it.